ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Alice Cooper Discusses Stage Persona and New Memoir 'Devil on My Shoulder' at Wolverhampton Book Tour Stop

publication · 2026-10-20

On Tuesday, Alice Cooper wrapped up his UK book tour at the University of Wolverhampton, promoting his recently released autobiography, 'Devil on My Shoulder.' The 78-year-old, whose real name is Vincent Damon Furnier, characterized the book as a dialogue between himself and his theatrical alter ego, comparing it to the 'Jekyll and Hyde thing.' He perceives his journey as a prodigal-son narrative, having returned to church after a period of estrangement. Cooper highlighted the significant contrast between his stage persona and his genuine self. He also addressed issues of addiction, cautioning against modern threats, and spoke about his organization, Solid Rock, which provides free arts training after school. With a career spanning nearly six decades, he is known as the Godfather of Shock Rock.

Key facts

  • Alice Cooper appears at the University of Wolverhampton at The Halls on Tuesday for the final stop of an eight-date UK book tour
  • His autobiography 'Devil on My Shoulder' was published earlier this month
  • Cooper, whose real name is Vincent Damon Furnier, is 78 years old
  • He described the book as structured around an argument with his stage character, a 'Jekyll and Hyde thing'
  • Cooper said he attends church on Sundays and sometimes teaches Bible study
  • He founded Solid Rock to offer young people free after-school training in music, dance and art
  • He warned that heroin on the street today is 'a big jump' from the drugs of his era
  • Other tour stops included Cardiff, Cambridge, Brighton, Manchester, Stockton-on-Tees, Glasgow and the London Palladium

Entities

Artists

  • Alice Cooper
  • Vincent Damon Furnier
  • Liam Payne
  • Robbie Williams

Institutions

  • BBC Radio WM
  • University of Wolverhampton at The Halls
  • Solid Rock
  • London Palladium
  • BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country
  • BBC Sounds

Locations

  • Wolverhampton
  • United Kingdom
  • Cardiff
  • Cambridge
  • Brighton
  • Manchester
  • Stockton-on-Tees
  • Glasgow
  • London

Sources