Alice Cooper Reveals the Secret to Keeping His Live Shows Fresh Year After Year

Alice Cooper on Keeping His Live Performances Fresh

In a recent interview with Larry Mac of 96.1 KLPX radio, legendary rocker Alice Cooper discussed how he keeps his live performances exciting and engaging year after year.

According to Cooper, the key lies in surrounding himself with top-tier musicians. “Everyone in my band is the best of the best,” he explained. “Our drummer was named ‘Best Drummer in Rock,’ and Nita Strauss was recognized as ‘Guitarist of the Decade.’ These are incredibly talented musicians, and the best part is that they are also great friends. There are no egos—only the performance matters. I always say, ‘The ego stays on stage. Offstage, we work as a team.'”

Cooper emphasized that a strong camaraderie among band members contributes significantly to their performances. Unlike many bands where internal conflicts arise, his team enjoys spending time together both on and off stage. This dynamic fosters a collaborative environment, allowing them to experiment with new ideas freely. “If someone suggests adding a song like ‘Go To Hell’ into the setlist, we give it a try the next day,” Cooper said. “If it works, we keep it.”

The Future of Hollywood Vampires

When asked about plans for his supergroup Hollywood Vampires—which features Johnny Depp, Joe Perry, and himself—Cooper explained that scheduling conflicts have been the biggest challenge. “We were supposed to tour last year, but Johnny had movie commitments, and Joe was uncertain about Aerosmith’s future plans,” he said. “The challenge is aligning all our schedules. We need to plan at least a year in advance to make it work.”

Despite their individual projects, Cooper expressed enthusiasm about reuniting for future tours. He praised Depp’s work ethic and guitar skills, calling him “one of the nicest guys and a great musician.”

Keeping Shock Rock Alive

Alice Cooper has long been known for his theatrical and horror-infused stage performances, featuring elaborate props such as electric chairs, guillotines, and even live snakes. Over the decades, however, the landscape of shock rock has changed. “In the ’70s, it was easy to shock an audience. Now, it’s less about shocking people and more about putting on a compelling show,” he noted.

Rather than relying on modern stage effects like lasers, Cooper prefers a more immersive experience where the audience becomes emotionally invested in his character. “The guillotine still works because of the buildup before it happens,” he said. “People get drawn into the story of Alice. The focus is on the character and what happens to him during classic songs like ‘Feed My Frankenstein,’ ‘Poison,’ ‘No More Mr. Nice Guy,’ and of course, ‘School’s Out.'”

A Legacy of Rock and Roll

Fresh off the success of his latest album, Road, which explores the ups and downs of touring life, Cooper remains as active as ever. His long-standing band—featuring Ryan Roxie (guitar), Chuck Garric (bass), Tommy Henriksen (guitar), Glen Sobel (drums), and Nita Strauss (guitar)—continues to bring his signature brand of rock and theatrics to audiences worldwide.

With a rigorous schedule that includes extensive global tours, Cooper’s passion for performing has never waned. Known as the “architect of shock rock,” he has spent decades pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and thrilling audiences with his darkly theatrical performances. Even in an era where shocking imagery is widely accessible, Cooper continues to bring excitement, unpredictability, and a touch of danger to the stage—just like a great horror film.

As he looks ahead, Alice Cooper remains dedicated to delivering unforgettable live experiences to both longtime fans and new generations, ensuring that the legend of Alice lives on.