Alice Cooper’s autobiography is a fun read — and surprisingly morally complex

The article reviews Alice Cooper’s autobiography, *Devil on My Shoulder*, describing it as an entertaining account that also raises moral questions. It argues that Cooper’s influence on rock music has been unusually strong in theatrical style and visual presentation, even beyond the impact of his songs.

Cooper began performing as Vincent Furnier in the Phoenix high-school band the Spiders, and “Alice Cooper” initially named the whole band rather than Furnier alone. After moving to Los Angeles and signing with Frank Zappa, the group developed provocative stage shows featuring blood-spattered clothing, a rigged gallows and electric chair, and a boa constrictor; the article also notes enduring hits including “School’s Out” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy”.