Who says you can’t teach an old snake new tricks? In a delightfully unexpected twist that’s got the rock world buzzing, shock rock pioneer Alice Cooper — yeah, that Alice Cooper — is getting the band back together. And not just any band — we’re talking about the original lineup that gave us anthems like “School’s Out” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.”
The 77-year-old maestro of mayhem hasn’t lost his bite. Cooper’s reuniting with guitarist Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway, and drummer Neil Smith for their first album since — get this — the Nixon administration. “The Revenge of Alice Cooper” isn’t just a clever title; it’s practically a statement of defiance against Father Time himself.
“It was very much like this was our next album after Muscle of Love,” Cooper recently told Billboard, that familiar dry wit crackling through. “Isn’t that funny after 50 years? All of a sudden it just falls into place.” There’s something wonderfully absurd about discussing a follow-up album with a half-century gap, yet somehow it makes perfect sense in rock ‘n’ roll’s twisted timeline.
The new record carries extra emotional weight by featuring two tracks with original guitarist Glen Buxton, who passed away in ’97. “What Happened to You” showcases one of Buxton’s signature riffs, while “Return of the Spiders 2025” gives a modern makeover to a 1970 classic — proof that some spiders never lose their bite.
Meanwhile, across America’s festival landscape, a fascinating phenomenon is unfolding. Take the Austin Blues Fest, coinciding with legendary blues joint Antone’s golden anniversary. Here’s 85-year-old Mavis Staples — the last standing member of the mighty Staple Singers — sharing billing with 15-year-old guitar whiz Taj Farrant. Now that’s what you call a generational bridge.
Producer Bob Ezrin, who helped craft Cooper’s sound during their ’70s glory days, nails it when describing these musical reunions: “Obviously everyone’s older and more mature and more settled, but when we all get together… it’s like they just walked out of high school and were hanging out in the local cafe.” Some things never change — thank goodness for that.
The timing feels right for these musical homecomings. As Ashley McDurmon of Orion Financial puts it, “Music brings us together — a space where we can all gather.” In an age where everything seems disposable, there’s something reassuring about legends refusing to fade away.
Mark your calendars — Cooper’s new single “Black Mamba” slithers onto streaming platforms April 22, with the full album dropping in July. Tour rumors are already spreading faster than backstage gossip, and longtime fans are practically vibrating with excitement. “I’ve been looking forward to this since 1973!” one follower posted, and honestly? Same.
Maybe that’s the real magic here. Whether it’s Cooper’s theatrical shock rock or Staples’ soul-stirring vocals, authentic musical expression doesn’t come with an expiration date. Some things just get better with age — like fine wine, vintage guitars, and apparently, rock ‘n’ roll rebels who refuse to go quietly into that good night.
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