Alice Cooper

Regardless, the show went on to the delight of the crowd and somewhere, mid set, Alice, pissed off with the P.A. announces that he is about to, quote, "Turn this place into a fucking abattoir" much to the glee/dismay of the front row.

May I add that he starts with himself before he turns to the audience and in this case, he is actually approached by a drunken individual who attempts to stab himself with one of the 'Ramboesque' type knives that are strewn across the stage. Alice, not wanting to be outdone on his day, attempts to stop this show stealing carnage, but unfortunately disposes of the piss head in the wrong direction, to be accurate, all over the lead guitarists equipment. What followed will probably never be repeated ever on stage again. Ego bruised along with pedal board, this feisty axe man proceeds to knock seven colours of shit out of the said individual with a flurry of kicks and punches that would of made the late great Bruce Lee proud, whilst balancing on one leg and still playing his solo at the same time. Keith Richards, eat yer heart out!

THE ACOUSTIC CAFÉ, SOHO, 8TH DECEMBER 2000
	After hearing many things about this band, I decided to pay them a visit on recommendation that I would not be disappointed. A particularly dreary Friday night at home or the chance to see a so called 'bloodbath show extravaganza' got my taste buds going, so on to the No 38 bus and down to Soho I went. On arrival, I was somewhat discouraged as to the size of the venue as I had heard that the Alike Cooper Show with all its gore could fill the largest of stages. What I didn't know is that the band create their own space. It could be said that it is out of respect but I think fear has a lot more to do with it. Fear of being singled out by the lead singer in particular. To say that he has a penchant for attacking and maiming his front row would be an understatement. The show starts with countless classic Alice tracks which are performed superbly by all on stage even though it is evident that they are experiencing loads of technical difficulties due to the inadequacy of the P.A. (Provided by the venue, I was informed after the show. Remember, it is an acoustic café after all, nice for Jazz…mmmmmmm.)
Regardless, the show went on to the delight of the crowd and somewhere, mid set, Alice, pissed off with the P.A. announces that he is about to, quote, "Turn this place into a fucking abattoir" much to the glee/dismay of the front row. May I add that he starts with himself before he turns to the audience and in this case, he is actually approached by a drunken individual who attempts to stab himself with one of the 'Ramboesque' type knives that are strewn across the stage. Alice, not wanting to be outdone on his day, attempts to stop this show stealing carnage, but unfortunately disposes of the piss head in the wrong direction, to be accurate, all over the lead guitarists equipment. What followed will probably never be repeated ever on stage again. Ego bruised along with pedal board, this feisty axe man proceeds to knock seven colours of shit out of the said individual with a flurry of kicks and punches that would of made the late great Bruce Lee proud, whilst balancing on one leg and still playing his solo at the same time. Keith Richards, eat yer heart out!
	Amongst all this melee, the band continue to knock out more 'Classic Cooper' like Poison, School's out, Elected etc. to a, by now, bloodthirsty crowd. As we all know, good things always come to an abrupt end and this show was no different. With a cry of "Thank you, goodnight" the band dispersed like wild fire to the bar where I had a chance to interview them before the relentless drinking took over. "Wotya drinking?" chorused the band after spotting my note pad. Fifteen minutes later and four bottles of beer down, I remembered what I was told about this band, "I would not be disappointed". In every respect that is true. Not only was the show superb despite the difficulties they encountered, but in true 'Alice of old ' fashion, they are capable of drinking any size bar dry. See them at your own peril! And preferably on a large stage with a medical enclosure at the front, you may need it! My hat goes off to you guys, that's my hat, not my head!