In a milestone celebration of a career that spans five decades, legendary Canadian hard rock band Helix is turning up the volume with the release of Helix 50 – The Best Of. The career-spanning compilation, released by Crown X Recordings, Canada’s top reissue label, captures the evolution of one of the nation’s most enduring and explosive rock acts.
At the heart of this release is a brand-new re-recording of their iconic hit “Rock You,” featuring founding frontman Brian Vollmer and longtime bassist Daryl Gray, joined by special guests Phil X (Bon Jovi), Brent Fitz (Slash), and Todd Kerns (Slash). This all-star version will hit streaming platforms and YouTube on Friday, May 2, available in both stereo and Dolby Atmos.
Fans won’t have to wait long for more new music—Helix will also drop a fresh studio track, “Stand Up,” on Friday, May 18, offering a powerful reminder that the band still has plenty of fire in the tank.
Helix 50 – The Best Of dives deep into the band’s rich catalogue, from their major label debut No Rest For The Wicked (1983) to 2009’s Vagabond Bones, all newly remastered at Iguana Recording Studios in Toronto using state-of-the-art audio tech. Classic tracks like “Heavy Metal Love,” “Deep Cuts The Knife,” and “Wild In The Streets” shine with renewed sonic clarity, while unplugged versions of fan favorites like “(Make Me Do) Anything You Want” and “The Kids Are All Shakin’” offer a fresh, stripped-down take.
The collection will be released on both CD and 180g marble color vinyl, with the CD version boasting bonus tracks including “That Day Is Gonna Come,” “Sleepin’ in the Dog House Again” (featuring Kim Mitchell), and “Look Me Straight In The Heart,” a duet with Lee Aaron.
For die-hard fans, a Deluxe Signed Bundle will be available Wednesday, May 21, exclusively through RockPaperMerch.com. Limited to just 300 copies, this collectible package features a special gatefold design housing both the CD and vinyl, along with exclusive extras like a Helix 50 slip mat, guitar pick, and can koozie.
To mark the release, Helix will take the stage for a special unplugged show on May 21 at the McBowl Concert Series in Mississauga, ON—an annual charity event. The intimate performance will be followed by a live-streamed event where Vollmer shares stories from the band’s remarkable history, joined by former guitarist Sean Kelly, who will also host a retrospective chat.
Formed in 1974 in Kitchener, Ontario, Helix rose from Canada’s club scene to international acclaim in the 1980s, thanks to high-octane records and unforgettable live shows. With hits like “Heavy Metal Love” and “Rock You” earning heavy rotation on MTV—and a little controversy thanks to an X-rated music video—the band built a global fanbase and shared stages with rock giants like KISS, Motorhead, and Alice Cooper. Despite the tragic passing of guitarist Paul Hackman in 1992, Helix endured, powered by Vollmer’s vision and a rotating cast of top-tier Canadian rockers.
Helix’s legacy was further cemented in pop culture when they appeared in an episode of Trailer Park Boys in 2003, sparking renewed interest in their music. Brian Vollmer later chronicled his rock ‘n’ roll journey in his 2005 memoir Gimme An R! and explored an acoustic side with the 2010 release Smash Hits…Unplugged.
Now, Helix 50 – The Best Of stands as a testament to the band’s staying power and their impact on the Canadian rock landscape.
Follow Helix Online:
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Website: www.planethelix.com
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Facebook: facebook.com/helixofficial
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Instagram: instagram.com/helixband
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YouTube: youtube.com/helix
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Label: CrownXRecordings.com
For concert tickets and more info on the McBowl Concert Series: www.classicbowl.com/concerts/mcbowl
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