Alice Cooper, the legendary architect of shock rock, returns to the forefront of the music scene, reuniting with original band members and iconic producer Bob Ezrin for their first album in over 50 years. This highly anticipated collaboration delves into the band’s controversial and impactful history, tracing their journey from provocative stage shows that incited moral panic to their enduring status as pioneers of the music industry.
From the moment they stepped on stage, the original Alice Cooper band cultivated an image unlike any other. Drummer Neal Smith’s primal intensity, combined with the sullen demeanor of the guitarists and bassist, created a menacing backdrop for frontman Alice Cooper. Adorned in black with a ruined, death-like face enhanced by make-up – a precursor to what would become known as ‘corpsepaint’ – Cooper defied conventional rock star glamour, establishing a visual identity that would define the very essence of shock rock.
Their performances quickly became infamous, drawing the ire of moral campaigners like Mary Whitehouse, who denounced their music as “anti-law and order” and a promotion of “violence and anarchy.” Yet, despite calls for bans and intense scrutiny from censors, tracks like ‘School’s Out’ soared to number one, showcasing the band’s ability to transcend controversy and connect with a rebellious youth culture. The notorious stage show, featuring guillotines, electric chairs, and even live boa constrictors, further cemented their reputation for pushing boundaries and igniting public outrage.
Despite the widespread vilification, Alice Cooper garnered unexpected accolades from the art world. Surrealist master Salvador Dalí, captivated by Cooper’s persona, created an iconic portrait of his brain using chocolate eclairs. The band’s innovative approach to performance and provocative themes influenced a generation of musicians, from Roxy Music and the New York Dolls to the nascent extreme metal scene, demonstrating their significant impact on rock and roll beyond mere shock tactics.
The relentless pace of seven albums in four years eventually led to the band’s exhaustion-driven breakup. Alice Cooper, the man, embarked on a highly successful solo career, evolving into a multifaceted celebrity who blended theatrical rock with mainstream appeal, even achieving hair metal stardom with hits like “Trash” and “Poison.” Crucially, he maintained strong ties with the original band members, hinting at a reunion that fans eagerly awaited for decades.
The catalyst for the long-awaited album reunion was producer Bob Ezrin, a pivotal figure from their early days. Ezrin, then a young and unconventional producer, recognized the raw, otherworldly energy of the band during a transformative midnight show in 1970. He became instrumental in shaping their sound, streamlining their often multi-sectional compositions into radio-friendly hits like “I’m Eighteen,” effectively translating their chaotic brilliance into commercial success and solidifying their status as music legends.
Ezrin’s ability to “take a song apart and get rid of all the excess” was critical to Alice Cooper’s breakthrough. His meticulous approach brought a new level of clarity to their intricate sound, allowing their powerful messages and theatricality to shine through without getting lost in overly complex arrangements. This symbiotic relationship between band and producer was fundamental in crafting their unique sound and controversial music that would define their era.
Throughout their career, the band consistently faced down regulatory bodies and local authorities, with fire departments, police, and even the Humane Society attempting to halt their stagecraft. However, as the band members attest, the constant pressure only fueled their defiance, pushing them to continually “stick our toe across and push the boundary ever so slightly,” establishing a legacy of artistic rebellion and uncompromising expression.
Today, the surviving members, though appearing as seasoned veterans rather than dangerous provocateurs, sound genuinely thrilled about their resurgence. The parallels drawn between Cooper’s career and that of Ozzy Osbourne underscore their enduring influence as godfathers of a genre that thrives on pushing societal norms. This new album is not just a reunion; it’s a testament to the timeless appeal of Alice Cooper, the underdogs who relentlessly created music that resonated deeply with their audience.
