Time can be cruel. For an outlandish, shock-rocker whose heyday of gimmicks and gore dates back over three decades ago, trying to maintain the level of shock and disgust that propelled him to notoriety can be quite a difficult task. [All photos by Phil Bardi.]
Then there's Alice Cooper. A man whose name and persona have been shrouded in mystery and mysticism since his wretched attack on all things safe and sane began. Before the term "urban legend" became a regular part of the vernacular, Alice Cooper had more fabled stories and tales circulating about his life, off-stage antics, fetishes and the true origin of his chosen stage name than any other rock star out there. And he did very little to put those myths to bed. Truth is, he reveled in those preposterous rumors as they helped bolster his image and sell records. Lots and lots of records. It might be difficult for many to remember the level of fear and contempt Alice Cooper instilled in parents and adults back in the early to mid-1970's. Before Rob Zombie or Marilyn Manson, or hell, even the late G.G. Allin graced us with their very own brand of horror and disgust, Alice Cooper was the figurehead of all things immoral and unspeakable. The near sell-out crowd at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater on Friday night sure remember those days. And for one night, they got to relive the glory of their youthful rebellion spent rallying around the man who helped put the danger and darkness back into a rock 'n' roll climate that had been saturated with the peace, love and harmony.