Live CDs, DVDs and LPs 1

 

NOTE: For the Live From The Astroturf 7" Single Click Here.

NOTE: For the Live From The Astroturf 12" Album Click Here.

Live At The Whiskey A-Go-Go 1969 12" Vinyl Album

1992, Edsel Records, NEST 903

 

The Alice Cooper live story begins with this unofficial album that was first released in 1992 and features the Alice Cooper Group performing 8 live tracks at the iconic Whiskey A-Go-Go club in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Somewhat typically for an unofficial release, the stated year of the recording is wrong, as it is understood that the performance took place in July 1968 rather than 1969 (i.e. before Pretties For You, was released).  

 

Included here are seven songs that went on to appear on Pretties For You plus Nobody Likes Me, which was a regular live track but never featured on any of the Group's albums. The recordings are crisp and clear and Alice is in good form, interacting with the audience on several occasions.

 

This European vinyl version features a basic sleeve and black disc. The content of the CD version booklet (below) is not included, which is a shame.

 

The eagle-eyed observer will note that the club's sign on the cover has the 'Y' missing. According to the booklet of the CD version, this is because:

 

In the late 1960's, the Department for Alcoholic Beverage Control deemed it illegal to "Advertise" an alcoholic beverage by including it on a club marquee. Rather than change the name of his venue, owner Elmer Valentine opted to break the "ey" off the neon, thus reflected in the cover art of this package.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Live At The Whisky A-Go-Go 1969 12" Vinyl Album

2015, Manifesto Records, MFO 45601

 

This European vinyl re-issue of Live At Whiskey A-Go-Go 1969 (or in the case of this release 'Whisky A-Go-Go') again features a simple sleeve design with track listings and credits on the back. However, you also get the written material from the booklet of the original CD version (below) on the rear of the sleeve, which is a welcome addition.  

 

The hype sticker on the front of the sleeve is misleading, as this is clearly not the first time it has been released on vinyl (see above)!

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Live At The Whisky A-Go-Go 1969 Cassette Album

1992, Straight/Bizarre, R4 70369

 

This USA cassette version of Live At Whiskey A-Go-Go 1969 (or in the case of this release 'Whisky A-Go-Go') includes reconfigured artwork and content based on the European CD version (below). Inside is a clear tape with printed additional track listings.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Live At The Whiskey A-Go-Go 1969 CD Album

1992, Edsel Records, NESTCD 903

 

This European CD version of Live At The Whiskey A-Go-Go 1969 comes in a jewel case and features a simple four-page booklet including an entertaining foreword by Miss Pamela of the GTOs, some image of Alice, credits and brief additional information about the recording.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Toronto Rock 'N' Roll Revival 1969, Volume IV 12" Vinyl Album

1983, Breakaway, BWY 70

This unofficial UK vinyl features the Alice Cooper Group's show at the 1969 Toronto Rock 'N' Roll Revival (made famous for 'the chicken incident').

 

It is notable for the wrong reasons though as two of the eight tracks provided (i.e. Ain't That Just Like A Woman and Goin' To The River) aren't actually Alice Cooper tracks at all, and instead belong to Canadian rocker Ronnie Hawkins. To make matters worse, five of the other six tracks aren't correctly titled and bear no relation to the correct names:

 

> 'Painting A Picture' is actually No Longer Umpire (from Pretties For You);

> 'Group Instrumental' and 'I've Written Home To Mother' is different parts of Lay Down And Die, Goodbye (from Easy Action);

> 'Freak Out Song' is Don't Blow Your Mind (The Spiders);

> Nobody Likes Me (the one correctly titled track); and

> 'Science Fiction' is Fields Of Regrets (From Pretties For You).

 

The recording quality is also pretty poor and also does not play back at the right speed so, all-in-all, it's not a great offering. Thankfully, a much better CD release was offered in 2012 by Applebush (below) which corrected many of these issues.  

 

The copy comes in a simple card sleeve and features a hand-drawn image of Alice on the front. A very short biography is provided on the rear of the sleeve, which fails to acknowledge the rest of the Group at all!

 

Finally, this release is titled 'Volume IV' as releases from the same concert for other artists were also produced.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Toronto Rock 'N' Roll Revival 1969, Volume IV 12" Vinyl Album

1987, Design Records, PIX LP3

This UK unofficial vinyl picture disc re-issue of the above release contains exactly the same material. It also includes the same incorrect track titles etc.

 

Images of Alice from the incorrect era are provided on either side, with the Group members not featured at all.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Alice Cooper Cassette Album

Unknown Year, Object Enterprises, ONN MC 52

This European cassette is one of many different unofficial versions of the above vinyl releases from the 1969 Toronto Rock 'N' Roll Revival show (often referred to as the 'Freak Out' album). It also includes the same incorrect track titles etc.

