By photojournalist Jeffrey Moellering
Alice Cooper once again demonstrated why he remains the reigning king of shock rock, delivering a performance that was both thrilling and spellbinding, before a packed BayCare Sound, waterside in downtown Clearwater. The veteran rocker, who has been captivating fans for decades, showed no signs of slowing down even now at 77, as he took the stage for a high-energy set filled with his iconic hits, theatrical antics, and jaw-dropping visuals.
From the moment the lights dimmed, the audience knew they were about to witness a real spectacle. The stage was a theatrical playground, complete with oversized props, eerie lighting, and a backdrop straight out of a gothic horror film. When the opening notes of “No More Mr. Nice Guy” rang out, Cooper firmly held court, prancing like a rock-and-roll villain, clad in his signature black leather, eye makeup, and a devilish grin.
The music was tight as his cracking whip, with the band in perfect sync, delivering classic tracks like “Welcome To My Nightmare,” “Billion Dollar Babies,” and “Cold Ethyl.” Each song was accompanied by dramatic visuals that brought Alice’s spooky persona to life, including an elaborate scene where Cooper was “executed” on stage with a guillotine by a Marie Antoinette-like dominatrix (who just happens to be his real- life wife!), an act that both shocked and delighted fans. Cooper’s theatrics are so convincing that he makes you wonder whether he actually IS that guy in real life! Cooper’s voice, though weathered by years of performing, was still as captivating as ever, and serves the raucous nature of his songs. His ability to command the stage and engage the crowd remains unparalleled, whether he was prowling around twirling his signature cane, pulling stunts with his band, or engaging in banter with the audience. His stage presence still holds the kind of magnetism that younger rockers can only hope to achieve someday.
The setlist included a mix of fan favorites and a few less well-known cuts, offering something for both longtime-fans and new listeners. A real highlight included an explosive guitar showdown between guest guitarist and former Guns ‘N Roses member Gilby Clarke, and Ryan Roxie, as the two traded licks from perches on opposite sides of the stage, synchronized with video screen duplicates.
But of course, no Alice Cooper show would be complete without a healthy dose of horror-themed theatrics. The visual effects—fog, flames, and dazzling lights—created a truly immersive experience. The crowd cheered as Cooper played the role of a twisted ringmaster, guiding fans through a circus-like house of horrors. It was a perfect marriage of music and theater.
The encore was everything fans could have hoped for, culminating with a frenzied version of “Feed My Frankenstein” replete with an 8-foot Frankenstein stomping around the stage. By the time the final chords rang out, with confetti and giant balloons raining down, it was clear that Alice Cooper remains one of the most dynamic, entertaining rock stars of our time. His blend of music, theatricality, and pure energy is unmatched, and it’s a joy to see that after all these years, he’s still rocking harder than ever.
If you ever have the chance to see Alice Cooper live, by all means take it—his shows are more than just concerts with a rote recital of songs; they’re a full-on sensory-saturating experience! With all of Cooper’s career success, one might wonder why he keeps the show going after so many decades, now entering his twilight years, but given how much fun he’s having, it might be better to ponder “Why the hell would he NOT do this to scare away the grim reaper himself?!” Potent medication indeed.
