Devil on My Shoulder by Alice Cooper

We’re not worthy ……oh yes, we are !  There are rock stars, and then there is Alice Cooper: a man who has turned theatrical shock into an art form, challenged convention and entertained generations while becoming one of rock’s most recognisable figures based on his love of horror movies as a child.

As a huge ‘Alice’ fan who has seen him live three times, I approached Devil on My Shoulder with genuine excitement. Having experienced the make-up, guillotine, and larger-than-life stage persona, I was especially interested in the human being behind the legend.

The book takes us through the highs and lows of Alice’s career, the excesses of rock ’n’ roll, his personal battles and the resilience that helped him come through them. There are themes of identity, choices, redemption and finding your way again when life takes an unexpected turn. While the seventies era is covered in some amazing detail,  the latest phases of Alice’s career are perhaps glossed over, but regardless, Alice’s insight into the music and entertainment world is incredible to hear.

Alice’s story is honest and entertaining, but it’s also a reminder that even those who seem larger than life are still human. This isn’t simply a book for rock music fans; it’s about the battles we face, the mistakes we make and the strength to get back up.

If you’re an Alice Cooper fan, this is a must-read. If you’re interested in the person behind the rock ’n’ roll mythology, there’s plenty here for you too. Sometimes the greatest story is the one about surviving your own demons and realising the difference between your stage persona and the ‘real you’ – which even Alice would admit has saved him from an ending all too familiar to some musicians.

Reviewer: Bryan Ward

Penguin