 

This release features a simple one-sided J-card containing track listing and credits plus an image of Alice from the incorrect era on the front, with the Group members not featured at all.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Alice Cooper CD Album

Unknown Year, Object Enterprises, ONN 52

This European CD release from the 1969 Toronto Rock 'N' Roll Revival features the same content to the cassette version (above).

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Legends Alice Cooper CD Album

1994, Wisepack, LECD 085

This is a further European unofficial CD release of the above vinyl releases from the 1969 Toronto Rock 'N' Roll Revival show. It also includes the same incorrect track titles etc.

 

As with the above version, this is a very basic release and comes in a jewel case with just a paper insert. Images of Alice from the incorrect era are provided on the front, with the Group members not featured at all.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Nobody Like Me CD Album

Unknown Year, Success, 2157CD

This is a further European unofficial CD release of the above vinyl releases from the 1969 Toronto Rock 'N' Roll Revival show. It also includes the same incorrect track titles etc.

 

As with the above versions, this is a very basic release and comes in a jewel case with just a paper insert. An image of Alice from the incorrect era is provided on the front, with the Group members not featured at all.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

The Alice Cooper Group, Nobody Likes Us CD Album

2012, Applebush, CPSSPCD006

This further European CD version of the 1969 Toronto Rock 'N' Roll Revival show is definitely the one to have. This is because it has the correct tracks, in the right running order, and features better all-round quality audio. This is also a much more comprehensive documentation of the show meaning, for example, that the excellent Don't Blow Your Mind now weighs in at a hefty 21 minutes (compared to just under 4 minutes on the original release). Michael Bruce has claimed that this super-extended track, which includes a drum solo by Neal Smith, is lovingly titled Animal Pyjamas.

 

Also provided are a further 8 tracks recorded in San Francisco the same year. These are of pretty poor quality but include the additional rarities that are Reflected, 10 Minutes Before The Worm, Swing Low, Sweet Cheerio and B. B. On Mars!

 

This release also comes in a nice 'Digifile' sleeve which, unlike other versions, features era-specific images of the Alice Cooper Group. Some copies are even known to have come with faux chicken feathers stuffed inside the sleeve, but mine sadly does not!

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Live On Air 12" Vinyl Album

2017, Laser Media, LM500

This somewhat random unofficial European vinyl album features a basic card sleeve and includes eight live tracks performed between 1971 (i.e. Under My Wheels and I'm Eighteen) to 1992 (i.e. The Black Widow). No details are provided regarding what shows the recordings are taken from.

 

The vinyl itself is a thing of beauty, looking a bit like a piece of candy due to its opaque red, white and blue marble effect design.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Broadcast Collection 1971-1995 Boxset

2017, Soundstage, SS8CDBOX5

 

This unofficial eight CD boxset features seven different Alice Cooper Group and solo live shows between 1971 and 1995 that were previously broadcast either on radio or TV, many of which have already featured in other releases:

 

CD1: The Rooster Tail, Detroit, Mi March 1st 1971 WRIS-FM;

 

CD2: LA Forum, Los Angeles, June 17th 1975 King Biscuit Flower Hour # *;

 

CD3: Wendler Arena, Saginaw, May 10th 1978 King Biscuit Flower Hour * $;

 

CD4: San Diego Sports Arena, San Diego, California April 9th 1979 King Biscuit Flower Hour *

 

CDs 5/6: El Paso County Coliseum, Texas, June 4th 1980 Broadcast 25th October 1980 On The ABC Network £;

 

CD7: Cincinnati Gardens, Ohio, March 6th 1987 Broadcast By NBC Radio Entertainment; and 

 

CD8: Monsters Of Rock, Teatro Monumental, Santiago, Chile, September 7th 1995 Via X TV Broadcast.

 

# Also featured in the previous Alone In His Nightmare release (below)

* Also featured in the previous The Strange Case Of Alice Cooper and Transmission Impossible releases (below) 

$ Also featured in the previous Slicker Than A Weasel release (below)

£ Also featured in the previous El Paso County Coliseum release (below)

 

Each CD comes in its own card sleeve, with them all stored in a solid box complete with nice 20-page colour booklet featuring a variety of photos and archive press articles about Alice.  

 

As is often the case for unofficial releases, a schoolboy error is present on the back of CD 8, as it contains the track listings for CD 4!  Also, the image of Alice on the front of CD 8 doesn't fit the period that the show is from (i.e. it's from the Dirty Diamonds, rather than The Last Temptation, era).    

 

As you would expect from previously broadcast material, the recording quality of all the shows is pretty good. The only exception is the 1971 show, which is pretty ropey (but then it is nearly 50 years old).

