Alice Cooper held court at Manchester Opera House on Friday night, sharing stories from his extraordinary life in rock 'n' roll. The 78-year-old was joined on stage by his wife of 50 years, Sheryl, 69, after the couple enjoyed a shopping spree in Manchester before the show.
During the event, part of his book tour for Devil on My Shoulder, Cooper revealed that shopping has become one of his big addictions since giving up drink and drugs. He told the audience: "I've been shopping here all day, that's what we do now. We can't just sit in a hotel room so we go out and shop."
TK Maxx surprise and Afflecks visit
He added: "So don't be surprised if you see me at TK Maxx alright?" Fans also shared photos on social media showing Cooper heading to Manchester's alternative emporium Afflecks on Friday.
Cooper also revealed he had dinner in Manchester with lyricist Bernie Taupin on Thursday night after randomly bumping into him while both were at the BBC for interviews.
Life stories from a rock legend
Born Vincent Damon Furnier in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1948, Cooper formed his first band while at high school. He told of how the band came to be known as Alice Cooper by selecting the most ordinary name of a nice old lady "who would bake you cookies" while having a body in the basement.
He spoke of the impact of The Beatles and Elvis in cementing his resolve to become a musician. He later became good friends with John Lennon, as well as a roll call of cultural legends including Salvador Dalí, Bob Hope, Groucho Marx, Vincent Price, Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison.
Sheryl joins Cooper on stage
In the second half of the show, Cooper welcomed his wife Sheryl onto stage. Looking back at how they met, he shared how he had tried to impress the then 18-year-old dancer by busting out his own disco dance moves, even though he admits he hates disco music. They married a year later in 1976.
Sheryl spoke movingly of how their love has grown stronger over the years, saying: "50 years later I'm still besotted with this man. Here's to the next 50 years."
Cooper's most recent visit to Manchester was with the Hollywood Vampires tour alongside Johnny Depp and Joe Perry. His book tour continues to Stockton Globe, before Glasgow on October 19 and Wolverhampton on October 20. Devil on My Shoulder is out now.
