Page 59 - Black Velvet Issue 95

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ALICE COOPER / THE MISSION / THE TUBES – BIRMINGHAM ARENA, 14.11.17

July 28th saw the release of ‘Paranormal’, Alice Cooper’s 27th album, Everyone knows the drill – the guillotine, the living wind-up doll, the
one that included two new recordings written and recorded by the original giant Frankenstein, Nurse Sheryl… but whether it’s your first time or your
Alice Cooper line-up (‘Genuine American Girl’ and ‘You And All Of Your 40th, the fun factor is always at max. It’s a set full of anthems with late
Friends’). It makes perfect sense then, and a treat for fans, that original 80s single, ‘Poison’, receiving one of the loudest cheers. ‘No More Mr.
members; Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway and Neal Smith should join Nice Guy’, ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ (with fluttering notes showering the front
Alice on tour to perform some songs. But Alice Cooper’s current band- row, thrust from Alice’s sword), ‘Lost In America’, ‘I Love The Dead’ –
mates had nothing to worry about, as they were definitely still needed, everything you expect at an Alice Cooper show. At just under 70 years
and made up the majority of the show. old, he’s showing no signs of slowing down, really giving the audience
Rather surprisingly, the floor of the arena is all seated, making it easier everything they hope for and expect. One part of the show is different
for fans to turn up late rather than having to queue to get the best spot. though, and that is the original members joining Alice on stage. Their mini-
Support comes in the form of The Tubes and The Mission. Both have a set is five songs in length – the last five numbers of the show. Michael,
reasonable audience to perform in front of, although neither really create Dennis and Neal join Alice and Ryan Roxie on stage for ‘I’m Eighteen’,
much of an impact, with all but a minute number staying glued to their Dennis in particular, giving it all the rock moves. The finale comes with
seats. ‘School’s Out’, initiated with small bubbles blown into the air, and the cur-
“Well, well, well, what have we here? Brave new visitors or unfortunate rent members joining the original members. There are two drum kits; Glen
victims? You have been invited into this nightmare world…” we’re told Sobel drums on the right one, while Neal’s is on the left. “It’s party time in
through the speakers. The dark and eerie intro of ‘Brutal Planet’ kicks Birmingham,” says a now top-hat-and-all-white-wearing Alice, as big bal-
things off in a twisted and sinister way with Alice Cooper parading the loons are thrown out and confetti falls from the ceiling, before ‘Another
stage in a black velvet jacket, menacingly gripping a long black cane. He Brick In The Wall’ wraps the show up. The theatrical legend as always has
is the master and he’s ready to command. The classic ‘Under My Wheels’ impressed, entertained and well and truly conquered the audience. We
brings about a lighter rock ‘n’ roll vibe with every part of the stage exciting may have been the victims but the Coop’s crimes inflicted pleasure rather
to watch, with Cooper’s bandmates; Nita Strauss, Ryan Roxie, Tommy than pain, and we’ll be back for the next installment, that’s for sure.
Henriksen and Chuck Garric bounding around; Nita in particular, flinging YYYYY
her hair while wielding her guitar and energetically diving for gold. Alice Shari Black Velvet
Cooper himself is the ultimate showman, a true professional, whose team
of players were handpicked for the best possible show and keep up the Alice Cooper and Ryan Roxie Photo By Shari Black Velvet
high standard.

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