Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper, a name synonymous with shock rock and theatricality, is a legendary figure who pioneered the integration of horror and vaudeville into hard rock performances. More than just a musician, he crafted an enduring stage persona that has influenced countless artists in rock, metal, and even pop culture, making him a perennial topic in trending music conversations and a true icon of classic rock.

The history of Alice Cooper begins not just with a man, but with a band. Formed in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1964 (initially as The Earwigs, then The Spiders, and The Nazz), the original lineup that would become Alice Cooper solidified in 1968, consisting of Vincent Furnier (who would later legally change his name to Alice Cooper) on vocals, Glen Buxton on lead guitar, Michael Bruce on rhythm guitar and keyboards, Dennis Dunaway on bass, and Neal Smith on drums. They quickly gained notoriety in the Los Angeles club scene for their wild, confrontational live shows, which often involved bizarre props and audience provocation. Their big break came when they were discovered and signed by Frank Zappa to his Straight Records label. After learning that another band already used the name The Nazz, they adopted the name Alice Cooper in 1968, reportedly influenced by Furnier’s belief that he was the reincarnation of a 17th-century witch of the same name. Their first two albums, Pretties For You (1969) and Easy Action (1970), were experimental and somewhat psychedelic, hinting at the darker themes to come.

However, it was their collaboration with producer Bob Ezrin that truly unleashed their potential. Love It to Death (1971) featured their breakthrough hit “I’m Eighteen,” a raw anthem of teenage angst that put them on the map. This was quickly followed by a string of hugely successful albums: Killer (1971), School’s Out (1972) with its iconic title track, and the multi-platinum Billion Dollar Babies (1973), featuring hits like “Elected.” During this period, their elaborate and gruesome stage shows, complete with guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood, and boa constrictors, became legendary, solidifying their status as the inventors of shock rock.