Cooper returns to Detroit for book launch
The rock legend signs copies of his latest memoir in Livonia before performing in Windsor, marking the final leg of his tour.
By Luka Evans ·
Alice Cooper will sign copies of his new memoir, Devil on My Shoulder, at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, at Rock City Music Company in Livonia. The event is already sold out. The 78-year-old performer follows this session with a concert at Caesars Windsor on Friday, Nov. 6, at 8 p.m.
The book, published by Da Capo last month, is Cooper’s third autobiography. It runs 464 pages and is co-written with Daniel Richler. Richler is known as the partner to Geddy Lee for the 2023 memoir My Effin Life. Cooper described the new text as more complete and accurate than his previous works. He referred to his 1976 autobiography as a drunken rant and called his 2007 book more coherent.
Cooper discussed the writing process by phone from his home in Phoenix. He acknowledged that he enjoys decorating a story but insisted on the accuracy of the current volume. He stated that ninety percent of the stories are true. He noted that the band previously avoided writing a memoir to maintain the mystique of the character. Now, Cooper said the goal is to make the book fun to read for fans and newcomers alike.
The memoir details Cooper’s time in the Detroit metro area. He moved to Pontiac in 1970 with his band. They wrote breakthrough albums such as Love It To Death and Killer during that period. Cooper credited the local audience for their immediate acceptance of the group. He argued that the Detroit music scene, which included the Stooges and the MC5, welcomed the band because they were a hard rock act from the local area. He suggested that bands from London or San Francisco might not have received the same initial support.
The book features dialogue between Cooper and his stage persona, Alice. Cooper said this structure was Richler’s idea. He embraced the concept because it allows for a confrontation between the man and the character. He explained that the title refers to the inner voice that suggests wrong actions. He believes this experience connects with a wide audience.
Cooper addressed his Christian faith in the new memoir. He stated that he returned to his beliefs after getting straight. He clarified that he worships Christ, not the church building. He maintained that his stage character remains separate from his personal life. He noted that Alice plays golf and watches Lions games, but the lifestyle on stage is distinct from the life off stage.
The author has a full schedule following the Detroit events. He will perform six Welcome To Our Nightmare shows with illusionist Criss Angel in Las Vegas later this month. His annual Christmas Pudding benefit for his Sold Rock teen center in Arizona is set for Dec. 12.
Cooper is currently writing material for three different projects. He is working on his next solo album, a follow-up to 2025’s The Revenge of Alice Cooper with members of his original band, and a second studio album with Hollywood Vampires. The all-star group includes Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and Johnny Depp. Cooper said all three bands are in good shape and he is ready to record when the time comes.
