Dennis Dunaway and Bob Ezrin sharing Alice Cooper stories at the Biltmore Theatre in Oshawa. Photo Glenn Hendry
For classic rock enthusiasts of a certain age, nothing compares to hearing their favorite musicians reflect on the early days when rock ‘n roll was more than just music; it was a lifestyle filled with wild choices and unforgettable experiences.
When the band being discussed is a groundbreaking shock rock group like the Alice Cooper Group, and the storytellers are its original bassist and the hit-making producer, it’s bound to be an incredible experience.
Excited audiences at the Biltmore Theatre in Oshawa (Oct. 27) and Bridgeworks in Hamilton (Oct. 29) eagerly listened to every risqué joke and scandalous anecdote from legendary Canadian music producer and keyboardist Bob Ezrin – who Vince Furnier (later known as Alice Cooper) referred to as “our George Martin” – along with Dennis Dunaway, the band’s bassist (and high school friend of Furnier from Phoenix, Arizona) and co-writer of School’s Out. The two longtime friends reminisced about those chaotic times while fans happily recalled the soundtrack of their youth.
By 1970, the Alice Cooper Band had released three albums under Frank Zappa’s label but was ready for a change from their California roots – “they were all on acid and we were basically drinking beer,” Cooper once remarked – especially after that infamous ‘chicken incident’ when a live chicken was thrown into the audience at the Toronto Rock ‘n Roll Festival in 1969.
(The chicken, named Duchess, met a gruesome fate.)
Looking for inspiration after hearing The Guess Who’s American Woman and eager for a hit song, they traveled to Toronto to meet producer Jack Richardson. However, Richardson instructed his 19-year-old assistant Ezrin to “get rid of them.”
Instead of following orders, Ezrin went to New York to see them perform at Max’s Kansas City nightclub. He was so impressed that he burst into their green room post-show shouting, “we’ll do it!”
The band didn’t know who he was – Dunaway described him as an “18-year-old Jewish hippie” – while Ezrin thought back that night in his hotel room saying “I am so fired.”
But after some persuasion back in Toronto with Richardson – “this isn’t rock ‘n roll; this is a cultural revolution,” Ezrin told his boss – he received permission to work with them on one condition:
“If you like them so much, YOU do it.”
This marked the beginning of a significant chapter for the band as Ezrin produced four albums that transformed Alice Cooper into an international sensation, starting with I’m Eighteen. Originally an eight-minute jam that Ezrin encouraged them to trim down to three minutes became their first top-40 success.
The albums created with Ezrin – ‘Love it to Death’ (1971), ‘Killer’ (1971), ‘School’s Out’ (1972), and ‘Billion Dollar Babies’ (1973) – solidified their status among rock’s elite bands during that era and helped earn them entry into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
With success comes stories galore. Ezrin and Dunaway had countless tales worth sharing with audiences in Oshawa and Hamilton, starting with Ezrin’s initial visit to the farmhouse in Pontiac, Michigan where they moved after leaving California.
Ezrin’s first encounter with Dunaway was quite shocking for this kid from Toronto; he found himself faced with a rocker dressed as a frog accompanied by a green monkey who was humorously described by Dunaway as “aggressively fondling himself.”
The initial recording sessions turned out fine though; they began work on I’m Eighteen which came out in 1970 prior to releasing ‘Love it to Death’ LP later.
I’m Eighteen (which Ezrin mistakenly thought was called ‘I’m Edgy,’ much to Dunaway’s amusement) caught wind thanks partly due to influential Windsor DJ Rosalie Trombley whose knack for predicting hits had become legendary. With CKLW radio station reaching across Michigan and beyond she could either make or break new songs.
Dunaway recounted how Trombley faced pressure from her bosses telling her she couldn’t play their song because “they’re the chicken-killing band,” leading her famous comeback while waving at ringing phones requesting airtime: “so I shouldn’t answer those phones?”
Nine months later they dropped ‘Killer’ (which John Lydon of Sex Pistols dubbed “the greatest rock album of all time”) showcasing they weren’t merely about shock tactics but also talented musicians capable of intricate progressive rock sounds.
