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Shock and Awe

Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie to electrify Pavilion at Montage Mountain

Author: Justin Dorneman

Welcome to their nightmare.

When it comes to intricate "shock-rock" performances, few do it better than Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie. The pair bring their Freaks on Parade 2023 Tour to the Pavilion at Montage Mountain, 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton, on Friday, Sept. 8. The show starts at 6 p.m. and also features bands Ministry and Filter. Tickets start at $29.50, plus fees, and can be purchased by visiting ticketmaster.com, livenation.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

The show continues what has been a big year for rock and metal shows at the Mountain, with Pantera headlining the venue last month, and Scranton-born Motionless In White taking the stage next weekend.

However, this Friday, the Godfather of Shock Rock, which fans affectionately call Cooper, is ready to give the kind of performance that's earned him the nickname over the last five decades.

"My show has always been (to) make the lyrics come to life," Cooper said during a recent phone interview. "When you say 'Welcome to my nightmare,' give them the nightmare, don't just say it."

Cooper's shows are critically acclaimed for their over-the-top theatrics and high-energy stage performances. The shows themselves are typically a mixture of a "dark Vaudeville" combined with horror and even touches of dark humor, Cooper noted. While the rock star is proud of the stage shows and theatrics, it's the music that he truly feels is the premier part of the show.

"The band is amazing. The band is one of the best rock bands you'll ever hear," Cooper said. "I only surround myself with the very best players."

Cooper's touring band consists of Nita Strauss, Ryan Roxie, and Tommy Henrikson on guitars, Chuck Garric on bass, and Glen Sobel on drums and percussion.

While the show itself might be different from other iterations throughout the years, fans can rest assured that some things — such as Alice "dying" — will never change.

"The apex of the show is always going to be Alice getting his head cut off," Cooper said. "That's so important to the audience. They either want him (hanged) or his head cut off, because he's a villain!"

In addition to touring and making music, Cooper also added radio host to his plate over the last two decades. Cooper hosted "Nights with Alice Cooper" for almost 20 years, and last week, Radio + Television Business Report announced that the syndicated program is ending its run. The show, which has aired weeknights from 7 p.m. to midnight on Rock 107 since 2020, will put out its final week of new programs through Sunday, Sept. 10. Even though Cooper is ending "Nights," he's not retiring or quitting radio, a source told RBR+TVBR, but rather, the decision to conclude his syndicated program is tied to the sale of United Stations.

The Godfather of Shock Rock has other aspects of his career to focus on. Cooper released his 29th studio album, "Road," last month. The album is something that he took great pride in making, and heavily involved his band, as Cooper "really wanted to feature the band and show them off." The album itself is a concept album, with the songs chronicling life on the road. It's something Cooper and his band are no strangers to.

"It's got the heartbreak of the road, the humor, everything is represented in this project," said Cooper.

When he gets a day to himself, fans may be surprised at how the rocker unwinds. During the well-deserved time off from his mock executions, Cooper often finds himself on the golf course — rarely in the rough.

"I'm a four handicap, I've been one for almost 20 years," he said. "I rarely miss a fairway."

Possibly attributing to Cooper's impressive play are the instructors he's had over the years, such as major champions Johnny Miller and John Daly. Cooper's picked up some tips along the way that he's willing to share with fans to help improve their drive and reach more fairways.

"You go with a lighter shaft, and a little bit higher loft, 11.5 (loft) and a regular shaft," he said. "The best thing is to stay behind the ball and take an easy swing."

While Cooper enjoys his time on the links, he's not ready to permanently hit the course. In a day when many classic rock artists are on their final tours, the thought of hanging it up is not on Cooper's mind.

"I have never even thought about retiring, it's not even in my vocabulary," Cooper said. "I enjoy writing songs, recording songs and playing songs more than anything else in the world, I'm not going to quit just because I can."

(Orignally published in the Weekend Times supplement of The Times-Tribune — Scranton, Pennslyvania — September 6, 2023)