Heavy Metal Love

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are cranking up the vibes with "Heavy Metal Love" by Helix from their acoustic album Smash Hits…Unplugged!. This track, originally a high-energy anthem from 1983’s No Rest for the Wicked, got a chill, unplugged makeover in 2010, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it. One juicy tidbit about the song comes from frontman Brian Vollmer, who shared in a 2020 interview with BraveWords that the music video for "Heavy Metal Love" was their first ever, shot at the Massey Ferguson plant in Toronto. They had no clue how huge TV exposure would be, but when MTV and MuchMusic picked it up, it went into heavy rotation, leading to massive crowds at shows in places like Washington, D.C. Vollmer recalled being floored by the sudden fame, saying it was like stepping into a whole new world.

Another cool story about the unplugged version of "Heavy Metal Love" comes from its production. According to a 2011 review on Metal-Rules.com, the band didn’t just slap acoustic guitars on their hits and call it a day. They brought in banjo, dobro, mandolin, and even fiddle, with help from co-producer Sean Kelly, to give the songs a fresh twist. Vollmer noted on Helix’s Facebook that recording Smash Hits…Unplugged! was a blast, especially with the diverse instruments making it stand out from typical unplugged albums. Fans on the r/hairmetal subreddit have praised the acoustic take, with some saying it highlights Vollmer’s vocals in a way the electric version never could, though many still vibe with the original’s raw power.

Helix kicked off their journey in 1974 in Kitchener, Ontario, founded by drummer Bruce Arnold and frontman Brian Vollmer, who’s been the band’s heart and soul ever since. The original lineup included guitarists Ron Watson and Rick Trembley, keyboardist Don Simmons, and bassist Keith Zurbrigg, playing hard rock with a heavy metal edge. They started as a bar band, grinding it out in local clubs, but their big break came after signing with Capitol Records in 1983, following two indie albums, Breaking Loose and White Lace & Black Leather, on their own H&S Records. Their third album, No Rest for the Wicked, featured "Heavy Metal Love" and marked their shift to a glammier, leather-clad image, which helped them stand out in the ‘80s metal scene. Despite countless lineup changes—Vollmer is the only original member left—Helix has sold over a million albums and toured with legends like KISS and Motörhead.

You can keep up with Helix on their official website, where they post tour dates, merch, and news about upcoming releases. They’re active on Facebook, sharing throwback photos, video clips, and updates about gigs. On Instagram, you’ll find behind-the-scenes shots and fan interactions, while their X account keeps the conversation going with quick updates and replies to Zoo Freaks and other fans. For fan communities, check out the Helix Fan Club on Facebook, where diehards swap stories, rare pics, and concert memories. The r/hairmetal subreddit also has a solid Helix following, with threads diving into their discography and live shows.