Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Alice Cooper
How Alice Cooper built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Alice Cooper is an American singer-songwriter, renowned as "The Godfather of Shock Rock." His career spans over five decades, marked by his distinctive raspy vocals and highly theatrical stage shows filled with props and illusions. Cooper pioneered a macabre and theatrical style of rock music, drawing inspiration from horror films, vaudeville, and garage rock, all aimed at shocking and entertaining audiences.
1964: Formation of The Earwigs
In 1964, Vincent Furnier, at age 16, formed a group called The Earwigs with fellow cross country teammates for the Cortez High School talent show, dressing as The Beatles and parodying their songs. The group consisted of Glen Buxton, Dennis Dunaway, John Tatum and John Speer. They won the talent show and later decided to become a real band.
1964: Band Originates in Phoenix
In 1964, the Alice Cooper band, originally consisting of Vincent Furnier, Glen Buxton, Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neal Smith, was formed in Phoenix, Arizona.
1966: Release of "Don't Blow Your Mind"
In 1966, after Michael Bruce replaced John Tatum on rhythm guitar, The Spiders released their second single, "Don't Blow Your Mind", backed by "No Price Tag", which became a local No. 1 hit.
1967: Band Renames Itself Nazz and Relocates to Los Angeles
By 1967, the band had started to travel regularly to Los Angeles to perform shows. They changed their name to Nazz and put out the song "Wonder Who's Lovin' Her Now" with "Lay Down and Die, Goodbye" on the flip side, which would later become an Alice Cooper track. Neal Smith took over as drummer around this time. The band moved to Los Angeles before the end of the year.
1968: Band Renamed Alice Cooper
In 1968, after discovering another band named Nazz, Furnier and his bandmates chose the name "Alice Cooper," believing they needed a gimmick and recognizing the potential for showmanship on stage. Furnier was inspired by the film Barbarella from 1968, where Anita Pallenberg's character, the Great Tyrant, wore long black leather gloves with switchblades.
September 1969: "Chicken Incident" at Toronto Rock and Roll Revival
In September 1969, at the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival concert, Alice Cooper's "shock rock" reputation started with an accidental incident involving a live chicken and a feather pillow, leading to sensationalized press coverage. Cooper threw a chicken into the crowd, thinking it would fly away, but it was allegedly torn to pieces. Frank Zappa advised Cooper to embrace the story, regardless of its accuracy.
1969: First albums released
From 1969 to 1973, Alice Cooper, the band, released seven studio albums and several singles.
June 1970: Release of Easy Action
In June 1970, the band's second studio album, Easy Action, produced by David Briggs, was released but failed to chart. Frustrated with the indifference in California, the band relocated to Pontiac, Michigan, where their stage act was better received.
1971: 1971 Tour and New Contract with Warner Bros.
Alice Cooper's 1971 tour included mock fights, torture, and a staged execution by electric chair, with costumes by Cindy Dunaway. The androgynous stage persona was villainous. The success led Warner Bros. to offer a multi-album contract.
1972: Relocation to Michigan
Despite this, Cooper still managed to receive a cream pie in the face when performing at the Cincinnati Pop Festival. Michigan remained their steady home base until 1972.
1972: Elected Single Release
In late 1972, the single "Elected" was released, becoming a Top 10 hit in the UK. This song, from the album Billion Dollar Babies, inspired one of the first MTV-style promo videos.
1972: Release and Success of "School's Out"
In the summer of 1972, Alice Cooper released "School's Out", which reached the Top 10 in the U.S. and No. 1 in the UK. The album School's Out reached No. 2 in the U.S. and sold over a million copies. The band relocated to Greenwich, Connecticut, and solidified their success with tours. Mary Whitehouse campaigned to ban the video for the song.
1972: Release of "Elected" and satirical presidential runs begin
Since releasing his single "Elected" in 1972, Alice Cooper has satirically run for president every four years, creating a recurring theme throughout his career.
February 1973: Billion Dollar Babies Album Release
In February 1973, the album "Billion Dollar Babies" was released worldwide and became Alice Cooper's most commercially successful studio album, reaching No. 1 in both the US and UK.
1973: Muscle of Love Album Release
At the end of 1973, the album "Muscle of Love" was released, marking the last studio album from the classic lineup of Alice Cooper. It featured the single "Teenage Lament '74," which became Alice Cooper's last UK Top 20 single of the 1970s.
1973: First albums released
From 1969 to 1973, Alice Cooper, the band, released seven studio albums and several singles.
1973: Halo of Flies Success in the Netherlands
In 1973, "Halo of Flies" became a Top 10 hit in the Netherlands.
