The Godfather of Shock Rock – Alice Cooper – holds a musical career that spans over six decades. A time filled with addiction, an eclectic set of musical influence, a resume full of all-time classic hits, induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and – above all – a grandly theatrical approach to rock and roll, involving everything from guillotines and snakes, to buckets of blood and baby dolls, Cooper’s life has been anything but uneventful.
Eagle Rock Entertainment and producers Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen of Banger Films capture the Godfather and the Alice Cooper Band – “this half girl, half guy, half alien band” – in their forthcoming documentary: ‘Super Duper Alice Cooper.’ Set to release this spring, the film delves into the fishbowl-esque life of Cooper, who descended into alcohol addiction as his band and style of shock rock took the musical world by storm.
Notorious for hits, such as ‘I’m Eighteen,’ ‘School’s Out,’ and ‘No More Mr. Nice Guy,’ Cooper has a history of speaking out against a synthesis of his onstage and offstage personalities. Traditionally, he has maintained that the pomp and circumstance of his onstage performances were just that: performances. And while Cooper may not be dancing with corpses, hanging from the gallows and wearing layers of mascara at home, he shares in this incredible film, the undeniable impact his public persona had on his personal life, and subsequent alcohol addiction.
“This character that we created…it was coming to life, right in front of us,” explains Alice. And, in fact, this manufactured entity has had, and continues to have, a phenomenal impact on the musical world at large. With appearances from Elton John, Iggy Pop, and Dee Snider, ‘Super Duper Alice Cooper’ takes a look inside this shocking style of rock and roll, and the life of Alice Cooper through it all.
Fortunately (for both Alice and the world), Cooper emerged a recovering addict in the mid-1980s and has continued to perform and inspire musicians of all genres. ‘Super Duper Alice Cooper’ will screen at the Tribeca Film Festival this April, and Cooper will follow the release of the film by joining Motley Crüe on their tour that is set to open this July.
Those who know me are aware that Alice holds a very special place in my heart. This website I’ve created was designed originally in his honor. “Levity Ball” is the title of one of his early songs found on the 1969 LP Pretties for You. Growing up socially awkward and shy with very little self-esteem, Alice provided me through his music, humor and the comfort that I was never completely alone. I find it exciting that Alice continues to do what he does best, better than ever and is living a sober life in recovery. I find it interesting that in that same time frame I found my calling as a Drug and Alcohol Addiction Counselor. I have to wonder if there might be something to that.
I had the honor a couple years ago to sit and chat with Alice. I’ll close by simply sharing what an absolute joy it is when your hero, in person, not only lives up to decades of expectations, but in fact surpasses them.
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