Alice Cooper (May 1975) Interview– Cover Feature

Publication: Circus Magazine Date: May 1975 Country: USA Section / Pages: Cover Feature + Interview (4 pages) Title: Alice Cooper: Groucho Of The 21st Century?   Writer: Scott Cohen

Overview

The May 1975 issue of Circus Magazine places Alice Cooper on the cover, heralding his return with the tagline “The Lone Vampire Is Back With More ‘Nightmares.’”   Inside, the four‑page feature — “Alice Cooper: Groucho Of The 21st Century?” — explores Cooper’s transformation from shock‑rock provocateur to cultural icon, balancing theatrical excess with sharp humor and self‑awareness.

Photographed in full stage regalia, Cooper appears wielding a massive prop cross, surrounded by his band’s drum kit, before reclining beneath tarantulas in a surreal image sequence. The article opens with his wry reflection on fame:

“These people threw me out of school eight times for having hair over my collar, and now they wanted me to contribute a $75,000 track. I had to laugh.”

“Now I get more old ladies on airplanes asking me for my autograph, even if they’re saying it’s for their kids.”

Article Summary

The interview, conducted by Scott Cohen, finds Cooper reflecting on his friendship with Groucho Marx, who affectionately dubbed him “the last of the showmen.” Cooper recounts Groucho’s late‑night calls, their shared love of old Hollywood stories, and the gift of Groucho’s infamous round bed — a keepsake Cooper describes as “big, obnoxious, and full of history.”

Throughout the conversation, Cooper discusses fame, fantasy, and the absurdity of celebrity culture. He muses on his influences — from Fred Astaire and Howard Cosell to David Bowie — and his desire to star in a dramatic film. The piece captures his blend of humor and introspection, with quotes like:

“There was something very axe‑murderish about ‘Alice Cooper.’ It had a Whatever Happened To Baby Jane? feeling about it.”

🧾 Publication Details

• Circus Magazine (USA)

• Issue: May 1975

• Feature Title: Alice Cooper: Groucho Of The 21st Century?

• Writer: Scott Cohen

• Photographer: Uncredited

• Pages: Cover + 4‑page feature

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