Alice Cooper’s Gubernatorial Runs and the “Wild Party” Campaign Alice Cooper, the iconic shock rocker, launched his political career in 1988 with a bold claim that Arizona needed a “heavy metal governor.” Speaking shortly after announcing his bid for the state’s governorship, Cooper quipped, “Arizona needs a good heavy metal governor. It’s a rock and roll state. They just don’t know it. It’s a very closet rock and roll state, and they’re ready to break out. They just need a guy like me in there to push them a little bit, that’s all.” He added, “I’m probably much more trusted than anybody there. These people know where I’m coming from. They look at me. They see my shows. They know it’s gonna be a bloodbath.” Cooper’s political campaigns were always unconventional, blending his rock persona with a self-proclaimed “Wild Party” movement. The idea originated from his 1972 song “Elected,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100. The track became a rallying cry for his political ambitions, leading to a series of mock and real campaigns over decades. His 1988 run followed the impeachment of Arizona Governor Evan Mecham, who had been removed from office for misconduct, including misuse of public funds and filing false statements. Cooper seized the opportunity, stating, “It never ceases to amaze me how these men are whitewashed as soon as they’re in the public eye, but it wouldn’t be the same with me. Everyone knows that I’m dirty old Alice from the start. If I became governor, the people would know what I’m like right from the beginning, which would make a change.” Cooper’s campaigns were marked by theatricality and provocative slogans. His recurring tagline, “A troubled man for troubled times,” reflected his self-image as a candid outsider. During his 1988 gubernatorial run, he declared, “I’m definitely a write-in candidate.#arizona #alice_cooper #evan_mecham #wild_party #mount_rushmore
Suzi Quatro Nears Breaking Alice Cooper’s Nose During 1975 Tour Suzi Quatro recalls a chaotic moment from her 1975 tour with Alice Cooper, when she nearly broke the shock rocker’s nose during a rubber dart-gun fight. The incident occurred during the “Welcome To My Nightmare” tour, a massive run that spanned months and multiple countries. Quatro, who supported Cooper on the 85-date tour, described the experience as both intense and memorable. The tour, which kicked off in March 1975 and wrapped in December, was notable for its scale and the camaraderie among the musicians. Quatro, a lifelong friend of many Detroit-based acts like MC5 and Grand Funk Railroad, had known Cooper for years. She referred to him as “Vinnie The Boss” during the tour, a nickname that reflected both his commanding presence and the respect he commanded. The tour’s logistics were grueling, with the band traveling on turboprop flights at least once a day. Quatro admitted she was a terrible flyer, often gripping the armrests tightly during flights. Despite the stress, the tour was a highlight for her, as it brought together a network of musicians she had known for years. The group’s antics often spilled into the evenings, with one memorable incident involving a rubber dart-gun fight in a hotel hallway. Quatro recounted the event, describing how the group hid behind mattresses in the hallway, turning the situation into a high-stakes game. The tension escalated until Alice Cooper, who had retreated to a room, emerged with his nose peeking out from behind a television set. Quatro, mimicking the sound of a gunshot, fired a dart at him. Though she didn’t break his nose, the moment was close enough to earn a “Good shot!” from Cooper.#alice_cooper #welcome_to_my_nightmare_tour #suzi_quatro #mc5 #grand_funk_railroad
Suzi Quatro Recalls Near-Miss with Alice Cooper on Welcome to My Nightmare Tour Suzi Quatro, the pioneering Detroit-born bass guitarist, recounts a memorable moment from her time as Alice Cooper’s opening act during the Welcome to My Nightmare tour. The incident, which nearly sent Cooper to the hospital, highlights the chaotic yet entertaining nature of the tour. Quatro, who had already made a name for herself as a trailblazer for women in rock, shared the story with Classic Rock, detailing the rubber dart-gun battles, grueling flights, and the night Cooper wore her tour shirt as a gesture of respect. Quatro’s career began in the mid-1960s with her sisters in the band the Pleasure Seekers before she relocated to England under the management of Mickie Most. Her 1973 self-titled debut, featuring the hit “Can the Can,” solidified her reputation as a formidable artist across Europe and Australia. By the time she joined Alice Cooper’s tour in 1975, she had yet to achieve widespread recognition in the U.S., but her reputation as a bold, unapologetic performer was well established. The collaboration with Cooper was rooted in shared history. Both artists hailed from Detroit, and Cooper’s touring crew included musicians from the Motor City scene, many of whom were longtime acquaintances of Quatro. The band even gave Cooper a nickname, “Vinnie the Boss,” a nod to his birth name, Vincent Furnier. Despite the camaraderie, the tour was physically demanding. Quatro described the relentless schedule, including daily turboprop flights, as a challenge she endured with “white-knuckle” determination. The tour’s energy often spilled into playful moments. One such incident occurred during a hotel stay, where the group engaged in a rubber dart-gun fight before a show.#suzi_quatro #alice_cooper #welcome_to_my_nightmare_tour #motor_city #pleasure_seekers
