Alice Cooper, the renowned shock rocker known for his theatrical performances and influential presence in rock music, has detailed his unconventional life journey in a new memoir, “Devil on My Shoulder,” co-written with Daniel Richler. The book offers a more expansive and nuanced account of redemption, contrasting with the traditional biblical story of the prodigal son.
Born Vincent Furnier in 1948 in Arizona, Cooper’s early life was shaped by a day-to-day pursuit of music and success, alongside an underlying religious influence from his preacher father. Moving to Los Angeles, he adopted the theatrical persona Alice Cooper, pushing boundaries with controversial stage acts that included wearing dresses, smashing baby dolls, and symbolic executions, culminating in his signature guillotine routine.
Alice Cooper the band gained notoriety during the early 1970s with hits such as “I’m Eighteen” (1970), “Halo of Flies” (1971), and “School’s Out” (1972). Despite facing harsh criticism—Billboard magazine described their sound as "hard as Hitler and cancerous as the cultural confusion it mirrors," while Playboy dismissed them as a “second to fifth rate talent”—the group enjoyed commercial success, including setting ticket price records at venues like Houston’s Astrodome. The band disbanded in 1974, after which Furnier officially took on the name Alice Cooper for his solo career.
Cooper’s memoir delves deeply into his battles with substance abuse. He reveals a decade-long struggle with heavy drinking, followed by cocaine addiction, including freebase use introduced to him by Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s lyricist collaborator. These addictions nearly destroyed his health and marriage. His eventual sobriety, sustained for over 40 years, began in the mid-1980s after a profound spiritual awakening, which he credits with saving his life. Cooper describes this moment as “the ultimate loss of control and the sanest thing I ever did,” aided by the support of his church-going wife and a newfound passion for golf.
Today, at 78 years old, Cooper remains active in the music industry, touring extensively with nearly 100 dates scheduled in 2025. He characterizes his stage persona and shocking theatrics as entertainment that should not be taken too seriously. He also reflects on his transformation from a rebellious figure to a devoted Christian, seeing his role as a modern-day equivalent to Paul the Apostle—a former “scourge” repurposed for a higher purpose.
In addition to music, Cooper supports youth through his Solid Rock Teen Centers, nonprofit organizations encouraging young people to develop their musical talents. His life story, spanning decades of artistic innovation, personal struggle, and spiritual renewal, offers a complex portrait of a figure who defied expectations both on and off the stage.