1973: US Tour and Theatrics
In 1973, Alice Cooper's US tour broke box office records previously set by the Rolling Stones, elevating rock theatrics with special effects, including Billion Dollar Bills, decapitated baby dolls, a dental psychosis scene, and a guillotine designed by magician James Randi.
1973: Concert Footage for Film
In 1973, the Alice Cooper band recorded concert footage that would later be used in the 1974 feature film "Good to See You Again, Alice Cooper,".
March 5, 1974: Appearance on The Snoop Sisters
On March 5, 1974, Alice Cooper appeared on episode 3 of "The Snoop Sisters", playing a Satanic cult singer.
April 1974: Final Shows as a Group
In March and April 1974, Alice Cooper performed their final shows as a group in Brazil. The show on March 30 in São Paulo had an estimated indoor attendance of 158,000 fans.
April 1975: The Nightmare TV Special
In April 1975, "The Nightmare", a television special starring Alice Cooper and Vincent Price, aired on US prime-time TV. This special was later released on home video in 1983.
September 1975: Filming of Welcome to My Nightmare Concert Film
In September 1975, the concert film "Welcome to My Nightmare" was filmed live at London's Wembley Arena. The film was produced, directed, and choreographed by David Winters.
1975: Solo Career Begins
In 1975, Alice Cooper returned as a solo artist with the release of "Welcome to My Nightmare". To avoid legal complications, Furnier legally changed his name to Alice Cooper. Cooper collaborated with Bob Ezrin and Lou Reed's backing band for the album.
1975: Sheryl Goddard begins performing in Alice Cooper's show
In 1975, Sheryl Goddard, who later became Alice Cooper's wife, started performing in the Alice Cooper show as a ballerina instructor and choreographer.
1975: Band Disbands; Furnier Changes Name
In 1975, the Alice Cooper band disbanded, and Vincent Furnier legally changed his name to Alice Cooper, beginning his solo career that same year with the album "Welcome to My Nightmare".
1976: "I Never Cry" Hit Release
In 1976, Alice Cooper had a US No. 12 ballad hit with the release of "I Never Cry", continuing his success as a solo artist.
1976: Release of Welcome to My Nightmare Concert Film
In 1976, the concert film "Welcome to My Nightmare", filmed in September 1975 at London's Wembley Arena, was released to theaters.
1977: Formation of Billion Dollar Babies
In 1977, former Alice Cooper band members Bruce, Dunaway, and Smith formed the band Billion Dollar Babies and released one studio album titled "Battle Axe".
March 28, 1978: Appearance on The Muppet Show
On March 28, 1978, Alice Cooper appeared on The Muppet Show (episode #307), performing "Welcome to My Nightmare", "You and Me", and "School's Out". He played one of the devil's henchmen.
1979: Makeup
In 1979, Alice Cooper stopped wearing the black snake-eyes makeup until 1985.
1980: Flush the Fashion Album Release
In 1980, Alice Cooper released the album "Flush the Fashion", which had a new wave sound produced by Roy Thomas Baker. It yielded the US Top 40 hit "Clones (We're All)".
1981: Special Forces Project
In 1981, Alice Cooper did the Special Forces project, after which he did not go on tour until 1986.
1982: Zipper Catches Skin Album Release
In 1982, Alice Cooper released the album "Zipper Catches Skin", a pop punk-oriented recording. Patty Donahue of the Waitresses provided guest vocals on the track "I Like Girls".
1982: Sheryl Goddard stops performing in Alice Cooper's show
In 1982, Sheryl Goddard, who was a ballerina instructor and choreographer, stopped performing in the Alice Cooper show.
February 1984: Free Agent Status
By February 1984, Alice Cooper became a "free agent" for the first time in his career, after his contract with Warner Bros. ended.
1985: Signing with MCA Records and Guest Vocalist Appearance
In 1985, Alice Cooper signed with MCA Records and appeared as a guest vocalist on Twisted Sister's song "Be Chrool to Your Scuel".
1986: Return to Touring
In 1986, after a hiatus of nearly five years, Alice Cooper returned to touring in support of the Constrictor album.
1986: Megadeth opens for Cooper on Constrictor tour
In 1986, thrash metal band Megadeth opened for Alice Cooper on his US Constrictor tour, leading Cooper to try and help the band get clean from alcohol and drug abuse.
1987: Release of The Nightmare Returns on film and Raise Your Fist and Yell
In 1987, The Nightmare Returns was released on film, and Alice Cooper released the Raise Your Fist and Yell album.
1988: Signing with Epic Records
In 1988, Alice Cooper's contract with MCA Records expired and he signed with Epic Records.
1988: Departure of Roberts and Winger
In 1988, Kane Roberts and Kip Winger left Alice Cooper's band.
