Quite possibly the most underrated rock artist ever.
considering the type of entertainment with his music and his epic stage shows and the time period - he was years, decades ahead of his time. Even so, he actually had #1 albums.
He actually was idolized by and emulated by bands such as KISS (duh), Marilyn Manson (as Cooper once said, "I wonder where he got the idea for wearing makeup and taking a girl's name..."), New York Dolls, Tool, U2, Guns and Roses and even, yes, I'm not kidding, the king of pop himself, Michael Jackson.
All those bands consider themselves fans - and even Bob Dylan himself said in a Rolling STone interview that Cooper was an underrated songwriter.
AND, he made albums that were popular successes through the 70s and 80s and continues to tour today with his trademark stage show - which is probably the best stage show ever. Guillotines, hangings, electric chairs, firing squads - he's 'killed' himself all these ways and more on-stage.
Imagine how this went over in the 1970s. Not to mention his lyrics preceding what was termed "pigf*ck" in the 80s by bands like Big Black. Very innovative, very copied, and many bands are fans.
Always thought he never anything special with regards to his music, like Kiss, and got legendary off his performances more than anything (which I still don't think were anything amazing, although for their time maybe). Tool don't idolise and emulate Alice Cooper. They may very well appreciate him but they don't "idolise and emulate" him.
I'd rather have a band just stand there and play great music than arse about playing stuff like that. I mean, he was one of the first to do what he was doing but what did he innovate? Who did he pave the way for? Manson and the like. Not much to thank him for. But each to their own.
Tool don't put on a big stage show, they have video screens, Maynard occasionally dresses odd, that's about it. I never said Tool weren't fans, I said they don't emulate and idolise him. Admire or respect, maybe.
Then again, I'd never claim Cooper was anything close to Frank Zappa.
i've never been a huge fan of alice cooper but i have respect for him in that he has never backed down from his critics over the years and seems to be a pretty down to earth guy when you hear him speak
ah, well that's where you and frank zappa himself differ. Since he liked their sound that he could only say was kind of like him and then signed him.
and tool may not have columns of fire, but i don't think you realize how much The Alice Cooper Band (and later Cooper solo) had to do with making concerts more than just bands playing onstage
This thread didn't last long, not even a page!? Underrated for sure, this guy is amazing! He has a fantastic voice. Don't be fooled my all the black make up, Alice is a great singer. This is probably why he is underrated; because of the scary look. People won't give him a chance.
I only have one song of his, I sound like a really big fan don't I? I am going to get some though, I've heard his songs, just don't own them. Might be getting some for xmas, if not then go on ebay myself & find some bargins!
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Credit to Kuchiki.
Cooper has set his mark in music history. Not that everything he did rocked, but he did sharpen the 80's hardrock-sound and kept it living in some good songs. And he is a memorable stage artist, sticking to his roots and being an source of inspiration. Not my favorite artist, but anytime I hear 'Poison', 'Lost in America' or 'School's out' I smile from ear to ear.
KMC Community Forums
Sep 28th, 2005 06:05 AM
I am going to get some though, I've heard his songs, just don't own them. Might be getting some for xmas, if not then go on ebay myself & find some bargins! 