 

Despite the fact that most of this material has been released before, the low price point of this set (about £20) and the nice overall presentation means that it's well worth purchasing as you get the chance to hear some deep cuts (like Sun Arise, You And Me, The Quiet Room, Nuclear Infected, The World Needs Guts and Cleansed By Fire). Also, the El Paso show includes a number of short interviews with Alice that formed part of the original broadcast. A few other small bonuses are included on some of the other discs, but they aren't anything to get too excited about.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Greatest Hits... Live 1971-1995

2022, Get Yer Vinyl Out, GYVOLP7221

 

This unofficial vinyl release features 14 live songs between 1971 and 1995 from the same seven shows as featured in the above Broadcast Collection CD boxset. It features a glossy gatefold sleeve, which includes some of the archive press text previously provided in the booklet of the CD boxset.

 

My understanding is that this release featured a variety of custom opaque marble effect vinyl discs. My one is primarily green, but I have also seen blue and pink variants being displayed by fellow owners.  

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Mar Y Sol 12" Vinyl Album

2017, Applebush, CPSSPLP008

 

This unofficial European release features the Alice Cooper Group's radio broadcast performance at the Mar Y Sol Pop Festival in Puerto Rico on 02nd April 1972. This is essentially the same setlist as that provided on the 'Killer In St. Louis' vinyl and CD, which was included in the Old School Boxset, but it is good to have another version to listen to.

 

This vinyl version was limited to 500 copies, comes in a glossy gatefold sleeve and features two black vinyl discs. Inside the gatefold sleeve is a great picture of a hung Alice and on the back is another of the Group together, with Neal holding aloft a snake. These images all clearly came from those taken during the photo sessions for the original Killer album.  

 

A large inlay contains images of the Alice Cooper Group in concert and credits. Additionally, the image of Alice inside the sleeve is surrounded by an interesting foreword by Steve Pittis of Dirter Promotions.

 

This was once worth buying a copy of, but it has since been surpassed by the 'Killer 50th Anniversary Edition' vinyl release, which includes a better, and more complete, presentation of the same show.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Mar Y Sol CD Album

2017, Applebush, CPSSPCD008

This CD version of Mar Y Sol comes in a 'Digifile' sleeve and includes the same content as the vinyl version (see above), albeit in reconfigured format.

 

As with the vinyl version, this was once worth buying a copy of, but it has since been surpassed by the Killer 'Really Killer Edition' CD release, which includes a better, and more complete, presentation of the same show.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Alice Cooper, Billion Dollar Babies Live, 12" Vinyl Album

2019, Rhino Records, R1 585343

This welcome USA Black Friday Record Store Day 2019 release features the live 1973 Alice Cooper Group concert audio previously provided on the bonus CD of the Remastered & Expanded version of Billion Dollar Babies (which originally were recorded for the Good To See You Again, Alice Cooper film, below). Although it is stated on the front as being from 'Houston, Texas', Unfinished Sweet is understood to have been recorded at Dallas (also in Texas) during the same tour (it should therefore have probably just been called 'Texas').   

 

The audio, provided on a black vinyl disc, is exactly the same as the Billion Dollar Babies CD only that I Love The Dead is about 4 seconds shorter (it appears to have had a tiny part of the mid-track instrumental cut out).

 

The most notable aspect of this release, however, is the inclusion of a cool additional black 7" disc featuring the previously unreleased tracks School's Out and Under My Wheels (which are again likely to be from either the Dallas or Houston shows). 

 

This was limited to 6,000 copies, which was a fairly generous run compared to some other recent releases. The simple card sleeve is a bit of a let-down compared to some previous Record Store Day releases, but is notable in that it attempts to mimic the iconic Live From The Astroturf LP (released on the previous Black Friday Record Store Day) by featuring a snakeskin motif within the slot where the vinyl disc goes in.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Good To See You Again, Alice Cooper DVD

2005, Eagle Vision, EREDV502

Good To See You Again is a lavish film produced around the Billion Dollar Babies tour of 1973. With the Alice Cooper Group at the height of their creative and commercial powers, no production was too daring or costly, with the result being an epic fusion of cinema and live music.

 

Initially released only in theatres, it took over 30 years for it to see the light of day as an official home release. To be fair, it shows its age somewhat, and some of the acting is rather ropey, but nobody can deny the quality of the live music on offer. The DVD also comes with a host of extra features including commentary by Alice, trailers, deleted scenes and outtakes.

 

One further point of note is that Michael Bruce is, quite unforgivably, removed from the original image used on the front cover (see image below). This was not the first time though, as he was also masked out of the same image (by a hype graphic) in the 1973 Dutch 7" release of Halo Of Flies.

 

Despite the above issue, this is an iconic, amusing and essential release. Some of the live audio latterly appeared on both the Billion Dollar Babies Remastered & Expanded CD Album and the Billion Dollar Babies Live USA Black Friday Record Store Day 2019 vinyl release (above).   

