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Alice Cooper

Challenge Stadium, Perth

The flocking mass of Aussie hobos and bogans invading the unsuspecting Challenge Stadium meant only one thing – Alice Cooper was in town. Whilst the stadium at first seemed far from full, the energy and charisma amongst the crowd (many with painted faces) energised the power of any massive rock concert.

The stage displayed a colossal THEATRE OF TRAGEDY backdrop, and with the ring of a school bell the show was underway with thousands singing “School’s out for summer!” Huge letters hung from the stage spelling A L I C E as they belted out the first few tunes, and by ‘I’m Eighteen’ the props began making an appearance, starting with a giant crutch that Alice confidently strutted around the stage.

Timeless tracks were pumped out one after the other, with more and more crazy stage props being introduced, perhaps the most spectacular being a guillotine slicing off Alice’s head. His daughter also showed off her entertaining ability with impressive acrobatic skills throughout the show.

The highlight arose with the 1989 classic ‘Poison’, as the crowd went ballistic showing plenty of Perth’s newest air guitaring talents around the stadium. “Hold your hands up if you’re poison!” yelled Alice holding a giant needle, and apparently everyone was poison..

Strangely, the show ended on the encore of ‘Schools Out’ for the second time of the evening, but still finished on a high note nonetheless.

The current lineup showed spectacular musicianship, much enthusiasm and excellent stage presence. Alice Cooper is definitely no usual live gig, but rather a theatrical performed concert to please both the aural and visual senses for enhanced satisfaction.

ALICE COOPER SETLIST – Perth 01/09/2009
School’s Out
Department of Youth
I’m Eighteen
Wicked Young Man
Ballad Of Dwight Fry
Go To Hell
Guilty
Welcome To My Nightmare
Cold Ethyl
Poison
The Awakening
From The Inside
Nurse Rozetta
Is It My Body
Only Woman Bleed
I Never Cry
Black Widow Jam
Vengeance Is Mine
Devil’s Food
Dirty Diamonds
Billion Dollar Babies
Killer
I Love The Dead
No More Mr Nice Guy
Under My Wheels
School’s Out

Reviewed by Brendon Capriotti – www.myspace.com/claimthethrone