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 and songwriter, renowned for his raspy voice and theatrical stage shows incorporating props and illusions. Spanning seven decades, his career has solidified his reputation as "The Godfather of Shock Rock." Cooper's pioneering blend of horror films, vaudeville, and garage rock has created a macabre and theatrical brand of rock intended to shock and entertain audiences.
3 hours ago : Alice Cooper and Wife Sheryl Celebrate 50th Anniversary by Renewing Wedding Vows.
Alice Cooper and his wife, Sheryl Goddard, renewed their wedding vows to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The couple, married since 1976, marked the milestone with an intimate ceremony.
1964: Formation of The Earwigs
In 1964, 16-year-old Vincent Furnier formed a group called The Earwigs with fellow cross country teammates for Cortez High School's talent show, performing parodies of Beatles songs and winning the show.
1964: Alice Cooper Band Formation
In 1964, the band Alice Cooper, originally consisting of Vincent Furnier, Glen Buxton, Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neal Smith, was formed in Phoenix, Arizona.
1966: Release of second single "Don't Blow Your Mind"
In 1966, after graduating from Cortez High School and with Michael Bruce replacing John Tatum, The Spiders released their second single, "Don't Blow Your Mind", which became a local No. 1 hit.
1967: Renamed Nazz and Relocation to Los Angeles
By 1967, the band, then known as The Spiders, had begun making regular road trips to Los Angeles and changed their name to Nazz. They released the single "Wonder Who's Lovin' Her Now" and relocated to Los Angeles by the end of the year.
1968: Name Change to Alice Cooper
In 1968, the band changed their name to Alice Cooper after learning that Todd Rundgren also had a band called Nazz. Furnier believed the group needed a gimmick and that other bands weren't using showmanship enough.
1969: Release of the First Studio Album
From 1969 to 1973, Alice Cooper released seven studio albums.
1969: Release of Debut Studio Album "Pretties for You"
In 1969, the band's debut studio album, Pretties for You, was released. It featured an eclectic and experimental presentation of their songs in a psychedelic context.
1972: Relocation to Pontiac, Michigan
Fed up with Californians' indifference, Alice Cooper relocated to Pontiac, Michigan by 1972 where their bizarre stage act was better received.
1972: Release of "School's Out" and Subsequent Success
In the summer of 1972, Alice Cooper released the single "School's Out", which became a major hit. The album School's Out reached No. 2 in the US and sold over a million copies. The band relocated to Greenwich, Connecticut.
1972: Satirical Presidential Run
Since the release of his single "Elected" in 1972, Alice Cooper has satirically run for president every four years.
1973: Muscle of Love released
At the end of 1973, Muscle of Love was released. It was the last studio album from the classic lineup, and marked Alice Cooper's last UK Top 20 single of the 1970s with "Teenage Lament '74".
1973: Hit Singles Release
From 1969 to 1973, the band achieved hit singles such as "I'm Eighteen", "School's Out", and "No More Mr. Nice Guy".
1973: US Tour broke box office records
In 1973, Alice Cooper's US tour broke box office records previously set by the Rolling Stones. The stage show featured special effects such as Billion Dollar Bills, decapitated baby dolls, mannequins, a dental psychosis scene, and a guillotine designed by magician James Randi.
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 Brazil
In March and April 1974, Alice Cooper performed the final shows as a group in Brazil. The March 30 show in São Paulo had an estimated indoor attendance of 158,000 fans.
1974: South America Tour
In 1974, Alice Cooper visited South America for a tour.
April 1975: Alice Cooper: The Nightmare TV special
In April 1975, the television special Alice Cooper: The Nightmare, starring Cooper and Vincent Price, aired on US prime-time TV. It was considered another groundbreaking moment in rock history.
September 1975: 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 with Welcome to My Nightmare
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. Alice Cooper collaborated with their producer Bob Ezrin, who recruited Lou Reed's backing band, including guitarists Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter, to play on the album.
1975: Sheryl Goddard Performed in Alice Cooper Show
In 1975, Sheryl Goddard performed in the Alice Cooper show.
1975: Disband and Solo Career Launch
In 1975, the original Alice Cooper band disbanded, and Vincent Furnier legally changed his name to Alice Cooper. He then started his solo career with the concept album Welcome to My Nightmare.
1976: "I Never Cry" ballad hit
Following the 1976 US No. 12 ballad hit "I Never Cry".
1976: Me, Alice autobiography release
In 1976, Alice Cooper released his autobiography with Steven Gaines called Me, Alice, which gave Cooper's version of that era of his career.
1976: Welcome to My Nightmare concert film release
In 1976, the concert film Welcome to My Nightmare, filmed in September 1975, was released to theaters.
1977: Billion Dollar Babies album release
In 1977, Bruce, Dunaway, and Smith, former members of Alice Cooper, formed the band Billion Dollar Babies and released one studio album called Battle Axe.
