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Alice Cooper – Book Tour
Manchester Opera House
16th October 2026
The Godfather of Shock Rock swaps the guillotine for a throne, the theatrics for extraordinary stories and reveals that his wildest addiction these days might just be shopping at TK Maxx. Claire Glover spends a memorable evening in the company of one of rock ’n’ roll’s greatest legends.
There are rock stars, there are legends, and then there’s Alice Cooper. A man who has spent more than five decades shocking audiences, reinventing theatrical rock and creating one of music’s most recognisable characters. Tonight, however, there are no guillotines, blood-soaked theatrics or giant snakes. Instead, Cooper takes his place on an imposing wooden throne at Manchester Opera House, ready to share the extraordinary stories behind the makeup, the madness and the music. What an evening it turns out to be. The packed theatre buzzes with anticipation as Alice takes to the stage shortly after 7.30pm, joining broadcaster Claire Sturgess for an intimate conversation celebrating his new autobiography, Devil on My Shoulder.
At 78, Cooper remains every inch the rock star. Sharp, charismatic, mischievous and effortlessly entertaining, he has that rare ability to make an entire theatre feel as though it’s sitting in his living room, listening to an old friend recount a lifetime of extraordinary adventures, and there’s certainly no shortage of those.
From the outset, the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed, with Cooper delivering story after story to an audience frequently roaring with laughter. One of the biggest reactions comes when the man once synonymous with rock ’n’ roll excess reveals his latest addiction: shopping.
“I’ve been shopping here all day, that’s what we do now. We can’t just sit in a hotel room so we go out and shop,” he explains.
“So don’t be surprised if you see me at TK Maxx alright?”
The thought of the legendary Alice Cooper rummaging through Manchester’s TK Maxx is almost too hilarious to contemplate. He’s also been exploring Affleck’s Palace and reveals that a chance encounter with legendary lyricist Bernie Taupin at the BBC the previous day results in the pair heading out for dinner together. Only Alice Cooper could casually drop a story like that into conversation. Yet beneath the humour lies a fascinating journey through one of rock music’s most remarkable lives.
Born Vincent Damon Furnier in 1948, Cooper takes us back to his childhood and the musical influences that shape his future. Elvis Presley is an early hero, but when The Beatles arrive, everything changes. Suddenly, being in a band becomes the most exciting thing imaginable. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Animals, Motown and The Beach Boys all feature in his recollections, alongside affectionate memories of his father, a pastor whose influence remains significant throughout his life. Contrary to what many might expect, his father has little objection to the theatrical Alice Cooper stage show, recognising it as entertainment, almost a form of vaudeville comedy. What concerns him is the rock ’n’ roll lifestyle: the drinking, the drugs, women and the excess.
One particularly touching aspect of Devil on My Shoulder is the inclusion of his father’s own words. Cooper describes the emotion of hearing his father’s voice again after so many years, and for a moment the outrageous rock star gives way to the son remembering someone he loves. It’s these glimpses of the man behind the character that make tonight so special.
Cooper recalls forming his first band at high school, where he and his friends manage to be both the jocks and the rockers. As the band develops, so does the need for a name that sets them apart. So Alice Cooper is born. He explains the thinking behind choosing such an innocent-sounding name. Alice Cooper sounds like a sweet elderly lady who invites you in, bakes cookies and perhaps has a body hidden in the basement. The contrast between the name and the outrageous performances becomes part of the magic. Eventually, Alice Cooper becomes more than a band identity; he becomes a character Vincent Furnier steps into whenever the makeup goes on.
Even after all these years, Cooper admits to feeling nervous before the curtain rises, but once the performance begins, Alice takes over. He never tires of playing the character, the spectacle or, above all, loud guitar-driven rock ’n’ roll.
His early career provides a treasure trove of stories, particularly his encounters with Frank Zappa and the unlikely circumstances that help launch the band into the wider music world. He recalls developing the elaborate stage productions that become his trademark, from outrageous costumes and theatrical props to the infamous snakes. There’s plenty of discussion about Welcome to My Nightmare, the album and stage show that establish Cooper as a master of theatrical rock, transforming a concert into something closer to a darkly comic horror production. He also remembers the band’s international adventures, including their groundbreaking performances in Brazil during the 1970s.
The conversation moves effortlessly between music, comedy, celebrity encounters and the unpredictability of rock ’n’ roll.
What a collection of famous names he’s encountered along the way. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Keith Moon, David Bowie, Salvador Dalí, Groucho Marx, Mae West, Vincent Price, Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Bob Hope are among the remarkable characters whose paths cross with his own. His affection for The Beatles is particularly evident. He remembers John Lennon with warmth, recalling Lennon’s political convictions and desire to use music to make a statement. Cooper, by contrast, sees his own role primarily as an entertainer, giving audiences a couple of hours of escapism.
He speaks just as fondly of Paul McCartney, describing him as an extraordinarily lovely, down-to-earth man. There’s something wonderfully endearing about hearing Alice Cooper discuss one of the world’s most famous musicians as someone who might come round for dinner and help with the washing-up. His recollections of David Bowie are equally fascinating. Despite their larger-than-life personas, Cooper never regards Bowie as competition. Both inhabit their own theatrical worlds, and there is room for them both. Keith Moon provides plenty of material, alongside tales of the original Hollywood Vampires, the notorious gathering of musicians and celebrities who congregate at the Rainbow Bar & Grill in Los Angeles.
