Project Description

ALICE COOPER

+ ACE FREHLEY

@ Perth Arena 17/10/17

(Live Review)

.

Alice Cooper

ALICE COOPER . PERTH ARENA – photo by Karen Lowe

.

You know that there are always those certain artists who, no matter how many times you seen them, will ALWAYS deliver a hands down killer show.

Such an artist is Alice Cooper.

.

The undisputed master of horror rock kicked off the Australian leg of his “Spend The Night With Alice Cooper” tour in true style on a wet Tuesday night in Perth and a legion of black clad fans – punctuated here and there by nurses and a few faithful recreations of some of Cooper’s more bizarre characters – were treated to a slick show chock full of all the stage antics they’ve come to expect from the 70 year old performer down the years, and a couple of surprises to boot.

In tow as support for the tour was none other than the original Spaceman himself Ace Frehley, and the former KISS guitarist let loose with a set that was rammed with solo songs, KISS mega hits, pyrotechnics and some blistering guitar work. Kicking off with Parasite and Hard Times the guitarist displayed his infamous laid-back stage style to its full effect. Sunglasses in place, hair around his face, Frehley’s relaxed attitude was uber-cool and yet served to show the Perth crowd that he’s certainly lost none of his chops as a musician either. A glorious run through the Satanic Majesties-era Stones tune 2000 Man – a song he made his own on KISS’s iconic Dynasty album – was a hands down favourite and had the crowd singing along in full voice. After Rip It Out from Frehley’s first solo record, drummer Scot Coogan took lead vocals for a breakneck run through Love Gun that sounded better than Ace’s former bandmates do these days. New York Groove saw the Spaceman bring out his flashing light guitar and likewise Shock Me saw the return of the Budokan Les Paul that spewed smoke at the finale. A massive run through Detroit Rock City and Deuce finished Frehley’s set off, the Arena well primed for the what was to come.

.

Ace Frehley

ACE FREHLEY . PERTH ARENA – Photo by Karen Lowe

.

The set was like a remnant of a bad dream.

Clowns, spiders, skeletal stage crew in Hannibal Lecter masks, all adorned the stage as the backdrop fell and Alice Cooper‘s band kicked into the pummelling riff of Brutal Planet before the main man himself appeared wraith-like from the shadows. And just like that we were off on a journey into the tortured psyche of one of rock music’s greatest personas. Cooper is, and always has been, the consummate performer and his flair for the dramatic has not diminished in any way down the years. And this was a true greatest hits packed journey for fans too. No More Mr Nice Guy and Lost in America not only showcased his still excellent vocals but also the sheer musicianship of his band as well. Guitarist Nita Strauss – the only female member of the quintet – was a phenomenal tour de force throughout the entire show, her licks and solos blending easily with her energetic stage presence. Lost In America saw the band playing against the backdrop of a grunged-up stars and stripes and Million Dollar Babies elicited a huge crowd singalong with Cooper doling out his faux money to the crowd from the tip of his rapier. For a man of 70 Cooper puts on one hell of a show.

.

Alice Cooper

ALICE COOPER . PERTH ARENA – Photo by Karen Lowe

.

It was certainly bought home during The World Needs Guts that in the unbalanced climes of Coopers home country that this sentiment ran true and clear. And throughout it all he never broke character once. Barely acknowledging the crowd, never introducing songs or offering anecdotes or affections of whatever city he plays in (never a “we love you Perth” was uttered at all thank God) he is an artist who immerses himself in the performance utterly. A true rock Method actor. Poison was still as powerful as when it was first released and likewise Feed My Frankenstein was a true moment of horror cabaret; Cooper’s demented minions hauling his evil machine onto the stage whereby the singer strapped himself in and the machine was turned on. Cooper disappeared only to be replaced by his monstrous creation that roamed the stage. In one of the only subdued moments of the show he perched himself atop a trashcan to sing Only Women Bleed before restoring insanity to proceedings with Paranoiac Personality, after which Cooper performed his now infamous decapitation piece via guillotine.

.

ALICE COOPER guitarist NITA STRAUSS – Photo Karen Lowe

.

Finishing off the main set with I’m Eighteen, the band left the stage only to return moments later to encore with Schools Out.

And it’s here that things took a slightly bizarre turn with the unlikely appearance of Sir Bob Geldof to blast out the iconic tune to close the night. How or why this occurred was not made clear, but Geldof did seem a little out of place amongst the band. Even so it was a solid finale to an incredible show that drove home the fact that Cooper is still one of the most imaginative an enjoyable artists around. Here’s to yet another night with Alice. 

.

Check out KAY CANN’s gallery of the Adelaide show – HERE

.

Check out KAREN LOWE’s gallery of this show – HERE

.

.

AMNPLIFY – DB

Connect with Alice Cooper

Reviewer Details