March 28, 1978: Appearance on The Muppet Show
On March 28, 1978, Alice Cooper performed "Welcome to My Nightmare", "You and Me", and "School's Out" on The Muppet Show (episode #307).
1979: Snake-eyes makeup return
In 1985, Alice Cooper appeared as guest vocalist on Twisted Sister's song "Be Chrool to Your Scuel", donning his black snake-eyes makeup for the first time since 1979.
1980: Flush the Fashion album release
In 1980, Alice Cooper released the album Flush the Fashion, produced by Roy Thomas Baker. It had a new wave musical sound and yielded the US Top 40 hit "Clones (We're All)".
1981: Special Forces album release
In 1981, Alice Cooper released the album Special Forces, featuring a more aggressive but consistent new wave style. The album included a new version of "Generation Landslide" from Billion Dollar Babies (1973).
1982: Zipper Catches Skin album release
In 1982, Alice Cooper released Zipper Catches Skin, a more pop punk-oriented recording. Patty Donahue of the Waitresses provided guest vocals on the track "I Like Girls".
1982: Sheryl Goddard Left the Alice Cooper Show
In 1982, Sheryl Goddard stopped performing in the Alice Cooper show.
1983: DaDa album release
In 1983, Alice Cooper released DaDa, the final studio album in his Warner Bros. contract. It marked the return collaboration of producer Bob Ezrin and guitarist Dick Wagner.
February 1984: Becomes a free agent
By February 1984, Alice Cooper became a "free agent" for the first time in his career, as Warner Bros. did not keep Cooper on their books.
1985: Guest vocal on Twisted Sister's song
In 1985, Alice Cooper met and began writing songs with guitarist Kane Roberts, was signed to MCA Records, and appeared as guest vocalist on Twisted Sister's song "Be Chrool to Your Scuel".
1986: Tour for Constrictor
Alice Cooper's tour for Special Forces marked his last time on the road for nearly five years; it was not until 1986, for Constrictor, that he toured again.
1986: Constrictor Album
In 1986, Alice Cooper recorded the album Constrictor with lead guitarist Kane Roberts and bassist Kip Winger.
1986: Megadeth Opens for Alice Cooper's Constrictor Tour
In 1986, thrash metal band Megadeth opened for Alice Cooper on his US Constrictor tour, after which Cooper attempted to help the band members get clean from alcohol and drug abuse.
1987: WrestleMania III appearance
In 1987, Alice Cooper appeared at WrestleMania III, escorting Jake "The Snake" Roberts to the ring and later interfering in the match by throwing Jake's snake Damien at Jimmy Hart.
1987: Prince of Darkness
In 1987, Alice Cooper had a brief, non-speaking role as a vagrant in John Carpenter's supernatural horror film, Prince of Darkness.
1987: Raise Your Fist and Yell
In 1987, Alice Cooper recorded the album Raise Your Fist and Yell with Kane Roberts and Kip Winger.
1987: Release of The Nightmare Returns
In 1987, Alice Cooper's concert film, The Nightmare Returns, which captured the Detroit leg of his tour in October 1986, was released and received rave reviews.
1988: Roberts and Winger leave the band
By the end of 1988, both lead guitarist Kane Roberts and bassist Kip Winger left Alice Cooper's band.
1988: "I Got a Line on You" Music Video
In 1988, Alice Cooper recorded a music video for the song "I Got a Line on You", which was a B-side to "Poison", after it was featured in the movie Iron Eagle II.
1988: Signs with Epic Records
In 1988, Alice Cooper's contract with MCA Records ended, and he signed with Epic Records.
1989: Release of Trash
In 1989, Alice Cooper released the Desmond Child-produced album Trash, which was nominated for a Grammy and featured the hit single "Poison."
1989: Trash album
In 1989, Kane Roberts played guitar on "Bed of Nails" on Cooper's studio album Trash.
1991: Appearance in Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare
In 1991, Alice Cooper made a brief appearance in the film Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare as Freddy Krueger's abusive stepfather.
1991: Guest appearance on Use Your Illusion I
In 1991, Alice Cooper provided vocals on the track "The Garden" with Axl Rose on Guns N' Roses' album Use Your Illusion I.
1991: Release of Hey Stoopid
In 1991, Alice Cooper released his nineteenth studio album Hey Stoopid, which featured guest appearances by several notable rock musicians.
1991: Release of Alice Cooper: Prime Cuts
In 1991, the video Alice Cooper: Prime Cuts was released, chronicling Alice Cooper's career through interviews with Cooper, Bob Ezrin, and Shep Gordon.
1992: Wayne's World Cameo
In 1992, Alice Cooper made a cameo appearance in the comedy film Wayne's World, performing "Feed My Frankenstein" and engaging in an intellectual discussion about the history of Milwaukee.
