The Early Years by Helix

Their original name was The Helix Field Band, soon shortened to simply Helix. Trembley was gone after a few months. Soon after, Helix scored some crucial shows as Del Shannon's backing band on some Canadian dates. However, the original lineup disolved by 1976, and three new members entered the fold. Replacing Simmons, Watson and Arnold were guitarists Brent "The Doctor" Doerner and Paul Hackman (who would both remain with Helix through the 80's), and drummer Brian Doerner, Brent's twin. Brian would only last a few years, but later joined progressive rock band Saga in the 2000's. With new management under Kitchener's William Seip, Helix released two independent albums on their own H&S Records, entitled Breaking Loose and White Lace & Black Leather, in 1979 and 1981 respectively. During the sessions for Breaking Loose, Helix recorded a cover of the Del Shannon hit "Thinkin' It Over" (eventually released on the 1999 Helix CD B-Sides). Their second album, White Lace & Black Leather saw more lineup changes, with bassist Mike Uzelac replacing Keith Zurbrigg, and drummer Leo Niebudek replacing Brian Doerner. With Zurbrigg gone, Brian Vollmer was now the last remaining original member. ℗ 2016 Brian Vollmer