From Rolling Stone · Kory Grow · · 1m 50s
Alice Cooper Tells Truth in New Memoir
Alice Cooper reveals his life story in memoir, correcting past lies about rock stardom and faith.
In brief
Alice Cooper reveals his life story in memoir, correcting past lies about rock stardom and faith. Alice Cooper details his childhood, drug use, and sobriety in new memoir, correcting past stories about himself. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Alice Cooper's New Memoir
Alice Cooper releases third memoir Devil on My Shoulder after renouncing his 1976 autobiography.
“I’ve got to go through a little bit of golf withdrawals.”
Childhood in Church of Jesus Christ
Cooper grew up in the Church of Jesus Christ, a group that believes in the Book of Mormon.
“My dad was named Ether Moroni, that’s right out of the Book of Mormon.”
Rock & Roll Rebel
Cooper embraced sex, drugs, and rock & roll with his bandmates in the 1970s.
“I invented Alice Cooper to be my favorite rock star.”
Alice Character's Role
His 'Alice' alter ego serves as his conscience to tell the truth about past exaggerations.
“The gist of it was there.”
Famous Friends
Cooper discusses friendships with John Lennon, Syd Barrett, and Jimi Hendrix.
“John got it. He’d laugh because it was funny.”
Christian Faith and Sobriety
Cooper maintained sobriety for over 40 years after becoming Christian.
“When I got baptized and became Christian, I told my pastor, 'I think I have got to put Alice Cooper away.'”
Drug Use and Sobriety
Cooper struggled with drug use and alcohol addiction before achieving sobriety.
“I was coking then.”
John Lennon's Assassination
Cooper was watching TV when John Lennon was assassinated.
“It was like a vacuum. It was just like, 'That can’t be right. Why him?'”
Rock Star Identity
Cooper created the 'Alice' character to be his rock star persona.
“All black leather, like The Avengers’ Emma Peel.”
Music Over Theater
Cooper prioritized music over theatrical performances in his band.
“We take the music more seriously than the theater by far.”
Sobriety and Career
Cooper maintains nearly 100 tour dates a year and a positive outlook as he approaches 80.
“I did this. I did that.”
Correcting Past Stories
Cooper clarifies the chicken incident story that made him famous in 1969.
“I remember there was a chicken, and I threw it in the audience, and they killed it and threw it back.”
Book Co-Authored
Daniel Richler co-authored Devil on My Shoulder with Cooper.
“I went, 'That sounded awful.'”
Faith and Rock Music
Cooper believes rock music and Christian faith can coexist.
“The two can live together.”
John Lennon's Legacy
Cooper reflects on John Lennon's impact and assassination.
“John, it’s the last thing I want to do.”
Sobriety Timeline
Cooper achieved sobriety 43 years ago after becoming Christian.
“When I got sober, finally, 43 years ago, what occurred to me was the fact that I needed my relationship back with Jesus Christ.”
The key point
Alice Cooper details his childhood, drug use, and sobriety in new memoir, correcting past stories about himself.
