An Interview with Calico Cooper

by Scott Shiffer

Calico Cooper is the daughter of Shock Rock Legend Alice Cooper.  We caught up with her to ask about life in the Cooper family, about doing shows with her dad, and a few other things as well:

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, what you like, and what your favorite arts/things include?

I was born a performer. I would jump off a roof if someone was watching! I just love to entertain, and see people laugh. I'm pretty wacky. I love Rock N Roll, Cheetos, Opera, Court TV, Ballet, midnight bowling, theatre, Basketball and traveling. I've just got an intense lust for life!

2. What is it like working with your dad? What is it like being a part of the Alice Cooper Show?

He is an inspiration as a performer. He gets very immersed in his caricature, and I've learned a lot from him in that way. Its a very unique situation I'm in, being able to work with my dad so often. And with that comes a very special closeness that a lot of women my age do not have with their fathers. The show is SO intense and manic, not to mention hilarious. I have the time of my life every night.

3. Do you have any favorite tour memories?

I look forward to playing poker the most after a show. We are these big bad rock stars on stage, and afterwards, we all run to the bus and throw on stupid hats, throw on oldies and play poker till 3am! Its like a Junior high sleep-over every night. We giggle like little girls, until management comes in and tells us to keep it down. Some of my fondest memories were in that poker lounge. Although, some of the far Away places, exotic parties, and iconic people I've had the pleasure to experience are nothing to be scoffed at either. Just being on tour will be one big great memory when I look back.

4. Who are some of your favorite artists?

As far as music goes? I really love obscure stuff. Nina Simone just makes me melt. Alkaline trio really revs my engine. So does Reliant K. Sugarcult and Motion City Soundtrack are on in my car 24.7. But at the end of the day, you cant beat the big boys... Yardbirds, The Stones, Iggy Pop, And yes... Alice Cooper. I'm actually a huge fan of his music.

5. How has growing up in the Cooper home shaped some of your beliefs and values?

My family is firmly planted in Christ. That's the glue that bonds us. No matter what projects we are involved in, or where we are in our lives. We can always be connected in Christ. My parents taught me that you can be cool, funny, and have an explosive life, and still follow Christ. We are the silliest bunch of people you will ever meet. If we can take a pie in the face, or slip and fall on a banana peel for a laugh, you can bet we will do it. Everyone in my family is like that!

6. Do you think there are any dangers in shock rock, or that art could cause people to make bad decisions/do bad things?

I think kids are easily influenced, yes. However, I think its flat out wrong to blame the artists. I saw the movie Scream, and thought it was great! But did I go out and slash up a bunch of people afterwards? No. And why? Because my parents taught me right from wrong. I really think as the years go by, parents take less and less responsibility for their kids actions. The average parent uses TV, and video-games to babysit their kids. But then will take no part in explaining to the children what they are seeing or hearing. My parents were very hands on with me. If I heard a song lyric, or saw a music video, I would ask them about the things or words I did not understand. They would explain it to me. I think if parents were more involved in what their kids LIKE, then there would be less finger pointing on who's fault it is when things go bad. And another thing, (not that I'm up on my soapbox,) I do not understand what the big deal with Harry Potter is. Why parents have such an aversion to it. Its a book. Kids like it. Its not like peoples' kids are joining a cult! Kids PRETEND! They PLAY! Just because their parents played cops and robbers when they were kids, did not mean they grew up to rob banks! Let them play, but like I said before, EXPLAIN to them what they are reading, and they won't be confused.

7. Because this is also a spiritual newsletter, would you be willing to share with us some of your own spiritual beliefs?

I have seen miracles is all I can say. I grew up involved very closely with the church, as both of my grandfathers were pastors. One, at a very big, beautiful church with many people. The other, at an Indian reservation with very few people, maybe 20! But the overwhelming love of God, you could feel in both places. They both sang, preyed, and worshipped with ALL of their hearts. What a lucky child I was to be able to experience that. It stayed with me my entire life. I am in a women's study group at my church, especially tailored for young performers in Hollywood. It has really helped me to keep my integrity intact in a place where that is not a top priority.

8. What do you think of Jesus Christ? Who do you think He was? And do you have any thoughts about His claim to be the only one through whom people can enter Heaven?

Like it says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” I sometimes fall asleep wondering what he must have been like. What struggles he must have gone thru that were not even in the Bible. You know, human struggles. I just cant wait to ask him a billion questions when I go to Heaven! I think he was what he said he was. God's son. A man that had the weight of the world heaved upon his shoulders, and died willingly for our sins. Not to take it lightly, but they certainly don't make em’ like that anymore! I think the idea that He is the only way to get to heaven scares some people. Because its not easy. Its a narrow path we walk. And lets be real, nobody wants to be told what to do. Especially if its not the way they want to do it. Its a hard obstacle for me, but when I trip and fall flat on my face on that path. I get up, and ask God to help me watch my step next time.

9. What would you like fans of your dad to know about him? Put differently, what would you like to tell the audience about Alice Cooper?

He is such a great guy. He's so human and real that it makes me want to be a better person on a daily basis. He's smart, funny, and very spiritual. As an entertainer, you could not ask for someone who cares more about the audience having a good time, and he gives 110 percent every night. As a father, he is trustworthy and understanding, and can always make me laugh at my problems.

10. What is it like traveling with the band and going over seas so often? Any favorite band memories?

We get up to the silliest stuff. I am the only girl on the tour, so its like hanging out with your 5 big brothers. We do everything together. My favorite thing to do with them is go see a horror movie on nights off, because they all scream like little girls. I would not be able to be away, and so far from home, if these guys were not so wonderful. Sure we get up to some shenanigans. Lots of practical jokes. Like the time we played out in this cornfield, and I was walking thru the pitch black from the bus to the dressing rooms out in the middle of NOWHERE. And our bass player Chuck jumped out from behind this bush with a screaming rubber chicken we had acquired somewhere in Europe. When you pushed on its foot, the thing screams like a banshee. Mind you, all I hear is this hideous scream, and see the silhouette of this big dude, and it scared the living daylights out of me. So much so, that I just took off running and screaming into the cornfields! He had to chase me down. Good times.

11. How do you want people that see you in the concerts to remember you?

Just as someone that makes you laugh! Everything I do is tongue in cheek. If your not laughing, I'm not doing it right!

12. Is there any specific message that you want to get across to listeners and concert goers? Or maybe to people that are afraid of shock rock or rock music in general? 

Yes. Its all an act. Nobody is who they pretend to be. Not any Country , Pop, Rap, Or pop-star. Have a little fun. Step out of the box for just a moment and see that its all for show. Rock n roll was created as a release. AQ: cut loose have fun, jump on your bed and bang your head party. Its cheaper than therapy, and works just as well! I'm not forcing you to like it. But how do you know you wouldn’t? Try it, and get back to me.

13. Do you ever think you would like to sing or record an album?

I always end up singing on friends albums, and one day in the studio is fun. But I've seen bands stuck in the studio for MONTHS. Yuck. No fun. I'm always open for anything. So sure, if the right project came along, id sing my heart out!

14. Because this letter is in a sense a tribute to your dad, is there anything else you would like to say or have us say about him? Anything you think we should be sure to include in our other articles?

Any Christian should go listen to the Cooper albums, “The Last Temptation” “Dragontown” and “Brutal Planet” They were all written about the Godless world we have come to live in. And I find them to be really insightful on a Christian level.

Thanks for your time Calico.  I think everyone will enjoy reading this.