What Happened to Alice Cooper?

Vincent Damon Furnier, known globally as Alice Cooper, was born on February 4, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan. He pioneered a theatrical brand of hard rock, fusing horror dramatics with a raw sound, earning him the moniker "the godfather of shock rock". His stage shows became legendary for featuring electric chairs, guillotines, fake blood, and boa constrictors.

The original Alice Cooper band formed in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1964, initially as the Earwigs, then the Spiders, before settling on Alice Cooper. They were discovered by Frank Zappa in Los Angeles in 1969. Their collaboration with producer Bob Ezrin led to breakthrough albums like "Love It to Death" (1971), "Killer" (1971), "School's Out" (1972), and "Billion Dollar Babies" (1973). Following the band's disbandment in 1975, Furnier legally changed his name to Alice Cooper and embarked on a successful solo career, starting with the concept album "Welcome to My Nightmare". The original Alice Cooper band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.

Cooper has maintained a consistent touring and recording schedule throughout his career. His 2023 album, "Road," was followed by a deluxe 50th-anniversary edition of "Billion Dollar Babies" in March 2024. A significant development occurred in July 2025 with the release of "The Revenge of Alice Cooper." This album marked the first full collaboration in over 50 years with original Alice Cooper Band members Michael Bruce (guitar), Dennis Dunaway (bass), and Neal Smith (drums), produced by longtime collaborator Bob Ezrin. The late guitarist Glen Buxton also appeared posthumously through archival recordings. The album was critically well-received, with some calling it a "homecoming" that reignited the group's passion for heavy rock.

As of May 2026, Alice Cooper continues his relentless schedule. He launched his "Alice's Attic Tour" in the U.S. in April 2026, which runs through early May, mixing theater shows with festival appearances. He is also slated for major European festival appearances in June and July 2026, including Welcome to Rockville, Graspop Metal Meeting, Copenhell, and Tons of Rock. Additionally, Cooper has a "Welcome to Our Nightmare" residency with magician Criss Angel at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, with additional dates announced for March, April, and May 2026 due to high demand. In April 2026, he introduced British guitarist Anna Cara as a temporary replacement for longtime guitarist Nita Strauss, who is on maternity leave. Further demonstrating his ongoing activity, Cooper announced a new memoir, "Devil On My Shoulder," set for release in October 2026, and launched a "Golf Rocks" merchandise line in March 2026.