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Alice Cooper: The Godfather of Shock Rock Electrifies Noblesville

By Clarissa Darling on September 2, 2024

The night of August 31, 2024, will be etched in the memories of rock enthusiasts in Noblesville, Indiana, as Alice Cooper, the legendary architect of shock rock, delivered a performance that was nothing short of theatrical brilliance. The Freaks on Parade Tour, a spectacle of music and horror, saw Cooper and his band transform the Ruoff Music Center into a den of rock ‘n’ roll pandemonium. He was the first act just before Rob Zombie took the stage, although Cooper did a full set.

File Photo: The legendary Alice Cooper on his Freaks on Parade Tour, Noblesville, Indiana on August 31, 2024. (Photo Credit: Copyright 2024 Larry Philpot / SoundstagePhotography.com)

Alice Cooper, born Vincent Damon Furnier, has been the vanguard of the shock rock genre since the late 60s. With a career spanning over six decades, Cooper has been the mastermind behind some of the most iconic anthems in rock history. The original Alice Cooper band, formed in 1964, laid the groundwork for a new era of theatrical rock performances, combining horror imagery with raucous tunes. After the band’s dissolution in 1975, Cooper continued to captivate audiences with his solo career, selling over 50 million records worldwide.

The current lineup backing Cooper is a testament to his knack for surrounding himself with exceptional talent. The band features the virtuosic guitarists Ryan Roxie, Tommy Henriksen, and the phenomenal Nita Strauss, whose solo performance left the crowd in awe. On bass, Chuck Garric provides the thunderous backbone to the band’s sound, while Glen Sobel’s drumming is the heartbeat that drives the performance forward.

File Photo: Nita Strauss performs with the legendary Alice Cooper on his Freaks on Parade Tour, Noblesville, Indiana on August 31, 2024. (Photo Credit: Copyright 2024 Larry Philpot / SoundstagePhotography.com)

Alice Cooper’s influence on rock music has been recognized with numerous awards, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2011, and multiple Eyegore Awards. His contributions to the genre have earned him the title of “The Godfather of Shock Rock”.

Cooper’s flamboyant persona has graced various media platforms, from classic appearances on “The Muppet Show” to recent performances on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” His filmography includes cameos in “Wayne’s World” and “Dark Shadows,” showcasing his versatility as an entertainer

The setlist seemed to be a meticulously curated anthology of Cooper’s career. Opening with the defiant “Lock Me Up,” the show was a rollercoaster ride through classics like “No More Mr. Nice Guy” and “I’m Eighteen.” The crowd roared as the opening chords of “Under My Wheels” reverberated through the venue, and “Billion Dollar Babies” saw a sea of fists pumping in unison.

“Hey Stoopid” and “Man Behind the Mask” were performed with the same fervor as they were decades ago, while “Snake Bite” and “Feed My Frankenstein” showcased the band’s ability to blend theatrical storytelling with hard-hitting rock. “Poison,” arguably one of Cooper’s most beloved tracks, had the audience singing every word.

Nita Strauss’s solo was a highlight, displaying her extraordinary talent and cementing her status as a guitar hero. The sinister “Black Widow” led into the haunting “Dwight Fry,” followed by the morbidly playful “I Love the Dead.”

The other highlight was when a female performer was walking across the stage, ostensibly appearing to be obnoxiously taking pictures with a very large iPhone prop. Another performer pulled what appeared to be a machete, and grabbed the “photographer” from behind and slashed her throat, and she was immediately dragged off the stage.

The encore was a political satire with “Elected,” before closing with the anthemic “School’s Out,” which had the crowd rejoicing in the nostalgia and rebellion that Cooper’s music embodies.

Grade: A, with extra credit for killing the iphone girl.