By Nate Follmer

In a night filled with electrifying energy, extraordinary musical talent and theatrical thrills, the iconic shock rocker Alice Cooper and his band mesmerized the crowd at the 1st Summit Arena in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on August 6, 2023. 

The newspaper backdrop revealing Alice Cooper's deeds against humanity.
The newspaper backdrop revealing Alice Cooper’s deeds against humanity.

As the lights dimmed, two dark figures in plague doctor masks rang their bells to alert the crowd that it was showtime. The crowd filled with fans from many generations erupted in a wave of cheers as the black curtain dropped to reveal a massive newspaper backdrop stating “Banned in Pennsylvania! Alice Cooper  – Trial Set: For Deeds Against Humanity”. The band began to appear on staircases situated around the stage and the crowd grew louder with every member making their appearance. The intro to “Lock Me Up” screamed through the arena as Alice made his presence known by ripping through the backdrop taking center stage in his trademark top hat and sword. 

Alice Cooper looking out into the crowd with a crutch in hand.
Alice Cooper looking out into the crowd with a crutch in hand.

From that moment on it was 2 hours of non-stop, nostalgia driven, over the top rock-n-roll. The set continued with “No More Mr. Nice Guy” and “I’m Eighteen”, then weaved its way through more classic Alice songs like “Billion Dollar Babies” and “Snakebite” (Yes, the snake made an appearance).  It’s one thing to watch an Alice Cooper performance online, but to see it in person is something almost indescribable. Alice has been entertaining fans for more than five decades and his experience shows. 

From left to right: Ryan Roxie, Chuck Garric, Alice Cooper, Nita Strauss and Tommy Henriksen.
From left to right: Ryan Roxie, Chuck Garric, Alice Cooper, Nita Strauss and Tommy Henriksen.

One of the many unexpected surprises of the night was getting to hear Alice’s music reworked by his three incredible guitarists. Ryan Roxie, Nita Strauss and Tommy Henriksen definitely kept the original riffs of Alice’s songs in their sound, but also took turns putting their own spin on his music by adding interweaving guitar solos unique to each player. The audience attended a masterclass on how a band can have three lead guitarists, each one stealing the show while still sharing the spotlight. It really is something you have to see in person to truly understand.

Guitarist Tommy Henriksen playing his Gibson SG.
Guitarist Tommy Henriksen playing his Gibson SG.
Guitarist Ryan Roxie playing one of the countless solos of the show.
Guitarist Ryan Roxie playing one of the countless solos of the show.
Guitarist Nita Strauss soloing as Alice Cooper looks on.
Guitarist Nita Strauss soloing as Alice Cooper looks on.

Drummer Glen Sobel and Bassist Chuck Garric kept the band in time with their tight grooves and brought a stage presence that is unrivaled by most rhythm sections. Drummers and bassists can sometimes get lost in the mix, but not these two. You could feel the basslines and kick throughout the arena. Sobel played a solo of his own after “Hey Stoopid”, which kicked off another set of songs like “Poison” and “Feed My Frankenstein”. 

Bassist Chuck Garric shaking the First Summit Arena with his basslines.
Bassist Chuck Garric shaking the First Summit Arena with his basslines.
Drummer Glen Sobel playing along as Garric looks on.
Drummer Glen Sobel playing along as Garric looks on.

As the night neared its end, the famous guillotine was brought out. While the entire set was filled with props and bits this segment proved to be a crowd favorite. After Alice lost his head, the band played “I Love the Dead” sans Alice. Alice then returned to round out the night with “Escape”, “School’s Out” (which had a cool Pink Floyd twist at the end) and “Elected”. 

This was one of the few stops on this tour with Alice and his band flying solo. They had no problem getting the crowd going without an opening act and kept the energy level high throughout their two hour set. Be sure to check them out on this tour and also check out Alice’s new album “Road” which is set to be released on August 25, 2023.

Alice Cooper and Nita Strauss.
Alice Cooper and Nita Strauss.
Chuck Garric, Alice Cooper and Tommy Henriksen.
Chuck Garric, Alice Cooper and Tommy Henriksen.

Setlist:

Lock Me Up
No More Mr. Nice Guy
I’m Eighteen
Under My Wheels
Bed of Nails
Billion Dollar Babies
Fallen In Love
Snakebite
Be My Lover
Lost in America
Hey Stoopid
Welcome To My Nightmare
Cold Ethyl
Only Women Bleed
Poison
Feed My Frankenstein
The Black Widow
Ballad of Dwight Fry
I Love the Dead
Escape
School’s Out
Elected

Guitarist Tommy Henriksen
Guitarists Tommy Henriksen and Nita Strauss
Alice Cooper

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