Alice Cooper just reached back into the ’90s and ripped out one of grunge’s most sacred riffs in the middle of his own backyard.
During his headline set at Coopstock in Mesa, Arizona on April 11th, Alice Cooper dropped a surprise cover of Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, no warning or build up, just that instantly recognisable crunch cutting through the desert night.
Backed by his touring crew Ryan Roxie, Glen Sobel, Chuck Garric, Tommy Henriksen and Anna Cara, Cooper didn’t try to mimic Kurt Cobain, instead, he bent the track into his own theatrical lane.
Less angst, with more swagger, it’s not about replacing the original, but more about paying respect while still sounding like Alice Cooper.
A Grunge Classic Gets The Shock Rock Treatment
There’s always a risk when someone touches a song this culturally loaded, ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ isn’t just a track, it’s a line in the sand for an entire generation.
But Cooper’s version didn’t feel like nostalgia bait, It landed more like a veteran tipping his hat to a movement that changed the game, while reminding everyone he’s still very much part of that lineage.
And honestly, seeing a pioneer of shock rock take on one of grunge’s biggest anthems feels less like a gimmick and more like a full-circle moment for heavy music.
Coopstock Still Doing The Real Work
Beyond the surprise setlist moment, Coopstock remains one of the scene’s most consistent charity events. Now in its 28th year, the festival pulled in a stacked lineup including John Oates, KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer, and Arizona staples Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers.
The event continues to raise funds for Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers, which provide free access to music, art, and dance programs for young people.
Cooper summed up the mission ahead of a previous edition, saying (per Blabbermouth):
“We are fulfilling a vision we’ve had for several years…to provide teens with a central place to learn, have fun, and explore their creativity in a supportive and safe environment. The Rock is the first of many teen centers in Arizona and and, ultimately, around the country.”
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