1989: Release of Trash Album
In 1989, Alice Cooper released the Desmond Child produced album Trash, featuring the hit single "Poison".
1994: The Last Temptation
Alice Cooper's highest-charting album since 1994's The Last Temptation.
1994: Homage to The Who
In 1994, Alice Cooper paid homage to The Who by singing "I'm a Boy" at A Celebration: The Music of Pete Townshend and The Who at Carnegie Hall in New York.
1995: Alice Cooper and wife started Solid Rock foundation
In 1995, Alice Cooper and his wife started the Solid Rock foundation, dedicated to offering support and resources to young people.
1996: South America Tour and Jesus Christ Superstar Recording
In 1996, Alice Cooper toured South America and sang the role of Herod on the London cast recording of Jesus Christ Superstar.
2000: Cover of 'My Generation'
During the Brutal Planet tour in 2000, Alice Cooper performed a cover version of "My Generation" by The Who.
2002: John Lydon presents tribute to Alice Cooper on BBC radio
In 2002, John Lydon presented his own tribute program to Alice Cooper on BBC radio, also stating that his musical career started with him miming to "I'm Eighteen" on a jukebox.
January 26, 2004: Premiere of Nights with Alice Cooper
On January 26, 2004, Alice Cooper's radio show Nights with Alice Cooper began airing in several US cities.
September 2004: Contributes storyline for Bart Simpson's Treehouse of Horror
In September 2004, Alice Cooper contributed a storyline for the Bongo Comics's Bart Simpson's Treehouse of Horror special Monsters of Rock issue. His song title "Can't Sleep, Clowns Will Eat Me" references the series.
2004: Radio Disc Jockey
Since 2004, Alice Cooper has been a radio disc jockey with his classic rock show Alice's Attic.
June 20, 2005: Interview with Andrew Denton on Enough Rope
On June 20, 2005, Alice Cooper had a wide-ranging interview with Andrew Denton for Australian ABC TV's Enough Rope, discussing alcoholism, his faith, and family relationships.
May 22, 2007: Radio Interview with Ozzy Osbourne
On May 22, 2007, during an interview with Ozzy Osbourne on his radio program Nights with Alice Cooper, Cooper reaffirmed his appreciation for the Beatles and other influential bands. They both lamented the quality of contemporary rock songwriting.
January 2008: Guest Singer on Avantasia's Album
In January 2008, Alice Cooper was featured as a guest singer on Avantasia's third studio album, The Scarecrow, performing the seventh track, "The Toy Master."
July 2008: Release of 'Along Came a Spider' Album
In July 2008, Alice Cooper released his eighteenth solo studio album, Along Came a Spider, after facing delays. The album reached No. 53 in the US and No. 31 in the UK, making it his highest-charting album since 1991. The album explores the dark themes of a serial killer.
2008: Receives Stevie Ray Vaughan Award
In 2008, Alice Cooper received the Stevie Ray Vaughan Award at the MusiCares MAP Fund benefit concert in Los Angeles for his work in helping other addicts in the recovery process.
November 2009: Theatre of Death Tour
In November 2009, The Times described Alice Cooper's Theatre of Death tour as "epic" and featuring "enough fake blood to remake Saving Private Ryan". The tour was in support of the album, "Along Came a Spider".
January 2010: The Gruesome Twosome Tour
In January 2010, it was announced that Alice Cooper would be touring with Rob Zombie on The Gruesome Twosome Tour.
May 2010: Appearance on American Idol
In May 2010, Alice Cooper appeared on the season finale of American Idol, performing his song "School's Out".
2010: Working on 'Welcome 2 My Nightmare'
In 2010, Alice Cooper began working on a new studio album titled Welcome 2 My Nightmare, which is a sequel to the original 1975 album, Welcome to My Nightmare. Bob Ezrin was involved in the project.
2010: Expresses non-political stance
In 2010, Alice Cooper stated that he is extremely non-political and avoids political discussions, emphasizing his belief that politics should not be mixed with rock music.
2010: Scoring Silas Gore
In 2010, Alice Cooper, along with his daughter and former band member Dick Wagner, composed the music for the indie horror film Silas Gore.
March 10, 2011: Benefit Concert in Tucson, Arizona
On March 10, 2011, Alice Cooper performed at a benefit concert in Tucson, Arizona, along with Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Graham Nash, and others. The concert benefited The Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding.
July 21, 2012: Maiden England World Tour
From June to July 21, 2012, Alice Cooper supported Iron Maiden on their Maiden England World Tour.
2012: Cameo in Dark Shadows
In 2012, Alice Cooper made a cameo appearance as himself in Tim Burton's adaptation of Dark Shadows, starring Johnny Depp. Depp's character jokes about Alice's appearance.
