Legendary rock icon Alice Cooper recently reunited with the surviving members of his original band for a special performance. Guitarist Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway, and drummer Neal Smith joined Cooper on stage for the "Christmas Pudding" charity event in Phoenix, Arizona. This rare reunion showcased a mix of their classic hits and new material, all while supporting a vital cause.
The performance also featured Nashville-based guitarist Gyasi Heus, who filled in for the late Glen Buxton. Heus also played on the band's latest album, "The Revenge Of Alice Cooper," marking the first full album from the original lineup since 1973. The event highlights Cooper's ongoing commitment to his Solid Rock Teen Centers.
Key Takeaways
- Alice Cooper reunited with original band members Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neal Smith.
- The reunion took place at the "Christmas Pudding" charity concert in Phoenix, Arizona.
- They performed songs from their classic catalog and their new album, "The Revenge Of Alice Cooper."
- The event raised money for Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers, supporting youth arts programs.
- Guitarist Gyasi Heus joined the band, stepping in for the late Glen Buxton.
A Return to the Stage: The "Christmas Pudding" Event
The Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona, hosted the annual "Christmas Pudding" concert, a fundraising initiative by Alice Cooper. This year's event on Saturday, November 15, brought a significant moment for rock fans: the original Alice Cooper band performing together again. The lineup included Alice Cooper himself, alongside Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neal Smith.
The band delivered a powerful set, blending their iconic tracks with new songs from "The Revenge Of Alice Cooper." This album, released in July via earMUSIC, is dedicated to Glen Buxton, who passed away in 1997. It is seen as a direct successor to their influential albums like "School's Out" and "Billion Dollar Babies."
Fast Fact
Alice Cooper's "Christmas Pudding" concert has been an annual tradition for 23 years, raising funds for his Solid Rock Teen Centers.
The Genesis of a Reunion Album
The idea for a new album from the original Alice Cooper band had been brewing for some time. Alice Cooper explained that the band never truly dissolved with animosity. "When we parted, we didn't divorce; we just separated. There was no bad blood," he stated. The members remained in contact, eventually leading to discussions about recording new music.
Bringing in longtime producer Bob Ezrin was a crucial step. Cooper expressed his surprise at how smoothly the process unfolded. "Everything went so smoothly. We wrote all these songs, and it sounded exactly like 1975," he remarked, highlighting the natural chemistry that resurfaced among the musicians.
"It just felt like this was the album that should have come out after 'Billion Dollar Babies.' It had that feel to it."
Finding a New Guitarist
Replacing Glen Buxton was a significant challenge for the band. Buxton was often referred to as their "Keith Richards" due to his distinctive style. For the new album, "The Revenge Of Alice Cooper," they enlisted Robby Krieger to play on the track "Black Mamba."
Ultimately, they found Gyasi Heus, a talented guitarist from Nashville, who fit seamlessly into the band's sound. Heus's involvement on the album and his performance at the "Christmas Pudding" event underscore the band's continued musical evolution while honoring their roots.
Solid Rock Teen Centers: A Mission of Support
The "Christmas Pudding" event is more than just a concert; it is a critical fundraiser for Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers. These centers provide a safe and supportive environment for teenagers aged 12 to 20, offering a variety of programs.
The programs focus on music, dance, art, and vocational training, giving young people valuable skills and creative outlets. Cooper's dedication to this cause has been unwavering for over two decades, making a tangible difference in the lives of countless teens.
About Solid Rock
Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers aim to inspire creativity and provide positive alternatives for young people, fostering their talents in a supervised, drug-free environment.
A History of Reunions and Impact
While the recent "Christmas Pudding" performance was special, it was not the first time the surviving members of the original Alice Cooper band have shared a stage. Their history includes several significant reunions over the years.
In 1999, they performed at the second Glen Buxton Memorial Weekend. Another "Christmas Pudding" reunion occurred in 2010, followed by their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2011. There was also a record store reunion concert, documented in "Alice Cooper: Live From The Astroturf."
Recent Collaborations
- 1999: Glen Buxton Memorial Weekend performance.
- 2010: Alice Cooper's "Christmas Pudding" concert.
- 2011: Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony.
- 2015: Record store reunion concert in Dallas, Texas.
- 2017: Guest appearances on Cooper's solo albums "Welcome 2 My Nightmare," "Paranormal," and "Detroit Stories."
- July 2023: Joined Alice on stage at London's O2 Arena to perform "School's Out" with Johnny Depp.
- July 2023: Participated in an exclusive Q&A session with producer Bob Ezrin at London's Union Chapel.
These appearances highlight the enduring bond among the band members and their willingness to collaborate, both on new music and for special events.
The Legacy of The Alice Cooper Band
Formed in 1968, the original Alice Cooper band pioneered a theatrical and shocking brand of hard rock. Their stage shows were revolutionary, incorporating electric chairs, guillotines, fake blood, and boa constrictors. This unique blend of horror, vaudeville, and garage rock set them apart.
Within five years, they released seven studio albums, achieving international success with hits like "School's Out" and the U.S. No. 1 album "Billion Dollar Babies" in 1973. By 1974, the band had reached the pinnacle of rock stardom before eventually dissolving.
Alice Cooper continues to tour extensively, bringing his signature rock psycho-drama to fans worldwide. His dark and horror-themed theatrics remain a core part of his performances, captivating audiences both old and new. He remains the architect of shock rock, constantly challenging the status quo and delivering a sense of danger, much like a classic horror film.