Heavy Metal Love

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Heavy Metal Love" by Helix, a track from their 1983 album No Rest for the Wicked, and the Zoo Freaks are surely rocking out to its raw energy. This song, a Canadian glam metal anthem, was Helix’s first music video, shot at the Massey Ferguson plant in Toronto by director Rob Quarterly with Champagne Productions. Frontman Brian Vollmer recalled the band’s naivety about the video’s impact, as it hit heavy rotation on MTV during its inaugural year and MuchMusic’s debut in Canada. This exposure led to unexpected fan turnouts, like line-ups in Washington, D.C., showcasing the song’s reach. Interestingly, "Heavy Metal Love" has enduring appeal, or “legs,” in the industry, appearing in projects like the Trailer Park Boys movie and the CBC series Trickster. A fun rumor from Reddit’s hair metal community suggests the song was inspired by Joan Jett, though this remains unconfirmed. The track’s leather-and-lace vibe, paired with its catchy guitar riffs, cemented its place as a staple of Helix’s live sets, including their 2012 Heavy Mental Christmas Tour where it shared the stage with classics like "Rock You."

Helix formed in 1974 in Kitchener, Ontario, starting as a bar band with a gritty, hard rock sound. Founded by drummer Bruce Arnold, the original lineup included lead vocalist Brian Vollmer, guitarists Ron Watson and Rick "Minstrel" Trembley, keyboardist Don Simmons, and bassist Keith "Bert" Zurbrigg. Vollmer, the only constant member through decades of lineup changes, steered the band through a shift from their early AOR roots to a glammier, leather-clad image by the early 1980s. After being rejected by Capitol Records three times, Helix finally signed with them, releasing No Rest for the Wicked in 1983, which featured "Heavy Metal Love." This album marked their major label debut and a deliberate pivot to a more image-conscious metal style, advised by manager William Seip to ditch T-shirts and jeans for leather. Their persistence paid off, as they toured with giants like Kiss and Mötley Crüe, selling millions of records, particularly with their 1984 hit "Rock You" from Walkin’ the Razor’s Edge.

Helix remains active, with Vollmer leading the charge, and fans can stay updated through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online, including the Helix Fan Club on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories, concert photos, and news about the band’s ongoing projects. Another fan hub is the r/hairmetal subreddit, where Helix’s legacy, including songs like "Heavy Metal Love," sparks lively discussions among metalheads reminiscing about the '80s glam era.