Through theatrics, black humor, and sly social commentary, Alice Cooper has influenced everyone from KISS to the Sex Pistols, and in Colorado Springs he reminded the world why. Cooper took the stage first, and within seconds it was clear this wasn’t some nostalgia act coasting on hits. Opening with the rarely heard “Who Do You Think We Are” from 1981’s Special Forces, he set the tone for the night: strange, daring, and full of surprises. That deep cut from one of his “blackout albums” immediately told fans this show wasn’t about comfort. It was about chaos, art, and commitment.
This is Cooper’s Alice’s Attic tour, and it lives up to its name. The set felt like rummaging through the mind of rock’s favorite villain, a twisted carnival where every song revealed another layer of madness. The production was massive, filled with fog, monsters, guillotines, blood, and enough atmosphere to rival Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. But beneath all that theatrical insanity was a real rock band, six musicians locked in tight, playing everything live with no backing tracks and no filler.
Cooper’s voice sounded strong and focused, cutting through the chaos with ease. Guitar prodigy Nita Strauss and Ryan Roxie led the charge, their twin-guitar chemistry creating sparks all night. Tommy Henriksen added his trademark grit, while Chuck Garric’s bass and Glen Sobel’s drumming gave the show its heartbeat. It’s easy to forget, with all the stage props and horror theatrics, just how good this band really is.
The setlist pulled from every corner of Cooper’s career. There were the fan favorites like “Poison,” “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “I’m Eighteen,” and of course “School’s Out.” But the real thrill came from the deep cuts. “Cold Ethyl,” “Brutal Planet,” “Dangerous Tonight,” and “House of Fire” gave the show its edge. Each song felt deliberate, and the pacing never faltered. Cooper doesn’t just perform rock shows. He directs them.
Sheryl Cooper joined the chaos as a murderous ballerina, adding another macabre twist to the story unfolding onstage. The guillotine scene returned in all its glory, followed by “Second Coming” and “Going Home,” a haunting calm before the storm. “School’s Out” closed the night with fireworks, confetti, and a clever nod to Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2.” It remains one of rock’s most satisfying finales, and somehow, it never feels old.
At 77, Alice Cooper still performs like a man possessed. He prowls, he sneers, and he controls every inch of the stage. Theatrical shock rock might not surprise anyone anymore, but Alice still owns it because it has always been part of his DNA.
What makes the show hit even harder is how human it feels. In a time when so many acts rely on tracks and technology, Cooper’s performance is loud, raw, and completely alive. It’s a reminder that real rock and roll still breathes.
Sharing the night with Judas Priest and Corrosion of Conformity, Cooper turned a cool Colorado evening into a full-blown celebration of heavy music. Together, they created something that felt bigger than nostalgia, a communal release for the faithful.
If this tour hits your city, don’t think twice. Show up ready, lean into the chaos, and let Alice Cooper remind you what live rock theater is supposed to feel like.
