Alice Cooper Is Finally Ready to Tell the Truth

Alice Cooper, the legendary shock rocker known for his theatrical performances and enduring influence on rock music, has released his most candid memoir to date, titled Devil on My Shoulder. At 78 years old, Cooper looks back on a life that has been anything but conventional, detailing the intricate interplay between his strict religious upbringing, his rebellious youth, and his lasting legacy in rock and roll.

Cooper’s new memoir sheds light on his early years in a devout family associated with the Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonites), a sect connected to but distinct from the mainstream LDS Church. Raised in a household led by his preacher father, Ether Moroni, who believed Native Americans were part of the lost tribes of Israel, Cooper’s childhood was marked by frequent relocations, including a move from Detroit to Arizona aimed at alleviating his childhood asthma and supporting his father’s missionary efforts. This foundation contrasts sharply with the wild persona Cooper later adopted on stage.

The Alice Cooper character, which emerged in the early 1970s, became a defining figure in rock history through its dark makeup, leather attire, and macabre theatricality. The band’s elaborate live shows featured dramatic executions and props such as guillotines and gallows, creating a villainous rock star image that captivated audiences. Cooper’s music, however, maintained a high level of sophistication, producing classic hits like “I’m Eighteen,” “School’s Out,” and “Elected,” which balanced humor and complexity beneath the shock-rock veneer.

In Devil on My Shoulder, Cooper revisits notorious episodes from his career, including the infamous “chicken incident” of 1969, offering a more nuanced and honest recounting. He acknowledges varying perspectives on the event while affirming the core truth of what occurred. This memoir marks a departure from earlier autobiographical works that he admits included exaggerations or fabrications, as he now aims to reconcile fact and myth with an unfiltered perspective.

Cooper also reflects on his relationships with other iconic musicians, including John Lennon, Syd Barrett, and Jimi Hendrix. His friendship with Lennon is particularly notable; Lennon encouraged Cooper to speak openly about his political views, but Cooper preferred to keep his music an escape rather than a platform for activism. This stance set him apart during an era when many artists were politically vocal, a choice he explains through his lifelong ambivalence toward politics and a desire to focus on entertainment.

His memoir further explores the tension between his faith and his lifestyle during the height of his drug and alcohol abuse. Despite his notorious excesses, Cooper reveals a continual inner struggle to reconcile his Christian beliefs with the chaotic reality of his career and personal life. This journey culminated in his sobriety, which he has maintained for over four decades, allowing him to sustain a vigorous touring schedule and embrace a more positive outlook in his later years.

A significant portion of the book discusses his enduring confidence and resilience, emphasizing learning from mistakes rather than being defined by them. Cooper's attitude toward the evolution of his career and persona is marked by acceptance and a willingness to move forward. He also touches on his current philanthropic efforts, notably his work with at-risk youth through the Solid Rock Foundation, where he provides free music lessons and mentorship, recognizing the transformative power of music.

Cooper addresses misconceptions about his upbringing and faith, clarifying his nuanced views on the Book of Mormon and his belief system. While he respects the Bible as literal truth, he remains skeptical about the canonical status of the Book of Mormon, distinguishing his family's religious views from those commonly associated with mainstream Mormonism.

Throughout the memoir, Cooper confronts the myths that have surrounded his public persona and career, including the often sensationalized stories that fueled his reputation as a rock villain. By intertwining personal anecdotes with reflections on his artistic and spiritual evolution, he offers readers a layered understanding of the man behind the makeup.

The memoir closes with a condensed account of the last 40 years, during which Cooper has balanced his legacy with ongoing creativity and sobriety. He hints at the possibility of a future sequel but expresses contentment with his current life trajectory. His story is one of reinvention and redemption, illustrating how the boundaries between performer and person can blur but ultimately coexist.

Alice Cooper’s Devil on My Shoulder stands as a compelling testament to an artist who has navigated the extremes of fame, faith, and personal demons. It provides a rare glimpse into the complexities that shaped both the man and the myth, enriching the understanding of one of rock’s most enduring icons.