Iconic rock group to unveil debut album in over five decades
According to a recent announcement, legendary rock band Alice Cooper is set to release its first new album in over five decades. The highly anticipated album, titled “The Revenge of Alice Cooper,” will see all surviving members of the original Alice Cooper Group reunite. This includes guitarist Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway, and drummer Neal Smith, who will join forces with frontman Alice Cooper to deliver a 14-track album scheduled for release on July 25. This marks their first collaborative effort since the band’s 1973 release, “Muscle of Love.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee shared his experience of recording the album, stating that the process felt incredibly natural and akin to creating a follow-up to “Muscle of Love.” Cooper expressed his surprise at how seamlessly the music came together after five decades, likening the experience to picking up where they left off. Producer Bob Ezrin also highlighted the remarkable chemistry within the group, emphasizing how the band members’ connection remained intact since their earlier collaborations on albums like “Love It to Death,” “Killer,” “School’s Out,” and “Billion Dollar Babies.”
Ezrin elaborated on the band’s dynamic, observing that when they come together, it’s as if they are transported back to their youth. Despite the passage of time and personal growth, the group effortlessly taps into the camaraderie and creativity they shared over 50 years ago. The album will feature a rendition of the Yardbirds’ classic “I Ain’t Done Wrong,” a song the Alice Cooper Group frequently performed during their early days as The Spiders. Additionally, the lead single from the album, titled “Black Mamba,” will premiere on Cooper’s radio show, “Alice’s Attic.”
In a poignant gesture, “The Revenge of Alice Cooper” is dedicated to the memory of the band’s late guitarist Glen Buxton, who passed away at the age of 49 in 1997. Buxton’s influence is honored on two tracks on the album, serving as a testament to the band’s deep appreciation for their former bandmate. Despite their loss, the group was able to find a new energy with the addition of another guitarist who pays homage to Buxton’s legacy.
The Alice Cooper Group, originally formed as The Spiders in the 1960s, underwent a transformation when frontman Vincent Furnier adopted the stage name Alice Cooper. Subsequently recognized as the Alice Cooper Group or Alice Cooper Band, the ensemble released seven albums between 1969 and 1973, which produced hits such as “School’s Out,” “I’m Eighteen,” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” The band’s collective success culminated in their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
Following the group’s dissolution in 1974, Alice Cooper embarked on a successful solo career, releasing over 20 albums and contributing to iconic movie soundtracks. He also collaborated with various artists and bands, including Hollywood Vampires with Johnny Depp and Joe Perry. Despite his solo ventures, Cooper continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his electrifying performances. With an upcoming tour on the horizon, fans eagerly anticipate experiencing the timeless magic of Alice Cooper’s music once again.