Melodies and Rhythms: Top Musical Compositions - Alice Cooper: Rock and politics don't mix well
Singer Alice Cooper believes that rock 'n' roll and politics should be kept separate. "I don't think rockstars should use their fame to tell others who to vote for," said the 76-year-old before kicking off his Germany tour in an interview with the German Press Agency.
Growing up, politics were off-limits for the childhood Cooper. "When my parents would discuss politics, I'd head to my room, crank up the stereo, and tune out. I didn't want to be part of those conversations," he recounted. Alongside hits like "Poison," "No More Mr. Nice Guy," and "School's Out," the musician made a name for himself.
Cooper has no interest in mixing rock 'n' roll with politics. "That's not rock 'n' roll. That's more like what you'd see in Vegas," he added.
Cooper sees rock 'n' roll as alive and well, albeit different from the past. "It lives on - it just evolves," he stated. While the quality of music hasn't changed, the overall experience has. "If you want to experience real rock 'n' roll, check out Green Day, the Scorpions, Guns N' Roses, or the Rolling Stones. They put on an amazing show, filled with energy, and with no backing band."
The production of music has seen significant changes over the years, according to Cooper. He's not convinced that new technology alone makes for better music. "It might be easier on paper but it's much harder for new bands," he said. Back then, record companies helped young bands with financing for their growth, but that's not the case anymore. "Newcomers have one chance to make an impression and often struggle to find long-term success."
Also on the schedule for Germany this year is Cooper, who's set to perform at various venues on the "Too Close For Comfort" tour. The first stop is on June 12th in Hamburg's Stadtpark. The tour will then move through Northeim, Nuremberg, Dresden, Butzbach, and Breisach. Cooper will make a return to Germany in October with concerts in Stuttgart, Oberhausen, Berlin, and Leipzig.
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Despite Alice Cooper's belief in keeping politics and rock 'n' roll separate, some people might argue that rockstars like Alice Kooper have a responsibility to address social issues in their music or public statements. Despite this, Cooper has consistently avoided mixing politics with his music, preferring the raw energy and entertainment value of rock 'n' roll concerts.
In Germany, the public is eagerly awaiting Alice Cooper's "Too Close For Comfort" tour, which will feature performances at several cities including Hamburg, Nuremberg, and Berlin. This tour comes at a time when the German Music Press is highlighting the importance of supporting local and emerging musicians in the face of changing production processes and the impact of new technology.
However, not everyone shares Cooper's views on the role of politics in rock 'n' roll. Guy, a music critic from the German Press Agency, argues that rockstars have a responsibility to use their platform to raise awareness on social and political issues, citing artists like Billy Bragg and Patti Smith as examples.
The impact of technology on the music industry is a topic of debate, with some arguing that it has democratized music production and allowed for greater creativity, while others, like Cooper, express concern about the challenges faced by newcomers trying to make a name for themselves.
Regardless of one's views on politics in rock 'n' roll, there is no denying the enduring appeal of classic rock artists like Alice Cooper, who continues to captivate audiences with his iconic stage shows and timeless hits like "School's Out" and "Poison".
