Interview 9: Rock Legend & Amigo Alice Cooper

Call him the “master of shock rock” or simply one of rock ‘n roll’s great showmen, still Alice Cooper’s mark is undeniable. It was 1994 or 1995 when I first met Vincent Damon Furnier a.k.a. Alice Cooper. I met him at my brother-in-law’s church and was excited and surprised to meet him. I had heard of him growing up, but the first time I saw him was in Wayne’s World (if you have no idea what I’m talking about-watch the clip). The first time I saw him perform I realized I knew most of his hits:

No More Mr. Nice Guy
I’m Eighteen
School’s Out
Poison

Working with him, his amazing wife Sheryl, his son’s band – Runaway Phoenix, and his foundation for the last 15 years has been a lot of fun. Promoting his Solid Rock Foundation’s golf tournament got me into golf. Playing in it, I have met countless celebs and, through his generosity, I play with a hand-me-down set of Alice clubs…when I feel I worthy. I have been privileged to hear his encounters with people ranging from Elvis to today’s contemporary artists and stars. When he took a few minutes to answer these 29 questions, it meant a lot with his busy schedule. If you want to read more about the recently turned 60 year old performer go here or catch him on his Nights With Alice Cooper nightly radio show.

1: When did you start singing?
When I was Fifteen

2: Do you have an all time favorite artist or group?
Yes, the Yardbirds!

3: Do you have a current favorite artist or group?
White Stripes

4: Do you have a favorite venue to perform in?
East Town Detroit

5: Who is the most interesting person you have met or performed with?
Mick Jagger

6: Besides Rock, what is your favorite music genre?
Bossa nova

7: Have you ever designed your own album art?
I’ve designed five or six of my albums.

8: What is something that most people do not know about you?
I was an art major in college.

9: What is your favorite hobby…besides golf?
Collecting watches. One of my favorites is Patek Philippe.

10: What is your current handicap?
Current handicap is a four.

11: Favorite golf course?
Muirfield Golf Course

12: What is the greatest golf movie?
Caddyshack

13: When did you first realize you were a rock star?
I was born a rock star

14: How many movies have you appeared in?
I’ve appeared in fifteen movies.

15. Do you watch American Idol?
No…I Hate American Idol.

16: If you could have been the lead in any past movie what would it have been?
I would have had the lead role in Hellzapoppin.

17: If you could be any cartoon character who would it be?
I would be the cartoon character JINX.

18: What makes you happy or gets you excited about the day?
Every new day excites me.

19: What did you want to be when you were a kid?
I wanted to be Zorro as a kid.

20: What advice can you give an aspiring musician?
To all aspiring musicians ….. BE PROFESSIONAL!

21: What is the most important to you?
Most important …. BE ORIGINAL

22: What is the hardest and coolest part when you are on tour?
Hardest part of touring is being away from family and church. The coolest … Performing!

23: What kind of car do you drive?
Aston Martin

24: Favorite childhood superhero?
Batman

25: Favorite Candy?
Favorite candy would be licorice.

26: If he could be a lead singer in any other band who would it be?
I would have loved to have been the lead singer in THE DOORS.

27: Favorite or most inspiring book you have read recently?
Most inspiring book … THE BIBLE.

28: What is the most challenging song for you to play in Guitar Hero?
The most challenging song on Guitar Hero would be Through the Flames by Dragon Force.

29: What does design mean to you?
What does design mean to me? The package should say what the product is CREATIVELY!