Today, the Hollywood Vampires name lives on through Cooper’s band with Johnny Depp and Joe Perry, and he speaks enthusiastically about the camaraderie and sheer fun of performing alongside them.
There’s also a wonderfully funny recollection involving Groucho Marx, who recognises Cooper’s performances as a modern form of vaudeville. Beneath the horror imagery and outrageous costumes, comedy has always been central to Alice Cooper’s work, and tonight demonstrates just how naturally funny the man is. Yet the conversation is not entirely about laughter.
Cooper speaks candidly about his addiction to alcohol and drugs, the damage they cause and his journey towards sobriety. There’s no attempt to romanticise the excesses of his past. Instead, he reflects with the perspective of someone who has lived through them and emerged on the other side. Acknowledging his addictive personality, he explains how he now channels that energy into healthier pursuits. Golf becomes one of his greatest passions, hilariously described as “the crack of sports”.
Then, of course, there is shopping. He also admits to having 22 televisions in his house, another revelation that brings laughter from the audience.
His Christian faith is another important part of his story, discussed openly without preaching. There is something inspiring about hearing a man who has experienced such extraordinary highs and lows speak with such contentment about the present.
He’s still touring, performing and creating music, while the reunion of the surviving original Alice Cooper band members for 2025’s The Revenge of Alice Cooper demonstrates that his creative enthusiasm remains undiminished. For all the stories of excess, the message emerging tonight is one of survival, reinvention and an enduring love of music.
Then the evening takes an unexpectedly romantic turn.
In the second half, Alice welcomes his wife Sheryl onto the stage. Looking wonderfully glamorous, she receives a warm welcome as the couple reflect on their extraordinary relationship and 50 years together. They recall meeting when Sheryl, then a young dancer, auditions for Alice’s stage production. Rock ’n’ roll is not initially her natural musical world, but someone persuades her to attend the audition. Fifty years later, here they are. Alice remembers attempting to impress her with his disco dancing, despite absolutely hating disco music. The image of the Prince of Darkness trying out disco moves to win the heart of a young dancer has the audience roaring with laughter. They marry in 1976, and their relationship survives the pressures of fame, touring, addiction and everything else life throws at them.
Sheryl speaks movingly about their journey together, their children, grandchildren and the strength of their relationship. “50 years later I’m still besotted with this man. Here’s to the next 50 years.” It’s a beautiful moment, and the audience responds with genuine warmth. For all the horror imagery and outrageous antics associated with Alice Cooper, here is a devoted husband, father and grandfather, clearly delighted to be sharing the stage with the woman he loves.
The audience then has the opportunity to put questions directly to Cooper, providing yet more fascinating insights.
One fan asks what advice the older, wiser Alice Cooper would give his 23-year-old self. Another seeks guidance for her son, an aspiring musician. Cooper offers encouragement about writing music, developing your own identity and finding your way in an industry very different from the one he entered. For any musicians in the audience, these moments are particularly inspiring.
When asked which album he would adapt into a Broadway musical, the answer is hardly surprising: Welcome to My Nightmare. With its elaborate characters, dark humour and extraordinary visual possibilities, it seems a natural choice.
Questions also cover his early television appearances, including the famous Old Grey Whistle Test performance in 1971, and the outrage provoked by his early shows, including the attention of morality campaigner Mary Whitehouse.
Cooper laughs about the controversy, recognising that attempts to condemn his performances often provide the very publicity that makes him famous. The more people try to stop Alice Cooper, the more people want to see him.
He also reflects on the breakup of the original band, the conflicting personalities and pressures that pull them apart, but there is no sense of bitterness, only appreciation for the music and extraordinary experiences they share.
Throughout the evening, Cooper returns to the simple joy of entertaining people. Performing today is very different from those early years, particularly now that he is sober, but the excitement of stepping onto a stage remains just as powerful. The character still comes alive when the curtain opens.
There are spontaneous moments when birthdays are acknowledged, and fans are encouraged to stand for photographs and selfies, creating plenty of laughter. Even an irritating mobile phone interruption does little to disturb the warmth of the evening.
As the conversation draws towards its conclusion, I find myself reflecting on just how remarkable Alice Cooper’s career really is.
He emerges at a time when rock music is still finding its identity, helps invent an entirely new form of theatrical performance, survives the excesses that claim so many of his contemporaries and continues to command stages around the world well into his late seventies. Yet what makes the biggest impression tonight is not the outrageous stories, the famous friendships or even the extraordinary achievements. It’s his humanity.
He’s funny, warm, articulate, self-deprecating and genuinely grateful for the life he has led. He speaks with affection about his family, musical heroes and friends, while remaining honest about the mistakes and addictions that shape his journey.
The character may be one of rock music’s most enduring monsters, but the man behind him is an engaging, thoughtful and thoroughly entertaining storyteller. For someone who has spent much of his career shocking audiences, Alice Cooper proves tonight that he is just as capable of captivating them with nothing more than a microphone, a throne and a lifetime of extraordinary memories. It’s not often that an evening at the theatre can be described as hilarious, moving, nostalgic, revealing and inspirational all at once. Tonight manages all five.
Alice Cooper may have swapped the booze and backstage debauchery for golf, family life and a spot of shopping, but the mischievous spirit that makes him one of rock’s greatest entertainers is clearly alive and well.
~
More about Alice Cooper on his website here
All words by Claire Glover. More writing by Claire on Louder Than War can be found at her author profile here. You can also find her on Twitter
Photos kindly provided by Hels Millington; you can find her on Instagram.
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