03.08.2013 Alice Cooper

Wacken Open Air XXIV

Wacken (Germany)

(Pentax K-5 with Sigma AF 70-200mm 2.8 EX DC APO HSM II)

After 2010 Alice Cooper was back in Wacken and had brought his horror show with him. Since then the line-up of his band has dramatically changed and only bass player Chuck Garric is left over of the 2010 combo. They are meanwhile supported by Glen Sobel on drums, as well as Tommy Henriksen, Ryan Roxie and Orianthi playing the guitar parts.
These guys were really partying hard! Just like known several horror parts were integrated into the opulent show and beside great classics new material was played. Directly at the beginning with "Under My Wheels" or "No More Mr. Nice Guy" some wonderful songs were played coming across very well at the audience. They loudly sang along and permanently anywhere somebody was flying across the crowd. Of course something of the new album "Welcome 2 My Nightmare" like "Caffeine" was played.
Some parts of the show were already well known, e.g. the master threw pearl necklaces into the crowd during his song "Dirty Diamonds" just like 2010 and also the quasi-decapication may not be missing. The show was primarily tailored to Alice Cooper but his fellows became also their part of the stage and showed musically their great skills besides the posing in front of the audience. During "Feed My Frankenstein" suddenly a huge monster occured on stage before a very special part followed.
Alice Cooper found himself on a cemetery and remembered there via outstanding cover versions rock heroes like the Doors ("Break On Through"), The Beatles ("Revolution"), Jimi Hendrix ("Foxy Lady") and The Who with "My Generation". Really brilliant presented. Of course the culmination with the two super classics "Poison" and "School's Out" may not be missing which was loudly sang along by the crowd.
In 2010 I was quite disappointed of the scary rock doyen but this year I was completely enthused. A wondeful gig, a great show on stage, musicians completely having fun to play, everything was simply perfect. Alice Cooper presented himself this time additionally not so unapproachable like 2010 but was more interacting with the audience and this although he is already 65 years old, he is still one of the greatest.