Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop, two titans of the rock music scene, have long been linked by their shared passion for pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. As pioneers of the ’70s rock era, they both embraced the provocative and theatrical elements that would come to define their respective careers. Their connection went beyond mere admiration, however, as they developed a close friendship that would be tested by the dark side of fame and performance.
In the early ’70s, Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop were often seen in each other’s company, drawn together by their mutual appreciation for one another’s unique talents. Cooper, already famous for his elaborate stage shows and theatrical shock rock was an avid supporter of Pop and his band, the Stooges. He recognized the raw, visceral energy that Pop brought to his performances and saw him as a fellow trailblazer in the rock world. Conversely, Iggy admired Alice’s ability to captivate audiences with his macabre and imaginative stage presence.
Throughout the decade, the two musicians would attend each other’s shows and occasionally collaborate, solidifying their bond as friends and contemporaries. They were also known to frequent the same social circles, rubbing shoulders with other rock legends and attending the same parties and events. The connection between Cooper and Pop was so strong that they were even rumored to be related at one point, a myth that both artists have since debunked.
However, in a July 1975 interview with Creem magazine, Alice Cooper revealed that he had stopped going to Iggy Pop’s concerts. The reason for this decision was not due to a falling out or a competitive rivalry but rather a deep concern for Iggy Pop’s well-being. Cooper found it increasingly difficult to witness his friend’s self-destructive behavior on stage, which he believed was far more harmful than any artistry it might have conveyed.
Cooper described Pop’s performances as boring and depressing, a stark contrast to the energy and spontaneity that he admired in his friend’s earlier work. He recounted how Iggy would cut himself on stage, leaving him bleeding profusely and requiring medical attention. Alice himself had taken on the role of caretaker, driving Iggy Pop to the hospital on several occasions to ensure his friend’s safety.
This concern for Iggy’s health and well-being eventually led Alice Cooper to distance himself from his friend’s performances. It was a difficult decision to make, but one he felt was necessary in order to protect his own emotional and mental state. Cooper’s actions demonstrate not only his deep compassion for his friend but also his understanding of the power and responsibility that comes with fame and artistic expression.
Here is what Cooper said about the reason behind his avoidance of seeing Pop:
“That type of thing was more socially destructive than anything. I didn’t want to see Iggy anymore; I didn’t want to see this guy that I liked kill himself. It got to be real boring, and it got to be real down. I don’t like depressing things. I really don’t. I didn’t like to see Iggy cutting himself up onstage. I had to send him to the hospital myself two or three times personally just because the guy was going to bleed to death. It started hurting inside as a friend.”
So, Alice Cooper’s decision to stop seeing Iggy Pop’s concerts was driven by a combination of concern for his friend’s safety and an aversion to the increasingly destructive nature of his performances. It is a powerful reminder of the often-overlooked human side of these rock legends, showcasing the depths of their friendship and the lengths they were willing to go to protect one another. As we continue to celebrate their incredible contributions to music, it’s essential to remember the real people behind the personas and the impact their actions had on those closest to them.
