Alice Cooper, the pioneer of shock rock, has earned a net worth of $50 million. He rose to fame in the 1970s with provocative lyrics and horror-themed performances. Over five decades, Cooper has released 28 studio albums, 11 live albums, and 48 singles. He has also appeared in films and TV shows. The legendary singer and songwriter remains active in music and philanthropy. This article explores Cooper’s life, career, achievements, and influences.
Alice Cooper’s Early Life and Career
Early life and background
Alice Cooper, born Vincent Damon Furnier in 1948, hails from a religious Detroit family. His father evangelized for the Church of Jesus Christ. At age 11, Cooper sang in church yet became drawn to rock music and horror films. Plagued by illness, his family relocated to Phoenix, Arizona. There, at Cortez High School, Cooper met future bandmates.
Formation of the Alice Cooper Band
In 1964, Alice Cooper formed a mock band to parody The Beatles. Enjoying success, they created a real band called The Spiders. Their first single became a local hit in Phoenix and LA. In 1967, they added guitarist Michael Bruce and drummer Neal Smith.
In 1968, now in LA, the band renamed themselves Alice Cooper, supposedly suggested by an Ouija board. Cooper adopted the name as his stage persona, contrasting with his dark image. They signed with Frank Zappa’s Straight Records, releasing their experimental debut album in 1969, though it flopped commercially.
Success and Controversies in the 1970s
Alice Cooper’s breakthrough came with 1971’s Love It to Death and the hit “I’m Eighteen”, capturing adolescent angst. Producer Bob Ezrin helped refine their sound. Their 1971 album Killer continued their fascination with death.
Their popularity soared with 1972’s School’s Out and its rebellious title track. Their shows became more elaborate spectacles. 1973’s Billion Dollar Babies topped charts with hits like “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” The album featured celebrity guests. Its tour broke records but took a toll.
1974’s Muscle of Love returned to a rawer sound but sold poorly. Legal troubles emerged. The band took a break in 1975, leading to their breakup.
Alice Cooper’s solo career in the 1980s and beyond
Alice Cooper’s 1975 concept album Welcome to My Nightmare established his solo career. With tracks like “The Black Widow,” “Only Women Bleed,” and “Cold Ethyl,” the album continued his horror-themed character. A David Winters-directed TV special and Vincent Price voiceover accompanied the CD. It reached number five on the Billboard 200.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Alice Cooper released records but lost fame due to drinking and drug use. He tried new wave, pop rock, and heavy metal. Lace and Whiskey (1977), From the Inside (1978), Flush the Fashion (1980), Special Forces (1981), Zipper Catches Skin (1982), and DaDa (1983) are important albums from this time.
Alice Cooper returned in 1986 with Constrictor. “He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask)” and “Teenage Frankenstein” showed his return to hard rock and heavy metal. Guitarist Kane Roberts and bassist Kip Winger contributed to the record. In 1987, Raise Your Fist and Yell was another hit record.
Trash by Alice Cooper peaked in 1989. His best-selling solo record sold over two million copies in the US. Desmond Child, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Joan Jett collaborated on the record. “Poison,” his best success, reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 from the album.
Hey Stoopid (1991), The Last Temptation (1994), Brutal Planet (2000), Dragontown (2001), The Eyes of Alice Cooper (2003), Dirty Diamonds (2005), Along Came a Spider (2008), Welcome 2 My Nightmare (2011), Paranormal (2017), and Detroit Stories (2021) kept Alice Cooper relevant. He worked with Guns N’ Roses, Rob Zombie, Slash, Marilyn Manson, Ke$ha, Foo Fighters, and Johnny Depp.
Alice Cooper’s Net Worth and Achievements
Overview of Alice Cooper’s net worth
Alice Cooper’s estimated 2023 net worth stands at $50 million, accrued from album sales exceeding 50 million copies globally. Additional income stems from tours, merchandise, royalties, endorsements, and business ventures. Cooper’s real estate portfolio includes properties in Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Tennessee. He also owns classic cars and rock memorabilia.
Successful albums and tours
Alice Cooper has released 28 solo albums and 7 band albums. His top-selling include Billion Dollar Babies, Welcome to My Nightmare, Trash, Hey Stoopid, and Brutal Planet.
Cooper has toured extensively since the 1970s, performing over 2,000 shows globally. Notable tours include Billion Dollar Babies grossing $4.5 million, Welcome to My Nightmare grossing $10 million, Trash grossing $20 million, Brutal Planet grossing $30 million, and Paranormal grossing $40 million. He remains one of rock’s most prolific and influential live performers.
Acting Career and Other Ventures
Cooper has pursued acting, appearing in The Muppet Show, Wayne’s World, and Jesus Christ Superstar Live among others. He’s voiced animated characters in The Simpsons, Family Guy, and video games.
Other ventures include radio hosting, golfing, writing, and philanthropy. He hosts a classic rock radio show, is an avid golfer with a book on the sport, and wrote an autobiography. His Solid Rock Foundation provides music and arts education for at-risk youth.
Personal Life and Influences
Alice Cooper’s relationships and family
Married since 1976, Alice Cooper’s wife Sheryl is a dancer and choreographer who performs with him. Their three children – Calico, Dash, and Sonora – are also creative professionals who collaborate with Cooper.
Before marrying, Cooper dated Christine of the GTOs groupies, model Cindy Lang, and actress Raquel Welch. His family has been closely involved in his decades-long career.
Substance abuse and recovery
Alice Cooper struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction during his early fame. He began heavily drinking in the 1970s to cope with stress, leading to health issues. He also used cocaine, heroin, LSD, and PCP before quitting drinking in 1983 after rehab. Embracing Christianity helped Cooper overcome addiction. Though still an occasional smoker, he has been sober for decades.
Alice Cooper’s religious and political beliefs
Cooper is a born-again Christian who attends church in Phoenix. He believes God helped him overcome alcoholism and gave him new purpose. Cooper sees his stage persona as separate from himself, not promoting evil. He uses music to warn of sin’s dangers rather than glorify them.
Though a conservative Republican, Cooper avoids mixing music and politics. He respects fans of all affiliations. He believes rock stars lack qualifications for political commentary, joking “if you get political advice from rock stars, you’re a bigger moron than they are.”
