Alice Cooper is cool. In fact, Alice Cooper is very cool. I have been a HUGE fan of Alice Cooper since 1970, when he released his first of many hits, “I’m Eighteen.” My long term fandom for Alice Cooper (actual name, Vincent Furnier) was solidified in 1971, with the release of “Be My Lover” on the “Killer” album. The “Killer” album was particularly horrifying to my, not to mention, everyone’s, parents, due to its graphic artwork depicting a noose, blood, snakes, and other delightfully campy artifacts. The fact that my parents hated everything about Alice Cooper made me love him that much more. “Killer” is hard rock at its finest and Alice Cooper’s theatrical concert performances have entertained me for decades. I lent my “Killer” album to my friends and over the years, I have been told it changed their lives. No longer did they listen to bubble gum pop music; Alice was the real rock and roll deal. My mom, of course, forbid me to attend Alice Cooper concerts. Although she tried to tolerate my fascination with Alice Cooper in the privacy of our Florida room (that had an amazing sound system, thanks to my dad!), there was no way she would agree to let me see him perform live. I think she was afraid I would run off and join the Alice Cooper circus, if there were such a thing! Fast forward to adulthood. Alice Cooper performed in the lovely and historical Fox Theater in downtown Atlanta when David and I lived there. After many years of not having his most famous prop on stage, it was rumored to be back for the tour in 1990. David, somewhat reluctantly, took me to see Alice at the Fox! It was so amazing to see everyone dressed in black leather in such a beautiful theater! And, much to my delight, the rumors were true. Alice Cooper’s most famous stage prop, the guillotine, was back! Believe me, I couldn’t wait to call Mom the next day to tell her I had finally seen my childhood idol sever his head in the guillotine! Since then, David and I have gone to see Alice Cooper many, many times; in fact, we see him in concert every time he is in our area. Some things never change. Alice Cooper is still cooler than almost anyone!
I can’t say that I was an Alice Cooper fan in my teens; I was slow in adapting to his brand of shock rock. And, I don’t think I’ll forget the odd juxtaposition of the elegant environment of the 1929 Fox Theater and Alice Cooper’s fans and band, including the maestro himself. It was shocking to see the black leather, fishnet stockings, high heeled boots, and more (or, in some cases, less, in terms of body coverage). And, I gained a tremendous appreciation for Alice and all of his “shtick.” Then there was the music, complicated compositions – true hard rock and roll. Played loud! We now try to see him every cycle around because we know Alice the showman will entertain. His shows are visual and aural experiences – though earplugs are in order. The music of Alice, and his band, is loud. His family even gets in on the act, and he’s gracious in the opportunities he often gives young musicians to perform in his band. His last couple of tours have included some fantastic, and beautiful (it is hard not to notice) female guitarists. I’ve enjoyed photographing the shows (see images at www.dhfphotoworks.com) because of the visual effects. And, along the way, I’ve come to know about him – he’s a nice guy, not a hard rock stereotype. He prefers golf over partying – the makeup is all part of the act. When taking photos it is fun to see him closely, and be able to tell he’s having fun along the way. So, yes, I agree, Alice Cooper is cool! He is the epitome of cool. Finally, what does Alice Cooper have to do with our blog about work, life, trial consulting, and more? Everyone needs something to do to expand his or her mind. Readers of this blog probably have gathered by now that one of our outlets for “letting our hair down” is music, and concerts. Along the way, it has been fascinating to learn how many clients, who are formal, dressed up lawyers, by day, “come out at night” to enjoy some healthy, hearty rock & roll. If you have to ask why, you wouldn’t understand.
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