Macon, Ga., had a ghoulish surprise in store for them when shock rock legend Alice Cooper came to town on Oct. 18. The crowd came dressed in macabre make-up and black eyeliner ready for a night of pure, unadulterated, horrific fun. Alice took the stage at 8:15 p.m. Three black-hooded figures took down the curtain and carried it off the stage. A giant blast went off and the Godfather of Shock Rock appeared from the top of a staircase. Accompanying him was a five piece band that included three guitarists. The crowd went into a frenzy and the band launched in to “Hello Hooray” from the seminal 1973 album Billion Dollar Babies. The madness ceased to stop as Alice and crew rolled through classic rock staples “No More Mr. Guy” and “Under My Wheels.” The boisterous crowd could not get enough as they sang the chorus much to the delight of Mr. Cooper.
Alice Cooper’s band pulled out all of the stops, playing with conviction and ferocity. The group gives Cooper’s older material a metallic boost while adding some technicality to the songs. One of the highlights of the show was Nita Strauss, the newest guitarist in the group. She has played with Alice since June, but knows the songs like she has played them for 30 years. She is a virtuoso in the highest degree, playing several standout solos throughout the night. Guitarists Ryan Roxie and Tommy Henriksen got the crowd moving as well with hellish riffs. The group’s tight musicianship did not lag as the members kept the audience occupied while Alice changed wardrobe backstage. In fact, I did not notice any delay in the change in wardrobe or stage props.
The Macon Centreplex Coliseum impressed me as a first timer. The acoustics of the venue were clear and crisp. The band played loud, but never sounded indecipherable, and one could clearly hear each instrument. The venue has a capacity of over 9,000. On this night, the venue was one-third, to one-half full. However, that did not stop the band from putting on a stellar show. Alice used all of his signature props, including the guillotine and the colossal Frankenstein monster during the song “Feed my Frankenstein.” The group ended it on a high note with the encore “School’s Out.” The song was complete with confetti and balloons splashed across the audience.
Alice Cooper more than delivered in Macon, Ga. Halloween came early and it was certainly full of tricks and treats.
Gallery – Alice Cooper at Macon, Georgia 10/2014
