Lasting Legacy of Alice Cooper: A Look at the Influence on History

How the contributions of Alice Cooper continue to shape the world today.

Alice Cooper is an American singer and songwriter, celebrated for his distinctive raspy voice and pioneering role in "shock rock." With a career spanning over five decades, Cooper's theatrical stage shows, filled with macabre props and illusions, have become his trademark. He is often credited as "The Godfather of Shock Rock" for blending horror film elements, vaudeville, and garage rock to create a uniquely shocking and theatrical brand of rock music.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1969: Release of Pretties for You

In 1969, Alice Cooper released the album Pretties for You. The Flaming Lips later used the bassline from "Levity Ball," an early song from this album, for their song "The Ceiling Is Bending".

1971: Killer album released

In 1971, John Lydon of the Sex Pistols considered Killer to be the greatest rock album of all time.

1973: Salvador Dalí describes Cooper's show as surreal

In 1973, after attending an Alice Cooper show, artist Salvador Dalí described it as surreal, and went on to create a hologram titled First Cylindric Chromo-Hologram Portrait of Alice Cooper's Brain.

1978: Bob Dylan praises Alice Cooper's songwriting

In a 1978 interview with Rolling Stone, Bob Dylan stated that he believed Alice Cooper was an overlooked songwriter.

1992: Wayne's World Cameo

In 1992, Alice Cooper's cameo in Wayne's World popularized the "We're not worthy" meme.

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2002: John Lydon tribute on BBC radio

In 2002, John Lydon presented his own tribute program to Alice Cooper on BBC radio, acknowledging Cooper's influence on his musical career.

2002: Views on marriage

In a 2002 television interview, Alice Cooper stated that he had never cheated on his wife and emphasized the importance of dating one's partner for a lasting relationship.

December 2006: Original Band Reunion at Christmas Pudding

In December 2006, the original Alice Cooper band reunited to perform six classic Alice Cooper songs at Cooper's annual charity event in Phoenix, entitled 'Christmas Pudding'.

May 22, 2007: Affirmation of Beatles' influence

During an interview with Ozzy Osbourne on May 22, 2007, for the radio program Nights with Alice Cooper, Alice Cooper reaffirmed his gratitude to bands like the Beatles, lamenting the songwriting quality of contemporary rock artists and suggesting they had "forgotten to listen to the Beatles".