Alice Cooper (August 18 1972) – “Poor London! First a Blitz, Now Alice” Feature – The Waxahachie Daily Light

Aug 18, 1972

2 min read

This Waxahachie Daily Light feature from August 1972 reports on Alice Cooper’s sensational arrival in London, describing his theatrical antics and the uproar surrounding his Killer tour finale. The article captures the shock, spectacle, and fascination that defined Cooper’s early‑’70s stage persona.

Publication: The Waxahachie Daily Light Date: August 18 1972 Country: United States

Under the headline “Poor London! First a Blitz, Now Alice,” writer Ernestine Guglielmo recounts how Alice Cooper “descended upon the British people like an invasion from a foreign planet.” London newspapers proclaimed “Postpone the Wake – London Rocks Again” as Cooper’s arrival sparked chaos and excitement. The article describes a parade through London featuring a 20×9‑foot billboard of a nearly naked Cooper, draped only in his 45‑pound boa constrictor.

This publicity stunt heralded the Killer tour’s world finale at Wembley Pool, where Cooper’s act included tearing apart a baby doll, mock hangings, and electric‑chair theatrics. A follow‑up event at Chessington Zoo is portrayed as equally outrageous, with the London Evening News calling it “a strip show riot.” Fans reportedly stormed the ring, stripping and throwing bottles and cans in wild appreciation.

The piece closes with Cooper, then 24, remarking that he “had such a lovely time.”

CONTEXT AND NOTES

By 1972, Alice Cooper had become synonymous with shock rock, blending horror imagery, vaudeville, and glam theatrics.

The Killer tour cemented his reputation as one of rock’s most provocative performers, challenging British sensibilities and redefining stage spectacle.

This American newspaper’s coverage reflects both fascination and disbelief at Cooper’s ability to turn outrage into art — a hallmark of his enduring influence on rock performance.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Alice Cooper’s Killer Tour Finale in London Era: 1972 – Shock Rock Peak / School’s Out Era Tone: Sensational, humorous, and incredulous

Photography:

Portrait of journalist Ernestine Guglielmo at the top
Group photo of Alice Cooper and band members posing with a boa constrictor

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Report on Alice Cooper’s London arrival and publicity parade
Description of his theatrical Wembley Pool performance
Coverage of the chaotic Chessington Zoo reception

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