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Welcome To My Nightmare DVD

1999, Eagle Vision, EREDV130

 

Alice's successful debut solo album, Welcome To My Nightmare, was subject to a highly creative concert film of the same name in 1975. Filmed in London, viewers are treated to an extravaganza that established Alice as a star in his own right, with highlights being the presentation of songs like Welcome To My Nightmare, Some Folks, Devil's Food / The Black Widow, Steven and, of course, Escape (which features the famous 'magic screen').

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Welcome To My Nightmare 12" LaserDisc

1989, Rhino Video, ID7424RH

 

LaserDiscs were the first home-based optical media format and were introduced way back in the late 1970's. As you will appreciate from the images below, they were typically 12" in diameter meaning that they looked like a DVD but were actually the size of a typical vinyl album. Unlike DVDs they were also double-sided, but with only about 60 minutes of storage time on each side, viewers typically had to change sides at least once per movie (Terminator 2, for example, came on two discs and required three changes from start to finish).

 

Although revolutionary at the time, and despite surviving for about 20 years, they failed to topple the monopoly of the VHS videotape due to the very high purchase costs of the players and discs (a good player could cost more than double that of an equivalent VHS player) and the fact that you couldn't record your own media on them. That said, the high image and audio quality meant they enjoyed (and in some cases, still do enjoy) a cult following amongst videophiles in regions like North America and Japan. The advent of the DVD around the turn of the 21st century acted as the final nail in the coffin for LaserDiscs.

 

Several Alice Cooper LaserDisc releases were made, including Prime Cuts, Trashes The World (below), Video Trash and this USA 12" version of the 1975 Welcome To My Nightmare live show, which features unique artwork of Alice performing live on the front and back. This is a quirky item and a nice nod back to the time when digital media was still finding its feet in the world.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Welcome To My Nightmare Special Edition DVD

2017, Eagle Vision, EREDV1283

 

In 1975, a TV special called 'The Nightmare' aired on USA channel ABC. Starring Alice as Steven and Vincent Price as 'The Spirit', The Nightmare was a full blown concept film that featured alternative (and out-of-sequence) versions of every track from the Welcome To My Nightmare album plus Ballad Of Dwight Fry (from the Love It To Death album). A number of interludes add further context to Steven's nightmare and help tie the storyline together well. 

 

Also included in this spectacular release is the Welcome To My Nightmare concert film (above), making this utterly essential to have. The only sour point though is that Department Of Youth is removed from this version (it is listed on the back cover and on the DVD menu, but all you get is the post-song encore). I can only assume that it was dropped as the footage was a little ropey at times.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Alone In His Nightmare 12" Vinyl Album

2013, Back On Black, RCV055LP

This unofficial European vinyl release is understood to be limited to 1,000 copies and features a recording of Alice's Welcome To My Nightmare tour show at Great Western Forum, Los Angeles on 18th June 1975. The recording, which was originally made for a live radio broadcast on the 'King Biscuit Flower Hour' show, is of good quality and this means we get to hear Alice on top form as he performs the tracks from his stellar new album.  

 

This release features a gatefold sleeve with red-tone images of Alice performing and two translucent red discs. Also provided on the inside of the sleeve is a short background on the Welcome To My Nightmare album and the supporting tour.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Alone In His Nightmare CD Album

2011, Smokin', SMCD903

This unofficial European CD includes the same content as the latterly released vinyl version (above). It features reconfigured artwork, with the written content now provided in a simple four-page booklet.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Transmission Impossible CD Album

2015, Eat To The Beat, ETTB053

This unofficial European CD set features three live recordings on separate discs of concerts that were originally subject to live radio broadcasts on the 'King Biscuit Flower Hour' show. The shows featured are:

 

1. Los Angeles 1975 - As featured in the previous Alone In His Nightmare release (above);

 

2. Saginaw 1978 - As featured in the previous Slicker Than A Weasel release (below); and

 

3. San Diego 1979 - As featured in the Broadcast Collection 1971-1995 Boxset (above) and The Strange Case Of Alice Cooper (below) releases.

 

The 'Digipak' case features images of Alice from various eras, a short biography and track listings.  

 

The recordings are all of good quality and capture Alice as he plays some of his earlier solo-era shows in support of Welcome To My Nightmare, Lace And Whiskey and From The Inside. Also included, of course, are many hits from the Alice Cooper Group years.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

The Alice Cooper Show 12" Promotional Vinyl Album

1977, Warner Brothers, BSK 3138

The Alice Cooper Show is a live album which was recorded during 2 specially arranged dates of the 'King Of The Silver Screen' tour at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas in August 1977. It was the first officially released live album featuring either the original Alice Cooper Group or solo Alice (of which this is the latter).

