Alice Cooper (September 23, 1972) – “Alice Off-Straight” Feature - New Musical Express
This NME feature combines an album-page profile of Alice Cooper with a continuing interview conducted by Meridee Merzer. Across two pages, Alice Cooper discusses life on and off stage, his public image, and the reaction generated by the group's increasingly theatrical approach to rock music.
Publication: New Musical Express (NME)
Date: September 23, 1972
Country: United Kingdom
THE STORY
The first page, headed "Alice Off-Straight", forms part of NME's albums section and presents an overview of Alice Cooper and the band's growing prominence. The feature is accompanied by a large photograph of Alice Cooper standing beside a jukebox and is surrounded by reviews and album-related editorial content. The article examines the group's position within contemporary rock music and the attention generated by its distinctive visual presentation and stage performances.
The second page continues journalist Meridee Merzer's interview under the headline "I Get Down To Go Stage Says ALICE COOPER". In the conversation, Alice Cooper reflects on performance, image and audience reaction, discussing how the group's stage act developed and why it provoked such strong responses. The interview explores the contrast between the public perception of Alice Cooper and everyday life away from the stage, while also touching on fame, music and the band's continuing success.
Large photographs accompany the interview, including an image of Alice Cooper with a companion and additional portrait photography. Together, the feature presents a detailed look at Alice Cooper during a period when the group's combination of music and theatrical presentation was attracting increasing attention from both fans and critics.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Published during 1972, the feature captures Alice Cooper at a time when the group's reputation was expanding rapidly in both Britain and America. The article focuses not only on the music but also on the stage image and personality that had become central to Alice Cooper's public identity.
The two-page presentation allows NME to combine profile material with an extended interview format. Through text and photography, readers are given a closer look at the individual behind the stage character while also examining the reasons for the group's growing influence and popularity within rock music.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Continuing Meridee Merzer interview and feature on Alice Cooper
Era: 1972 rock and theatrical stage era
Tone: Candid and reflective
Photography: Full-page photographs of Alice Cooper including portrait images and lifestyle photographs accompanying the interview
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• "Alice Off-Straight" feature in the NME albums section
• Continuing Meridee Merzer interview with Alice Cooper
• Multiple photographs presenting Alice Cooper on and off stage
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