Alice Cooper's Memoir 'Devil On My Shoulder' Dominates Best-Seller Lists
In a move that proves he still knows how to stir things up, Alice Cooper’s new memoir, "Devil On My Shoulder," has clawed its way to the pinnacle of the U.K.'s Sunday Times non-fiction best-seller list, snagging the No. 1 spot just a week after its debut at No. 7. Published by the powerhouse trio Ebury / Penguin / Random House, it’s not just a flash in the pan; the book has also made waves in the U.S. and Canada, where it stormed into The New York Times non-fiction best-seller list at No. 4 and the Toronto Globe & Mail at No. 9, alongside a respectable No. 3 on Publishers Weekly's list.
The Kirkus Review has hailed Cooper as “the godfather of shock rock,” giving readers an intimate glimpse behind the scenes of his chaotic life. The memoir dives into the dichotomy of Cooper's existence: the ordinary Vince and the theatrical Alice, whose dialogues unfold in a unique narrative style. While the book doesn’t shy away from the classic rock star rehab saga, it opts for a more profound exploration of Cooper’s lyrics and theatrical prowess, steering clear of the typical celebrity tell-all. It’s a hard-earned victory lap for a man who has navigated the treacherous waters of fame.
Publishers Weekly paints a portrait of a veteran entertainer reflecting on a six-decade odyssey. At 78, Cooper takes us on a nostalgic ride, peppered with sardonic commentary from his alter ego. He shares the formative years spent in Phoenix, where the seeds of creativity were sown while being influenced by musical giants like The Beatles and Chuck Berry. With a humorously humble approach, Cooper discusses the infamous 'chicken incident'—which, for the record, he never committed—and reveals the human side behind the horror-inspired theatrics that defined Alice Cooper as a cultural icon.
"Devil On My Shoulder" is now available in bookstores and online, ready for fans to devour. But that’s not all; the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is hitting the road again with his "Alice's Attic" tour, spanning North America from October 27 to November 21. Following that, he’ll return to Las Vegas for two weekends of his co-production show, “Welcome To Our Nightmare,” alongside magician Criss Angel.
In a reflection on his life, Cooper muses about the transformation from Vincent Damon Furnier to the darkly enchanting Alice Cooper. He admits, “I lost sight of who I really was,” showcasing the internal battle between the angel and devil that he grapples with throughout his narrative. With tales that traverse both the whimsical and the grotesque, Cooper’s memoir is a testament to a life lived on the edge, filled with wild encounters and profound observations of the human condition.
As he aptly puts it, “Me and Alice were getting creative with the truth long before the age of 'fake news'.” With over thirty albums and a legacy that includes timeless classics like “School's Out” and “No Mr. Nice Guy,” Alice Cooper continues to be a force in the music world, recently earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This memoir isn’t just a book; it’s a chronicle of rock history, penned by one of its most influential architects.