Story behind Alice Cooper's name as band set to reunite after 50 years
News of Alice Cooper's band reuniting for a new album has led to a renewed interest in the origins of the band's name. This marks the first time in 51 years that the band has regrouped, and the story behind their name remains somewhat enigmatic.
A popular myth suggests that the band derived their name from a Ouija board session, but this theory has been debunked. One fan took to
Reddit
to share this legend, writing: "The legend says the band got the name 'Alice Cooper' from a Ouija board." However, another fan clarified that this tale was fabricated, and the true genesis of the group's name is far more clever than the sensationalism of Ouija boards.
In reality, the band selected the name
Alice Cooper
to provide a stark contrast to the darker theatrics of their music. When the band disbanded, the lead singer legally changed his name to Alice Cooper to continue touring.
A post on the r/todayilearned subreddit explains: "Alice Cooper was originally the name of a band. To avoid legal complications when he started his solo career, the band's lead singer had his name legally changed so he could continue to tour under the Alice Cooper name."
Fans have since lauded the 'School's Out' songwriter for his dedication to the band and his decision to change his name. The band is set to reunite for the first time in over half a century and release a new album this July.
Drawing parallels between the reunion and riding a bike, Cooper reflected on the band's seamless return to the studio to lay down tracks for 'The Revenge of Alice Cooper'.
He mused: "Isn't that funny after 50 years? All of a sudden it just falls into place."
Bob Ezrin, the producer behind the scenes, observed that despite the passage of time, the band's essence has remained remarkably unchanged since their peak.
He noted that while their collaborative efforts have matured, the signature "interplay" that defined the band in the 1970s remains intact.
Alice Cooper will release their first album together in over 50 years (file)
(Image: Matthew Baker, Getty Images)
In an interview with Billboard, Ezrin shared: "I watch the interplay between them, it's like they just walked out of high school and were hanging out in the local café.
"They just revert to type. They revert to who they were as kids when the first got together... and make music together like they did 50-some years ago."
A 14-track album, slated for release in July, pays tribute to the late guitarist Glen Buxton, who tragically passed away at 49 in 1997.
Cooper expressed his desire to recapture the band's original magic, acknowledging that while his vocal style has evolved, the themes explored in their music remain as dark as they were during the band's heyday.
He elaborated: "The original band has a darker sound, and a heavier sound. It's a very different personality, and I even sing differently when I sing with those guys."
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