 

Alice has stated on numerous occasions in the past how much he dislikes this album. The principal reason for this is that it was recorded at a time where his alcohol abuse was particularly severe and, therefore, that this was not a satisfactory first record of him as a live performer. To make matters worse, the album only features 11 tracks from the setlist, with several criminally shortened to just a few minutes. The end result is not great, but it's still well worth having when you consider that there would be a 20-year wait for the next official live album (i.e. 1997's A Fistful Of Alice).

 

This USA 12" promotional copy comes in a simple card sleeve featuring a montage of images of the live show on both the front and back. Interestingly, the sleeve needs to be flipped at the top otherwise the rear side reads upside down. Also provided on the rear of the sleeve are track listings and credits. The black inner sleeve features scattered credits and a small black and white photo on either side.

 

As this is a promotional copy, it includes an additional pink Warner Brothers 'PROMOTIONAL COPY NOT FOR SALE' sticker on the front. The disc features Palm Tree Warner Brothers labels, which are identical to USA stock copies (i.e. the sticker on the front is the only way to differentiate promotional copies from stock copies).

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

The Alice Cooper Show 12" Vinyl Album

1977, Warner Brothers, K56439

 

This UK 1st pressing of The Alice Cooper Show is similar to the USA promotional copy (above) but features reconfigured Palm Tree Warner Brothers labels and is missing the original inner sleeve. Again, the sleeve needs to be flipped at the top otherwise the rear side reads upside down.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

The Alice Cooper Show 12" Vinyl Album

Unknown Year, Warner Brothers, K56439

 

This European re-issue of The Alice Cooper Show was likely to have been produced in the early 80's. It is similar to the above copies but features cream Warner Brothers labels and an additional star logo on the front stating 'RECORDED LIVE ON THE 1977 TOUR'. Again, the sleeve needs to be flipped at the top otherwise the rear side reads upside down.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

The Alice Cooper Show 12" Vinyl Album

2013, Friday Music, FRM-3138

 

This USA 180 gram re-issue of The Alice Cooper Show by Friday Music features an improved gatefold sleeve design, with the material previously used on the inner sleeve transferred to the inside of the gatefold. Unlike previous copies, the artwork on the rear of the sleeve is not printed upside down. The Palm Tree Warner Brothers labels faithfully replicate the original USA release (above) but feature the alternative Friday Music product code.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here 

The Alice Cooper Show 8-Track Album

1977, Warner Brothers, WB M8 3138

 

This USA 8-Track album features a black cartridge and includes the original album cover artwork and track listings on the front. The wrap-around sticker also provides the product code on the side.

 

One notable aspect of this release is that the track order is different to the usual arrangement, with the majority of them appearing out-of-place. This was presumably due to the need to adequately fit everything into the four 'programs' on the cartridge.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

The Alice Cooper Show Cassette Album

1977, Warner Brothers, M5-3138

 

This Canadian cassette of The Alice Cooper Show features a simple one-sided J-card containing abridged artwork and track listings. Inside is a black tape with additional track listings. 

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

The Alice Cooper Show Cassette Album

Unknown Year, Warner Brothers, K456 439

 

This German cassette of The Alice Cooper Show features a simple J-card containing abridged artwork, track listings and credits. Inside is a clear tape with additional track listings. 

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

The Alice Cooper Show CD Album

Unknown Year, Warner Brothers, 256 439

This European CD release of The Alice Cooper Show comes in a jewel case and features a small booklet containing track listings, credits, a short biography and some images of the show that the recording was taken from.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

The Alice Cooper Show 'Mini LP' SHM CD Album

2011, Warner Brothers, WPCR-14309

In 2011, all the Alice Cooper albums from Pretties For You through to From The Inside were re-issued in Japan on 'Super High Material' (SHM) CD format. SHM CD's are, apparently, made of improved material, that provides a clearer medium for the reading of the data and so reduces read errors and thus can improve sound quality.

 

A notable feature of all the SHM releases is that they closely replicate the original packaging of the vinyl releases. In the case of The Alice Cooper Show, this is a basic sleeve, so this is obviously reflected here although it does include an original insert which invites fans to join the 'Alice Cooper Fan Club'. An additional black-and-white bilingual lyric booklet and external 'Obi Strip' are also provided (both of which are common features of Japanese music releases).

 

What would have been really cool though is if they had made the CDs look more like miniature vinyl discs. What is offered is still more than satisfactory though and the SHM releases are definitely the quintessential Alice Cooper CD editions of all the available variants out there.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Slicker Than A Weasel 12" Vinyl Album

2014, Back On Black, RCV165LP

This unofficial European vinyl release features a performance originally recorded for radio broadcast on the 'King Biscuit Flower Hour' show during the 1978 'School's Out For Summer' tour at the Wendler Arena in Saginaw, Michigan.

