Alice Cooper (January 1, 1979) – “Crazy Is as Crazy Does” Feature – Super Rock Magazine

Jul 1, 1979

2 min read

This Super Rock magazine feature from January 1979 dives into the eccentric world of Alice Cooper, exploring his theatrical madness and the psychological themes behind his album From the Inside.

Written with tongue‑in‑cheek humor, the article examines Cooper’s reputation as rock’s original “certifiable” showman.

Publication: Super Rock Magazine Date: January 1 1979 Country: United States

THE STORY The feature opens with the bold headline “Crazy Is as Crazy Does”, introducing a mock‑psychiatric analysis of Alice Cooper’s mind. The writer, Cy Kotik, describes Cooper’s Madhouse Rock Show tour and his latest album From the Inside, inspired by his time in a sanitarium. The article humorously portrays Cooper as a man teetering between genius and insanity — “one of rock’s original zanies” who might soon “find himself in a real madhouse.” It recounts his sobriety, fascination with snakes, and penchant for theatrical excess, noting that he “drinks snake venom and thinks he’s well.”

The piece highlights songs like “Millie and Billie” and “Inmates (We’re All Crazy),” interpreting their dark humor and macabre storytelling as proof of Cooper’s creative madness.

A black‑and‑white photograph shows Cooper mid‑performance, makeup smeared and microphone in hand, embodying the chaotic energy that defined his stage persona. The article’s tone is playful yet admiring, celebrating Cooper’s ability to turn shock and satire into art.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

By early 1979, Alice Cooper was promoting From the Inside, a concept album co‑written with Bernie Taupin that chronicled his experiences in a New York sanitarium.

The record marked a personal and artistic turning point, blending introspection with his trademark theatricality. This Super Rock feature captures the late‑1970s fascination with Cooper’s dual identity — the man behind the makeup versus the character on stage — and reflects how rock journalism of the era blurred entertainment with psychological intrigue.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Feature on Alice Cooper’s From the Inside and Madhouse Rock Show tour

Era: 1979 – Post‑Alcohol Recovery / Concept Album Period

Tone: Satirical, dramatic, and fascinated Photography: Black‑and‑white live shot of Alice Cooper performing with microphone

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Two‑page Super Rock feature titled “Crazy Is as Crazy Does”
Discussion of From the Inside and its themes of madness and recovery

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