In an exclusive interview with RTL Today Radio, Alice Cooper gives insights into what is like to have been touring almost constantly and how enjoying the music you perform is key to staying ahead in the business.

The Today Radio host of Sunny Side Up and LOUDER Stephen Steps Lowe had an exclusive interview with the one and only singer-songwriter Alice Cooper. In this short conversation - conducted in a traffic jam no less, the rock legend revealed his tips for staying consistently afloat in the music industry, as well as his thoughts on how the industry has changed.

Currently on tour, Alice Cooper speaks to us live from Denmark, where he and his band are taking their new an improved live show all over Europe and will be making a stop in Luxembourg on 12 October 2024 at Rockhal, so if this interview awakened your curiosity, be sure to secure your tickets in time.

Touring is a constant for Cooper, where each day can be a blur, speaking from a pre-soundcheck lull in Denmark for his next show with the band, Alice mentions that after touring so many countries and cities for a while, you have to think about where you are every morning. Despite this, he claims to have a special relationship with Luxembourg, he thinks it's very unique in its look and feel, unlike any other capitals he has been to.

Though this interview is a little brief, Alice Cooper is very generous with his anecdotes, talking on the drug-fueled halcyon days, and the more health-focused present/future. Cooper ruminates on staying relevant among an ever changing musical landscape, how his influences now are the same as they have ever been. For one of the biggest stars in the world of rock, Alice Cooper is really good company, check out the interview here:

Today Radio: What is it that motivates you to still tour the world? It must be genuine love, I am assuming it's not because of financial reasons?

Alice Cooper: We tour because we want to, that's what we were born to do. My wife is also still actively participating in the music scene. We would be bored out of our minds staying at home, we are always waiting for the next tour to start. We would definitely miss performing live if we couldn't do it anymore.

Today Radio: How do you approach touring now - compared to, say, back in your heyday?

Alice Cooper: Back in the day people always used to be high on some kind of drug, but now nobody's getting high anymore. Everyone on a tour seems to be on a health boost, otherwise it is way harder to perform on the highest level that you can. Even Mick Jagger hasn't had any hard drugs for 25 years, just like Guns N Roses is sober now. There's definitely been a change in how performing works.

RTL

Today Radio: What are the disadvantages that come with being Alice Cooper - are there any?

Alice Cooper: (laughs), I would say no, there aren't any. The longevity of an Alice Cooper show is both an advantage and a disadvantage. On the one hand people know what to expect, but on the other hand you also need to live up to those expectations. It is interesting, like a Cirque du Soleil show, people know what to expect but each time there should be something different. The fact that the band is comprised of best friends simplifies the journey, there are no arguments, as with Hollywood Vampires too.

Today Radio: Tell me honestly, do you ever catch yourself thinking 'how did this happen'?

Alice Cooper: It's still a great feeling to sell our records and sell out whole concert halls, seeing immense crowds of people in front of you just to be able to listen to your art. However, it is more work than you think, it's not a single huge party that goes on for months. You have to be ready for interviews, videos, a fully scheduled day and then a show almost every night. You are basically working all day every day.

Today Radio: You've inspired so many artists, who continues to inspire you?

Alice Cooper: Jeff Beck, the guitarist for Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page, Flash, the legacy they have left behind is just crazy. The last time I saw Guns N Roses it was the best I had ever seen them perform. Bands which take care of themselves and of who they are survive, that's the key for staying good and successful.

Check out the full audio version below:

Interview with Alice Cooper