Leeds enjoys lashings of Alice Cooper

Alice Copper

It’s been a few years since I photographed Alice Cooper but his latest appearance at Leeds Arena was just as spectacular as ever. We all turned up early hoping to photograph the Tubes in support but sadly, for some reason that was a no go. However, we did get four songs of the main show. There was also an added bonus later, when we were invited back to the pit for a guest spot from the original band. Alice Cooper has lost none of his on-stage charisma and showmanship, and from the energy levels up there you’d never guess he’s now pushing 70.

‘Be my Frankenstein’ was accompanied by someone on stilts wearing a massive Frankenstein head. At one point they wheeled a Guillotine on and faked him having his head cut off. The head was then held up for the crowd while the rest of his body was still kneeling there. Just brilliant and, I guess, exactly why he can still attract huge audiences. The 13,000 fans crammed into the arena were certainly not disappointed and honestly, neither was I. I went home with some Alice Cooper currency and his whip, which he literally threw straight at me. A fan leapt over the barrier and begged me to hand it over. But before I could make up my mind security stepped in and hauled him off. I normally like to go home with a plectrum but hey, I’ll settle for Alice Cooper’s whip!!

Alice Cooper, Nita Strauss

Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper