Alice Cooper has confirmed he has no plans to retire from touring at the age of 77, stating that performing is an integral part of his life. The rock icon made these remarks during an appearance on the Rock & Roll High School podcast.
Cooper’s comments addressed his continued enjoyment of touring and his commitment to his performance schedule.
“Oh, yeah. Touring for me is just part of life. I’ve been touring since I was 16 years old. I’m 77 now, and I think I’m doing my best shows now.”
He drew parallels with other veteran musicians who continue to perform, highlighting the passion for their craft.
“Same with [The Rolling Stones’ Mick] Jagger, same with [The Beatles’ Paul] McCartney and Ringo [Starr] and all those guys. We could have all retired 30 years ago financially, but it’s what I love to do, and actually it really keeps me healthy. I get up and do 90 minutes a night 200 times a year. I feel great. If you’re not on drugs, you’re not drinking, you’re not smoking cigarettes, it’s a pretty healthy lifestyle… I mean, Jagger does a half an hour on a treadmill before he does the three-hour show, where he never stops.”
Cooper further elaborated on the dedication of himself and his contemporaries to their art, suggesting a natural inclination for performance.
“My wife says, ‘With all the murder and all of the disease and all of the death on this planet, what kind of world are we gonna leave [The Rolling Stones’] Keith Richards?’ … But you’ve gotta put [The Who’s] Pete Townshend in there, and you’ve gotta put Rod Stewart in there and Elton John, all the guys that just do what they love to do. And especially Bob Dylan — [he does] 200 shows a year. He never stops. Beach Boys were like that too. So I’m just saying there are certain people that were born to be on stage.”
The discussion centered on the enduring appeal and physical demands of live performance for seasoned artists. Alice Cooper’s stage persona, characterized by theatrics and horror-themed imagery, has been a consistent element throughout his career since the late 1960s. This distinctive style has set him apart in the rock music landscape.
The veteran rocker’s mention of Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney highlights a trend among iconic musicians who continue to embark on extensive tours well into their later years. These artists often maintain rigorous performance schedules, demonstrating remarkable stamina.
Cooper’s comparison to Keith Richards and Pete Townshend underscores the longevity of many foundational figures in rock and roll. Their continued presence on stage reflects a deep-seated connection to their music and audiences.
The reference to Bob Dylan and The Beach Boys points to artists who have built their legacies on relentless touring and consistent output. This dedication to live performance is a hallmark of their enduring appeal.
