Alice Cooper Refuses to Retire: 'I'm Not Done Yet!'
In a raw and revealing interview with The Telegraph's Mick Brown, Alice Cooper, the legendary architect of shock rock, made it crystal clear that retirement is not a concept that resonates with him. Turning 78 this past February, the man behind the iconic stage persona, Vincent Damon Furnier, asserts that Alice is ageless and will continue to rock as long as he has the energy to do so. 'Alice doesn't age; he stays timeless,' Cooper declared. 'If I ever lose that energy or gain a hundred pounds, I won't be Alice anymore.'
Cooper, who has been gracing stages longer than many can remember, draws parallels to fellow rock titans like Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, and Rod Stewart, all of whom he considers 'lifers' in the industry. 'We do this not out of necessity but because it’s who we are,' he passionately stated. For Cooper, the thrill of performing live is irreplaceable, and he has no intention of stepping off the stage anytime soon. 'I can’t imagine a better job than this,' he said, reflecting on his career as a true rock 'n' roller.
Looking ahead, Cooper addressed the idea of a farewell tour, a concept that has plagued many artists of late. 'Retirement’s not even in my vocabulary,' he asserted during a recent chat on SiriusXM's 'Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk.' He reminisced about the antsy feeling he experienced during the COVID lockdown, revealing that the moment he told his band they would be rehearsing again felt like a ticket to Disneyland. 'We couldn't wait to get back on stage,' he exclaimed, capturing the essence of a musician who thrives on the rush of live performance.
When asked if age has affected his vocal prowess, Cooper confidently responded that he has never lost his voice due to his smart singing range. 'I’m not hitting those high notes like Steven Tyler; I stay in my mid-range,' he explained, emphasizing that he knows his limits. 'I’ve been lucky to maintain my vocals without burning out,' he added, showcasing the wisdom that comes with decades of experience in rock.
Cooper's commitment to his craft goes beyond just the music; it's about maintaining the image and energy that fans expect. 'If I can't present Alice in full regalia, I won’t do it,' he stated. He openly admits that he won't allow any version of Alice that he wouldn't be proud of. 'Alice is my favorite rock star,' he confessed. 'If I can't be him, I won’t play him.'
In a final note, Cooper attributed much of his longevity in the industry to his lifestyle choices and a solid support system at home. 'I stopped everything 42 years ago,' he revealed, referencing his commitment to sobriety and a healthy life. His wife, Sheryl, has been a constant presence in his life and career, ensuring that the magic of Alice Cooper continues to thrive. As the interview came to a close, one thing remained abundantly clear: Alice Cooper is far from finished, and he’ll keep rockin’ until the very end.