To many, he’s the Billboard-bearing theatrical heavy metal musician dubbed the Godfather of Shock Rock. But to his five grandchildren, Alice Cooper is known as “Pop-pop.”
“I’m the biggest sucker. My grandchildren own me,” says the superstar of 50-plus years.
As Cooper lovingly calls Paradise Valley home, he took the time to chat with our publisher reflecting on Christmastime as a kid, their Cooper holiday traditions, and his passion for giving back to the community.
Growing up a minister's son, what were the holidays like when you were young?
We were lower-middle class Detroit. My dad was an honest used car salesman, and my mom was a waitress, so if we got two presents, it was a big deal. However, Christmas was special because it snowed and everybody on the block knew each other.
What was the best Christmas present you ever received?
My dad got me a Michigan Wolverines helmet. It meant everything.
Describe Christmas with the Coopers when your kids were young.
When my kids were little, they would sleep under the Christmas tree in sleeping bags. As soon as the sun came up, we’d start opening gifts.
What’s Christmas like now that your kids are grown?
Well, my kids still sleep under our Christmas tree with their kids! I thought the tradition would end, but it’s only bigger and better. Before we open any gifts, though, Sheryl (my wife) reads The Littlest Angel.
I go full-throttle overboard with gifts. It takes hours to open everything. There’s a ton of coffee involved.
We always attend Christmas Eve service, and the day after Christmas, our family heads to Maui.
What does living in Paradise Valley mean to you?
When you land in Phoenix after you’ve been on tour, it’s like you’re on vacation. I went to Cortez High, hung at Christown Mall, and grew up watching Wallace and Ladmo. Our kids went to Hopi Elementary School. PV is paradise, and PV is home.
Favorite hot spots in the Valley?
We love Tarbell’s and Maple & Ash. I play golf at Phoenix Country Club, The Phoenician, and Orange Tree.
You started Solid Rock Teen Centers in 1995 with Chuck Savale and your wife Sheryl. You have multiple Valley locations, with another opening next year. As the founding father of your foundation, how do you feel seeing it evolve?
Sheryl and I saw a need for teenagers; a kid’s biggest enemy is too much time on their hands. Every kid has a talent, so we opened a place encouraging teens to find themselves. There’s no catch; we offer free private music and art lessons. Our mission is to help teens identify with creativity.
You’re an idol for so many. Who is your musical idol?
When I was 15, The Beatles came out. I knew I was artistic, and when I heard The Beatles, I knew I wanted to be a musician.
What was your big break?
We were a band that was never supposed to make it because we weren’t groovy, we weren’t hippies, and we scared people. Our big break was thanks to Bob Ezrin. Bob heard us play, and everything unfolded from there. We had this dark, controversial image ... but we hit records, so it worked!
You’ve been married almost 50 years ... what’s the secret to successful matrimony?
Sheryl and I have common values and never fight. If I could pick anybody to hang out with, it would be her. Sheryl is elegant, romantic, and ridiculously smart.
What’s on your wish list for Santa?
I have everything I’ve ever wanted, so surprise me.
Cooper’s sold-out annual Christmas Pudding returns to Phoenix’s Celebrity Theatre this month benefitting his foundation, AliceCooperSolidRock.com