Alice Cooper (August 1973) – “How To Start Your Own Rock Band” – Circus Magazine

The August 1973 issue of Circus magazine features an article by Steve Gaines titled “How To Start Your Own Rock Band,” using Alice Cooper’s early career as the central example.

Publication: Circus magazine

Date: August 1973

Country: United States

The piece recounts how Vincent Furnier (Alice Cooper), Dennis Dunaway and Glenn Buxton formed a band in high school in Phoenix, Arizona, initially to meet girls and later evolving through names such as the Earwigs, the Spiders and Nazz before becoming Alice Cooper. It describes their early outrageous stage antics, meeting manager Shep Gordon, and the eventual commercial success of the band. Advice sections offer practical tips on forming a group, advertising for members and seeking musicians.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

The article frames Alice Cooper’s rise as both accidental and determined, contrasting the band’s shock tactics with the hard work required for lasting success, while presenting general guidance for aspiring musicians.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Feature article

Era: 1973 (Billion Dollar Babies era) Tone: Informative, anecdotal Photography: 

Black-and-white performance photos of Alice Cooper

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