Alice Cooper Unleashes His Inner Demon in New Autobiography
In a recent extended interview with CBS Mornings, the godfather of shock rock, Alice Cooper, delves deep into the twisted psyche behind his iconic stage persona, as chronicled in his new autobiography, Devil On My Shoulder. Born Vincent Damon Furnier, Cooper reflects on how his androgynous character, cloaked in heavy mascara and theatrical horror-inspired theatrics, was crafted to embody his own rock star fantasies. "I wanted Alice to be my favorite rock star," Cooper confesses, revealing that this creation wasn’t just for the audience, but a reflection of his own desires. The character embodies an arrogant villain, a figure that speaks to the crowd only after establishing an impenetrable mystique. 'I let them in on it,' he laughs, 'and then he starts talking to them. And they go, 'Oh.' But I've never let Alice talk to the audience. It’s crucial; if he's human, he’s just one of them.'
From humble beginnings, the evolution of Alice Cooper’s live performances is a testament to the raw creativity and relentless spirit of rock 'n' roll. Early on, the band operated under the constraints of a limited budget, turning mundane props into theatrical wonders. 'If I could find a mop backstage, it could be a girl or a weapon,' Cooper reminisces. This guerrilla theater approach laid the groundwork for their grander productions, where the shock factor only intensified. 'The more the parents hated that, the better we were. The kids loved everything the parents hated,' he says, with a gleam of mischief in his eyes.
Approaching the ripe age of 80, Cooper still brings a level of energy to his performances that defies his years. 'A lot of it comes from fear,' he admits, acknowledging the pressure of delivering to thousands of fans expecting the legendary shock rocker. 'If I can't look like Alice, if I can't perform like Alice, then he’s gone,' he asserts, highlighting his commitment to authenticity in an industry rife with complacency.
When questioned about the potential sale of his intellectual property rights—something other rock titans like KISS have done—Cooper stands firm. 'No, I don't think so. We don't need the money,' he laughs, reaffirming his independence and the bond he shares with his fellow rock legends. The impact of his theatricality on the genre is undeniable, paving the way for artists like David Bowie, who sought to harness the same outrageous energy.
Set to release on October 6 through Grand Central Publishing's Da Capo imprint, Devil On My Shoulder promises to unravel the layers of a man who has shaped the very foundation of rock music. With over 50 million albums sold and a legacy that includes timeless anthems like 'School's Out' and 'Poison', Alice Cooper continues to reign as a titan in the world of heavy metal, proving that age is but a number when your spirit burns as fiercely as ever.