Alice Cooper, widely known as the “Godfather of Shock Rock,” has built a career that stretches over five decades, transforming the rock stage into a theatrical spectacle filled with pyrotechnics, guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood, reptiles, and surreal illusions. His live performances, mixing horror with rock theatrics, redefined what a concert experience could be and inspired countless bands that came after him.
Yet despite his reputation for originality, Cooper has always been open about the musicians and songs that shaped his career. In a 2017 interview with NME, he reflected on the music that left a lasting impression on him — from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones — and even admitted which songs he wishes he had written himself.
The Beatles Sparked His Musical Journey
Like many artists of his generation, Alice Cooper’s first true inspiration came from The Beatles. He recalls the exact moment he heard “She Loves You” in 1964, describing it as a life-changing event:
“It was the first song by The Beatles I ever heard, and it literally changed something in my brain,” Cooper revealed.
That single moment, he explained, was the catalyst that pushed him toward pursuing music seriously. Without The Beatles, he suggests, the Alice Cooper band might never have come into existence.
The Rolling Stones and Showmanship
Beyond The Beatles, Cooper also credits The Rolling Stones with influencing his sense of performance and stagecraft. He vividly remembers seeing the Stones live in their early years and being struck not just by the music, but by the charisma of Mick Jagger and the raw energy of their show.
“There was no real stage production at the time, just white lights, but Jagger’s presence made it unforgettable,” Cooper said. That performance stayed with him and inspired his own over-the-top concert productions.
When it comes to dancing and pure rock ’n’ roll fun, Cooper admits that the Stones still reign supreme for him, calling “Brown Sugar” one of the greatest dance songs ever.
The Two Songs Alice Cooper Wishes He Wrote
Toward the end of the NME interview, Cooper was asked which single song he wishes he had written. But instead of naming one, he picked two iconic rock anthems that he felt would have perfectly fit into his band’s repertoire:
- “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” by Aerosmith
Cooper believes this Aerosmith hit aligns perfectly with his own style, blending humor, shock, and rock energy. It’s the kind of track he feels his band could have made their own. - “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
When grunge exploded in the early 1990s, Nirvana’s anthem defined a generation. Cooper admits it’s one of those songs so brilliant that it makes other artists wish they had come up with it. He considers it right in Alice Cooper’s lane of rebellious, edgy, youth-driven rock.
Reflecting on these songs, Cooper acknowledged:
“There are some songs that are just so good, you sit there and go, ‘I could never write that.’ But those two — they were right up Alice Cooper’s alley. I should have written them.”
A Rock Legend Still Inspired by Others
It’s fascinating that even a performer as groundbreaking as Alice Cooper looks back at other artists with admiration and even a little envy. His respect for The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and Nirvana shows just how interconnected rock history really is.
From inspiring the shock rock movement to openly celebrating songs he didn’t write, Alice Cooper continues to remind fans that great music transcends ego — it’s about passion, influence, and timeless creativity.