 

This release features a gatefold sleeve with snake-themed artwork and two translucent red discs. Also provided on the inside of the sleeve is a short biography and background on the Saginaw show.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

The Strange Case Of Alice Cooper Betamax

1979, Magnetic Video Corporation, CL-1064

 

The Strange Case Of Alice Cooper is a concert film of the 1979 Madhouse Rock Tour show at the San Diego Sports Arena, California. First released on home video formats the same year and then subject to several unofficial audio releases (e.g. the above Broadcast Collection 1971-1995 Boxset and Transmission Impossible releases), it was also officially re-released on DVD format in 2012 (see below), allowing fans to see Alice performing in support of the previous year's From The Inside album. Also provided at the beginning and end of the film is brief video footage featuring interviews with Alice (recorded at the time of the tour).  

 

The Madhouse Rock Tour captures Alice during his ongoing health battles of the late 70's and early 80's and he has a gaunt appearance and manic demeanour about him. For this reason, it's not one of the great Alice Cooper tours, but remains essential viewing due to the large number of tracks representing the From The Inside album and his on-stage chemistry with wife Sheryl.

 

This original USA home video release on the ill-fated Betamax / Beta format, which ultimately lost out to the Video Home System (VHS) format, comes in a card sleeve and features an image of Alice performing on the front. On the back are details of similar releases by other artists of the time.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

The Strange Case Of Alice Cooper DVD

2012, Shout! Factory, 826663-13107

 

This welcome USA multi-region DVD release of The Strange Case Of Alice Cooper allowed many fans the first chance to see the 1979 Madhouse Rock Tour show at the San Diego Sports Arena, California.

 

In addition to the previously provided interviews, this version includes bonus optional commentary by Alice (recorded at the time of the re-release).  

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

El Paso County Coliseum 1980 12" Vinyl Album

2017, Parachute Recording Company, PARA141LP

 

This unofficial European vinyl release features the first date from the Flush The Fashion tour on 04th June 1980 at the El Paso County Coliseum, Texas. I use the term loosely though as a number of the tracks are actually from the 1977 Alice Cooper Show album (above) and formed part of a radio broadcast. Most comical of all is a random medley of Billion Dollar Babies and I Love The Dead, which features the same recording of the first track played either side of the second. It's really odd and is likely to reflect some bizarre artistic license by the radio broadcaster at the time!  

 

One thing's for sure is that it certainly results in a unique product. The sound quality of the El Paso tracks is somewhat average, but the positive is that we get to hear some songs from the era that rarely saw the light of day again (these include Grim Facts, Pain, Nuclear Infected, Dance Yourself To Death and Road Rats).    

 

This release features a gatefold sleeve with various images of Alice and two black discs. Also provided on the inside of the sleeve is a short biography and background on the El Paso show.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

El Paso County Coliseum 1980 CD Album

2016, Zip City, ZCCD040

This unofficial European CD includes the same content as the latterly released vinyl version (above). It features reconfigured artwork, with the written content now provided in a simple four-page booklet.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Live At The Apollo, Glasgow

2020, Rhino Records, R1 599976

 

This welcome USA / Europe Record Store Day 2020 release features the Special Forces tour concert at the Apollo Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland in February 1982. Available as a bootleg recording for a number of years, and with some of the material previously featuring on the For Britain Only single release, it was good to finally see it receive an official outing.  

 

The audio, provided on two black vinyl discs, is good quality and gives listeners the chance to hear rare live versions of early 'Blackout' era songs like Who Do You Think We Are, Model Citizen, 7 And 7 Is and Grim Facts. Additionally, classics such as I'm Eighteen, Billion Dollar Babies and School's Out are given an alternative makeover, which are made all the more interesting due to Alice's obvious battles with drugs at the time of the recording and the subsequent impact of this on his on-stage persona.

 

This was limited to 7,000 copies, which was a fairly generous run compared to some other recent releases and means that you can easily pick up a copy. The simple card sleeve is a bit of a let-down compared to some previous Record Store Day releases, although it does feature the striking Special Forces logo in cool contemporary red and silver colouring.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

The Nightmare Returns DVD

2006, Geffen Records, 0602498576670

 

This DVD features Alice's triumphant show in Detroit, Michigan on Halloween night of 1986. Broadcast live on MTV, it gave the world the chance to see a rejuvenated and substance-free Alice deliver a highly theatrical, polished and adrenaline-filled set in support of his recently-released Constrictor album.  

 

This is an essential addition to anyone's collection and is seen by many as the beginning of Alice's rebirth due to the impact that the screening had on MTV viewers at the time. Originally released on VHS, this welcome DVD version was released 20 years later and features improved quality and bonus videos for Teenage Frankenstein and Freedom (from the Constrictor and Raise Your Fist And Yell albums respectively).