1994: Release of The Last Temptation
In 1994, Alice Cooper released The Last Temptation, a concept album dealing with themes of faith, temptation, and modern life.
1994: Release of Dirty Diamonds
In 1994, Alice Cooper's Dirty Diamonds became Cooper's highest-charting album since 1994's The Last Temptation at the time.
1995: Solid Rock Foundation Founded
In 1995, Alice Cooper and his wife, Sheryl, started the Solid Rock Foundation.
1996: South America Tour and Jesus Christ Superstar
In 1996, Alice Cooper toured South America and sang the role of Herod on the London cast recording of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar.
1997: Release of A Fistful of Alice
In 1997, Alice Cooper released the live album A Fistful of Alice.
1999: Release of The Life and Crimes of Alice Cooper
In 1999, The Life and Crimes of Alice Cooper, a four-disc box set containing the authorized biography Alcohol and Razor Blades, Poison and Needles: The Glorious Wretched Excess of Alice Cooper, All-American, written by Jeffrey Morgan, was released.
2001: Guest appearance on That '70s Show
In 2001, Alice Cooper made a guest appearance on an episode of That '70s Show titled "Radio Daze", participating in a game of Dungeons & Dragons.
2001: Release of Dragontown
In 2001, Alice Cooper released Dragontown, a sequel to Brutal Planet, with Bob Ezrin as producer, exploring themes related to Cooper's born-again Christianity.
2003: Release of The Eyes of Alice Cooper
In 2003, Alice Cooper released The Eyes of Alice Cooper, adopting a leaner, cleaner sound. He also embarked on the Bare Bones tour, which featured a less-orchestrated performance style and emphasized musicality.
January 26, 2004: Nights with Alice Cooper Radio Show Debut
On January 26, 2004, Alice Cooper's radio show, Nights with Alice Cooper, began airing in several US cities, featuring classic rock, personal stories, and interviews with rock artists.
September 2004: Storyline Contribution to Bart Simpson's Treehouse of Horror
In September 2004, Alice Cooper contributed a storyline to Bongo Comics's Bart Simpson's Treehouse of Horror, a special Monsters of Rock issue.
July 2005: Alice Cooper Tour
Ahead of his June 20 and July 2005 tour, Cooper gave an interview on Enough Rope.
August 2005: Dirty Diamonds tour launch
In August 2005, Alice Cooper launched the Dirty Diamonds tour in America after playing several European concerts, including the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.
December 2006: Original band reunion
In December 2006, the original Alice Cooper band reunited to perform six classic Alice Cooper songs at Cooper's annual charity event in Phoenix, called "Christmas Pudding".
2006: Alice Cooper: Live at Montreux 2005 DVD Release
In 2006, Alice Cooper: Live at Montreux 2005, a DVD featuring Alice Cooper and his band, including Eric Singer, was released.
2006: DVD release of The Nightmare Returns
In 2006, The Nightmare Returns, Alice Cooper's concert film, originally filmed in October 1986, was released on DVD.
July 1, 2007: Duet with Marilyn Manson
On July 1, 2007, Alice Cooper performed a duet with Marilyn Manson at the B'Estival event in Bucharest, Romania.
January 2008: Guest appearance on Avantasia's The Scarecrow
In January 2008, Alice Cooper appeared as a guest singer on Avantasia's third studio album The Scarecrow, performing the song "The Toy Master".
July 2008: Release of Along Came a Spider
In July 2008, Alice Cooper released Along Came a Spider, his eighteenth solo studio album, which became his highest-charting album since 1991.
2008: 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 recover.
November 2009: Theatre of Death tour
In November 2009, The Times described Alice Cooper's Theatre of Death tour as "epic".
2010: Views on Politics in Music
In 2010, Alice Cooper stated that he is extremely non-political and believes politics should not be mixed with rock music.
March 14, 2011: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction
On March 14, 2011, the original Alice Cooper group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Bruce, Dunaway, and Smith performed together with Alice Cooper at the induction ceremony.
2012: Dragon Con discussion with James Randi
In 2012, at Dragon Con, Alice Cooper and magician James Randi discussed their working relationship during the period when Randi designed stage effects for Cooper's shows.
2012: First Teen Center Opens in Phoenix
In 2012, the first of several teen centers founded by the Solid Rock Foundation opened in Phoenix, Arizona.
2017: Collaboration on Paranormal album and tour dates
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.
2017: Welcome to My Nightmare special edition DVD release
In 2017, a special edition DVD of the Welcome to My Nightmare concert film, originally filmed in September 1975 and released to theaters in 1976, was released.
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 that features ten songs performed by Cooper.
2021: Teen Center Opens in Mesa, Arizona
In 2021, another teen center founded by the Solid Rock Foundation opened in Mesa, Arizona.
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