- Alice Cooper is a rock legend
- He turns 76 years old and he is still going
- HERE is a look back at his wonderful career
In honor of his big day, let's take a peek at the legend that is Alice Cooper. It's not every day you get to look back at one of Hollywood's most impressive careers. Cooper has changed the music game for good!
The Godfather of Shock Rock, Alice Cooper, has been rattling the cages of the music world since his high school band days, but it's his journey from the dark theatrics to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that has fans still buzzing with excitement!
Early riffs and controversial antics
Born Vincent Damon Furnier in the heart of Detroit, Alice Cooper was destined to stir up the rock scene. Moving from a trailer park to the big stage, Cooper's early passion for music saw him cover the greats like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
But it was his own band's angry, dark sound that caught the eye of none other than Frank Zappa!
Alice Cooper's stage antics were nothing short of jaw-dropping. Who could forget the infamous chicken incident that left audiences horrified and mesmerized? Or the simulated murders and guillotine acts that became his trademark? Cooper was the master of shock, and he knew it!
Splitting from his band in '74, Cooper took the name and his penchant for the dramatic with him, scoring hits with albums like "Welcome to My Nightmare." But behind the scenes, the shock rocker was battling his own demons, landing in a sanatorium among addicts and criminals. It was here that Cooper found his faith and, oddly enough, his love for golf!
In the ’80s Cooper explored different sounds, highlighted by the new waves album "Flush The Fashion," the heavy metal "Constrictor" and "Raise Your Fist And Yell," and then 1989’s melodic hard rock album 'Trash,' which featured the massive hit single “Poison” and became his biggest selling album and single worldwide.
During this period Alice also appeared in the horror films 'Monster Dog' and John Carpenter’s 'Prince of Darkness,' and recorded songs for the soundtracks to 'Roadie', 'Class of 1984,' 'Friday the 13 Part VI: Jason Lives' and Wes Craven’s 'Shocker.'
Cooper’s most memorable movie appearance was as himself in 'Wayne’s World' in 1991. He also played the wicked step-father in 'Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare,' and appeared on Gene Wilder’s TV series 'Something Wilder' as well as on 'That ‘70’s Show.'
The '90s also saw the release of the albums 'Hey Stoopid,' 'The Last Temptation,' and 'Fistful of Alice,' a live album.
In the new millennium, Cooper has been very productive and busy, writing, recording, and releasing the albums 'Brutal Planet,' 'Dragon Town,' 'The Eyes of Alice Cooper,' 'Dirty Diamonds,' 'Along Came a Spider,' and 2011’s 'Welcome 2 My Nightmare,' plus 'Old School 1964-1974,' a box set celebrating the original band.
Though his music faced ups and downs, Cooper's comeback with 'Trash' in '89 proved he still had the chops. And let's not forget his iconic cameos in Wayne's World and Dark Shadows, or his hit radio show 'Nights With Alice Cooper.'
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Reuniting with his former bandmates, Cooper's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011 was a testament to his enduring legacy. His recent role as "King Herod" in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' showcased his theatrical genius, proving that Alice Cooper is still a force to be reckoned with on and off the stage.
So, raise a glass and salute the man who turned rock 'n' roll into a spine-tingling spectacle. Alice Cooper, we're not worthy!