 

Discogs Link: Click Here 

Alice Cooper Trashes The World VHS

1990, CMV Enterprises, 490422

 

After the success of The Nightmare Returns (above), Trashes The World captures Alice's tour in support of his Trash album. Filmed live at the Birmingham Exhibition Centre, UK across 2 nights in December 1989, this excellent show features an impressive eight tracks from Trash (i.e. only Why Trust You and Hell Is Living Without You are missing) plus memorable presentations of Steven and Gutter Cats vs The Jets.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Alice Cooper Trashes The World 12" LaserDisc

1990, CMV Enterprises, ID7578CB

This 12" LaserDisc version of Trashes The World features similar artwork to the original VHS release (above).

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Alice Cooper Trashes The World DVD

2004, SMV Enterprises, 2023149

This welcome DVD version of Trashes The World was released 14 years after the original VHS version (above). No extras are present but it meant that fans had digital access to an iconic live solo Alice Cooper performance.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here  

Extended Versions CD Album

2007, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, A706152

It isn't clear from the packaging but this USA 'Extended Versions' CD is actually a compilation of live tracks from Sony's Alice Cooper catalogue. This essentially means recordings from the Trashes The World Tour shows at Birmingham NEC, England in 1989 (two shows covering consecutive days that were used for the Trashes The World Video) and Cincinnati Gardens, Ohio in 1987.

 

The track listings, and shows that they were taken from, are as follows:

 

1. I'm Eighteen (Birmingham);
2. House Of Fire (Birmingham);
3. Bed Of Nails (Birmingham);
4. Poison (Birmingham);
5. Under My Wheels (Cincinnati Gardens); 
6. No More Mr. Nice Guy (Birmingham);
7. Ballad Of Dwight Fry (Cincinnati Gardens);
8. Welcome To My Nightmare (Birmingham);
9. Cold Ethyl (Cincinnati Gardens); and
10. School's Out (Birmingham).

 

The live tracks from the Birmingham shows had not previously been released on CD format which makes this release notable and, therefore, worth picking up. The tracks from Cincinnati Gardens had all previously been released, as B sides on various Trash era singles.

 

Only a paper inlay is provided, which includes two somewhat comical errors. Firstly, the Cincinnati Gardens recordings are listed as 1990 (instead of 1987). Secondly, the English recordings are listed as being from 'Birmingham Exhibition Centre, London, England'. For those not from the UK, Birmingham is most definitely not part of London!

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

A Fistful Of Alice Promotional CD Album

1997, Guardian, 724383308026

A Fistful Of Alice was released in 1997 and was Alice's first official live album since 1977's The Alice Cooper Show (and therefore only the 2nd of his career at the time). The show was recorded at the Cabo Wabo club in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in June 1996 and see an out-of-character Alice talking to the crowd and being joined by special guests Slash, Rob Zombie and Sammy Hagar (who owned the Cabo Wabo club). The cover art features some nice images of a relaxed looking Alice (and his snake) hanging out in the streets.  

 

This USA promotional CD is somewhat odd as it comes with 2 discs, the first of which contains the entire A Fistful Of Alice album (including the only new studio track, Is Anyone Home?) with the second disc containing, err, Is Anyone Home? Quite what the point of this is beyond me but I guess this counts as a separate single release of this song (even though it was never actually released as a promo or full single in any other way). The second disc even has a separate number, which is 708761181524.

 

Other than the double jewel case, and the extra promotional CD, the contents are pretty much identical to the officially released product (see below). The only real differences are a pink hype sticker on the front cover plus a white promotional banner on the main CD.

 

It is important to note that the track listings of this album were different depending on what country it was released in. This version features the following content, which were the standard USA tracks:

 

1. School's Out;

2. I'm Eighteen;

3. Desperado;

4. Lost In America;

5. Teenage Lament '74;

6. I Never Cry;

7. Poison;

8. Billion Dollar Babies;

9. Welcome To My Nightmare;

10. Only Women Bleed;

11. Feed My Frankenstein;

12. Elected; and

13. Is Anyone Home.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

A Fistful Of Alice Promotional CD Album

1997, Guardian Records, CDPP 006

This European promotional CD of A Fistful Of Alice comes in a slimline jewel case with a 1/2 width inlay. The track listings are the same as the UK version of the album (below) and a sticker on the back highlights the release date as being '16th June' (1997).

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

A Fistful Of Alice CD Album

1997, Guardian Records, 724383308125

This UK CD version of A Fistful Of Alice comes in a jewel case and includes a fold-out booklet featuring some images from the live show, track listings and credits. Unlike the USA version (above) this features 14 tracks, with Under My Wheels and No More Mr Nice Guy replacing Billion Dollar Babies.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

A Fistful Of Alice CD Album

1997, Guardian Records, TOCP-50269

This Japanese CD version of a Fistful Of Alice is nearly identical to the UK edition (above) only that it features an Obi strip and additional fold-out black and white booklet containing track listings and lyrics.