2012: Opening of the first teen center in Phoenix, Arizona
In 2012, the first of several teen centers opened in Phoenix, Arizona, as part of the Solid Rock foundation, offering vocational and arts training.
2013: Announcement of Covers Album
In 2013, Alice Cooper announced that he had completed recording a covers album, featuring songs by his deceased rock star friends from the 1970s. The album was initially scheduled for release in spring 2014, but was later moved to 2015.
January 28, 2014: Opening Act for Mötley Crüe's Final Tour
On January 28, 2014, it was revealed that Alice Cooper would be the opening act for Mötley Crüe's final tour, which spanned 2014 and 2015.
2015: Hollywood Vampires Project
In 2015, Alice Cooper premiered Hollywood Vampires, a supergroup featuring Johnny Depp and Joe Perry. They released a new studio album of rock covers and performed live shows.
2015: Release of 'Raise the Dead: Live from Wacken'
In 2015, Alice Cooper released the live album and video Raise the Dead: Live from Wacken, recorded at the Wacken heavy metal festival in Germany the previous year.
July 2017: Release of 'Paranormal' Album
In July 2017, Alice Cooper released his twentieth solo studio album, Paranormal, featuring contributions from Larry Mullen Jr. of U2, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, and Roger Glover from Deep Purple.
September 2017: Co-Headlining Tour Dates
From August to early September 2017, Alice Cooper co-headlined several tour dates with Deep Purple and Edgar Winter.
2017: Collaboration on Paranormal Album and UK Tour
In 2017, Bruce, Dunaway, and Smith appeared on two tracks they co-wrote on Alice's solo studio album Paranormal, released in July, and in November they joined his current live band for five tour dates in the United Kingdom.
2018: Release of Alice Cooper's Nightmare Castle pinball machine
In 2018, Alice Cooper contributed his likeness and over 700 voice lines to "Alice Cooper's Nightmare Castle", a pinball machine released by Spooky Pinball, which featured ten songs performed by him.
2018: Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar Live
On Easter Sunday in 2018, Alice Cooper played the role of Herod in NBC's live performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert. His performance received positive reviews.
February 26, 2021: Release of 'Detroit Stories'
On February 26, 2021, Alice Cooper released his twenty-first solo studio album, Detroit Stories.
June 28, 2021: Afterword to 'Rock Critic Confidential'
On June 28, 2021, Alice Cooper wrote the afterword to Jeffrey Morgan's autobiography, Rock Critic Confidential, published by New Haven.
September 2021: Fall Tour to Promote 'Detroit Stories'
In May 2021, Alice Cooper announced a fall tour to promote his album "Detroit Stories", supported by Ace Frehley. The tour commenced in September 2021.
2021: Opening of another teen center in Mesa, Arizona
In 2021, another teen center opened in Mesa, Arizona, as part of the Solid Rock foundation, providing vocational and arts training for teenagers.
April 2022: Judge on 'No Cover'
In April 2022, Alice Cooper participated as a judge on the music competition television show No Cover, which began airing on the Sumerian Records YouTube Channel.
July 11, 2022: Nita Strauss Departs Band
On July 11, 2022, guitarist Nita Strauss announced her departure from Alice Cooper's band.
March 6, 2023: Nita Strauss Rejoins Band
On March 6, 2023, it was announced that Nita Strauss had rejoined Alice Cooper's band.
August 24, 2023: Start of the Freaks on Parade Tour
On August 24, 2023, Alice Cooper co-headlined the Freaks on Parade tour with Rob Zombie, featuring Filter and Ministry as opening acts. The tour included 19 venues across the United States and Canada.
August 25, 2023: Release of 'Road' Album
Alice Cooper released his twenty-second studio album Road on August 25, 2023.
September 24, 2023: End of the Freaks on Parade Tour
On September 24, 2023, Alice Cooper concluded the Freaks on Parade tour with Rob Zombie, which began on August 24, 2023. The tour featured Filter and Ministry as opening acts, visiting 19 venues in the USA and Canada.
January 2024: Debut of Alice's Attic Radio Show
In January 2024, Alice Cooper's newly revamped syndicated radio show, Alice's Attic with Alice Cooper, debuted on over 70 radio stations worldwide, syndicated by Superadio Networks.
April 2025: Reunion with Original Band Members
In April 2025, it was announced that Alice Cooper had reunited with Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neal Smith for a new album titled The Revenge of Alice Cooper. This marked the first album since 1973 to be released under the Alice Cooper band name rather than as a solo album.
July 25, 2025: Release of 'The Revenge of Alice Cooper'
On July 25, 2025, Alice Cooper released the new album The Revenge of Alice Cooper, marking the reunion with original band members and also included never-before-released tracks by their original guitarist Glen Buxton.
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