Alice Cooper Brings Theatrics and Rock Legacy to Saginaw on May 10

Alice Cooper Brings Theatrics and Rock Legacy to Saginaw on May 10

“I’m Alice. I’m the master of madness, the sultan of surprise,” declares Alice Cooper in “I’m Alice,” the lead single from his latest album Road. That bold introduction sets the tone for Cooper’s enduring stage presence as he brings his “Too Close For Comfort” tour to the Dow Event Center in Saginaw on May 10.

At 77 years old, Cooper continues to defy age and expectation, insisting that while audiences helped shape the character of Alice Cooper, the creation was ultimately his own invention. The persona emerged in the late 1960s, when Vincent Furnier, then the frontman of a band named Alice Cooper, adopted the name himself and became the theatrical “shock rocker” who fused horror aesthetics with rock ‘n’ roll.

“I always thought the lyrics should act as a script for the show,” Cooper explained. “If I say ‘Welcome to My Nightmare,’ I don’t just say it—I show you the nightmare. Nobody else was doing that at the time. I created Alice Cooper to be rock’s villain instead of its hero.”

Though the early Alice Cooper Band albums were largely overlooked, the group found its audience in Detroit, a city that became central to its success and identity. Cooper, who was born in Detroit, recalls how their sound didn’t mesh with scenes in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or New York. But in Detroit, among hard rock pioneers like Iggy and the Stooges, the MC5, Ted Nugent, Bob Seger, and Suzi Quatro, the Alice Cooper Band felt right at home.

“Detroit was the hard rock capital of America,” Cooper said. “We were just the missing link in that whole scene. If you didn’t play hard rock with attitude, you didn’t stand a chance.”

Teaming up with legendary producer Bob Ezrin, Cooper struck gold with the 1970 hit “I’m Eighteen,” launching a storied career filled with classic albums, hit singles, and unforgettable stage antics—including his signature guillotine act.

His latest album, Road, was recorded live in the studio, featuring what Cooper describes as “the best band I’ve ever had.” The tour in support of Road has been going strong for over a year, and Cooper insists that performing is what keeps him feeling young.

“I’ve never felt better in my life,” he said. “I’m 76 now, but if you asked me how old I felt, I’d probably say 35. Doing shows keeps me in great shape.”

Cooper emphasized that his performances are never routine. Each new tour brings fresh concepts and spectacles, while maintaining the theatrical standards his fans expect. But, he said, the music always comes first.

“If we have a seven-hour rehearsal, six hours are focused on music,” he explained. “If the band isn’t great, the theatrics don’t matter. People should leave remembering how incredible the band was—not just the visuals.”

New tracks like “I’m Alice,” “Welcome to the Show,” and “White Line Frankenstein” might make their way into the spring setlist, though Cooper acknowledges the challenge of choosing songs.

“There are about 15 songs that the audience would feel cheated if we didn’t play,” he said. “I’m happy to do ‘Eighteen,’ ‘School’s Out,’ ‘No More Mr. Nice Guy,’ and ‘Poison.’ But adding two new songs means dropping a couple favorites, and that’s always tough.”

Despite the demands of touring, Cooper maintains a steady daily routine—starting with a round of golf almost every morning.

“I normally play six days a week,” he said. “I’ve had a four handicap for 20 years. I wouldn’t want to play against me right now.”

Golf is more than just a hobby for Cooper; it’s a vital part of his life and recovery. His 2008 autobiography, Alice Cooper, Golf Monster: A Rock ‘n’ Roller’s Life and 12 Steps to Becoming a Golf Addict, chronicles his passion for the sport. One of his proudest moments came when Tiger Woods, in an interview, said he wouldn’t give Cooper two strokes a side. “That was the best compliment I’ve ever received,” Cooper said.

Yet, Cooper insists there’s no connection between his daytime hobby and nighttime persona.

“In the morning, I’m just me, playing golf. Alice Cooper doesn’t even cross my mind. And when I’m on stage, I never think about golf. The two lives never overlap.”

This separation is essential for Cooper’s well-being, especially after overcoming struggles with addiction decades ago. For a time, he admitted, the lines between Vincent Furnier and Alice Cooper blurred dangerously. But sobriety brought clarity.

“I realized Alice is a character that doesn’t want to live the way I do—and I don’t want to live his life,” Cooper said. “He only lives on stage.”

And that’s exactly where fans will find him on May 10 in Saginaw—fully alive under the spotlight, delivering a show that’s equal parts rock concert and twisted theater.