 

The most notable feature of this version, however, is that it not only includes all 15 tracks from the combined UK and USA versions, but also the rare additional live bonus tracks of Bed Of Nails and Clones (We're All). This 17-track version is therefore the quintessential version to have.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

School's Out CD Single

1997, Guardian Records, 724388419628

This Dutch only CD single comes in a slimline jewel case and features the live versions of School's Out and Elected from the A Fistful Of Alice album (above). The cover features the same artwork, of three children carrying a snake, as seen in the booklet of A Fistful Of Alice, only with the addition of 'School's Out' having been etched into the wall.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

A Fistful Of Alice 12" Vinyl Album

2010, Friday Music, FRM 33080

This rare USA 180 gram vinyl re-issue of A Fistful Of Alice features a gatefold design containing reconfigured artwork and two black discs.

 

This version features 15 tracks and includes all the tracks that appeared on the USA and UK CD versions above (i.e. you get Under My Wheels, No More Mr Nice Guy and Billion Dollar Babies).

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

A Fistful Of Alice Cassette Album

1997, Guardian Records, 724383308040

 

This USA cassette version of A Fistful Of Alice includes reconfigured artwork based on the CD version (above). The track listings are the same as the USA CD version. Inside is a clear tape.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

A Fistful Of Alice Promotional Album Slick

1997

 

This single-sided 12" x 12" card 'Slick' was issued to, and used by, record stores to promote the A Fistful Of Alice album when it was released.  

Promotional Album Slick

Live At Cabo Wabo '96 CD Album

2005, EMI, 094633499324

A Fistful Of Alice was re-issued in 2005 on CD under the title 'Live At Cabo Wabo '96', in reference to the venue that the live show was recorded at.

 

This European version comes in a jewel case and ditches the nice original artwork in favour of more live photos. That aside, what you get here is the same as the original UK CD release (above), including the track listings.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Brutally Live DVD

2001, Eagle Vision, EREDV156

Brutally Live features Alice's Brutal Planet show at London Hammersmith Apollo on 19th July 2000. It was his first live concert released on this format and made use of the new technology by offering viewers an alternative 'Alice Cam' on certain songs (by doing this, you get a view where the camera is fixed on Alice throughout). Also provided, is a bonus video of Gimme from Brutal Planet, which is one of the last music videos that Alice ever shot and is really quite decent.

 

The Brutal Planet tour is special for me as it was the first one that I managed to see. That said, the atmosphere at this show (which wasn't the one I went to by the way) is a little subdued with the crowd not participating as much as I like to see. Thankfully though, the performance itself was great and it's really good to have this excellent tour captured in such good quality.

 

The release itself is very basic with a single disc housed in a standard DVD case. There is no booklet as such, just a simple inlay containing track listings and details of the bonus content.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Brutally Live Collectors' Edition CD / DVD

2003, Eagle Vision, ERDVCD001

This 'Collector's Edition' re-issue of Brutally Live provides the welcome addition of a CD, which contains audio of all but 5 of the tracks from the DVD (the ones missing being Pick Up The Bones, Dead Babies, Ballad Of Dwight Fry, I Love The Dead and The Black Widow).  

 

There is no booklet to speak of, only a simple piece of paper which states the track listings of both the DVD and CD.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Brutally Live CD / DVD

2014, Salvo Sound Vision, SALVOSVX022

This re-issue of Brutally Live comes in 'Digipak' format and retains the handy CD / DVD combination of the original Collectors' Edition release (above). There's not a lot extra on offer here other than a small booklet containing some background information (written by Frank Daranjo).

 

As before, the CD does not contain all the songs from the concert with the likes of Pick Up The Bones, Dead Babies and Ballad Of Dwight Fry left out.

 

Rather subdued audience aside, this remains one of the best Alice tours captured on film and is well worth snapping up if you don't have it already. It's still a shame that this isn't available on Blu-Ray though.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Brutally Live Collectors' Edition CD / DVD

2015, Eagle Vision, EAGDV001

This further 'Collectors' Edition' re-issue of Brutally Live comes in a jewel case and again features both a DVD and CD of the show from London Hammersmith Apollo in July 2000. No booklet is included, instead you get a folded paper inlay containing track listings and credits.

 

The CD again features omitted tracks.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Brutally Live DVD

2015, Eagle Vision Classics, EVDVD168

 

This budget version of Brutally Live is close in keeping to the original DVD release of 2001 and features the DVD only (there is no audio CD). The perspex case features a double-sided insert containing the familiar artwork, setlist and credits.

 

Discogs Link: Click Here

For later live releases Click Here.