“People didn’t believe we could really play,” said Dunaway. “They weren’t giving us respect. With Killer they found out we could play serious stuff. We weren’t just theatrics.”
A trip followed next heading over New York City where they recorded ‘School’s Out,’ producing what would become their most iconic hit still celebrated every summer school season across North America even decades later.
“We also tried lots of new things during those sessions,” recalled Ezrin mentioning innovative filming techniques including videos capturing guitarist Glen Buxton (1947-1997) “flipping off New York cab drivers.”
The profits generated from School’s Out allowed them enough cash flow enabling moves away from crashing on couches at that farmhouse into what could be described as “a mansion” located Connecticut where part-recording sessions took place resulting eventually leading up towards creating ‘Billion Dollar Babies.’
“This is what happens when you take boys outta heartland & give them WAY too much money,” joked Dunaway.
A portion got recorded over London too featuring Donovan singing along on one track – “We knew he was showman but didn’t realize he possessed such range,” spoke highly regarding legendary singer-songwriter performance by Dunaway adding further details about some notable occurrences happening during London sessions involving drunken visits made notably by Who drummer Keith Moon known far & wide equally recognized not just through performances yet self-destructive antics too!
Bob Ezrin
The London recordings also became memorable due largely toward outrageous appearances put forth by Keith Moon getting intoxicated constantly arriving barging studio mid-session wherein laydown tracks happening prompting Ezra gently ushering him back towards bar counter instead!
Soon enough another incident arose whereby word reached informing someone concerning arrival pertaining possible so-called supergroup approaching studio consisting primarily individuals like Moon Mack Bolan Harry Neilson Turtles appearing crowd seemingly squeezed within clown-car filled alcoholics galore!
“They were too drunk unable even stand upright!” Ezra reflected humorously upon remembering scenarios presenting vividly during workdays based around creativity bursting forth often stemming alongside unpredictable environments encountered throughout entire process!
Billion Dollar Babies marked peak commercial triumph establishing Alice Cooper atop both US UK charts generating three successful singles branching out organically influencing future acts aspiring build similar careers down line leading directly toward eventual breakup occurring amongst core members back around ’74 eventually leaving behind legacy onwards stepping solo avenues paved abundantly afterward gaining enormous recognition stemming directly deriving efforts initially laid groundwork set forth previously established earlier phases keeping spirit alive forever onward charging forward ahead pushing boundaries expanding horizons creatively shaped today shaping current scene enjoyed globally each passing moment!
Alice Cooper alongside Dennis Dunaway
Ezarins well-known contributions spanning diverse list artists hailing everything ranging beyond Lou Reed Taylor Swift encompassing eclectic array talents illustrated throughout career securing him multiple accolades including winning prestigious Junos earned rightful induction within Canadian Music Hall Fame year2004!
Post-move relocating Los Angeles years ago becoming naturalized citizen US long ago initiated proceedings renouncing citizenship last year amidst rising political tensions stemming chatter surrounding potential discussions made regarding state fifty-one proposed stateside reforms originating from Donald Trump stirring discontent rumbling among populace!!
Surviving members witnessed performing Wembley Stadium together circa year twenty-seventeen!
n<Dunaways journey exploring craft resulted expanded collaborations reuniting original lineup enshrined together among fellow legends inducted likewise shared stage again performing receiving accolades bestowed momentous honor receiving collective memory etched upon hearts belonging everyone present alike generations passed thriving living ever since captivated audiences everywhere awakening nostalgia reigniting passion fueling drive forward continuing pursue dreams inspired fire burning brightly within souls remaining unwavering strength blossoming onward seamlessly transitioning creative endeavors ensuing remarkable pathway forged lifetime dedicated achievement rest sought mission seeing flourish.
Stay tuned updated upcoming events scheduled shortly released soon!
Last thirty days vote records tracking overall response yields results displaying interest levels growing steadily increasing support observed prevailing sentiment across community reflecting positive feedback expressed countless individuals seeking connect engage actively participate collectively enhancing shared experiences brought cherished memories transcending distance boundaries forever marking significance placed importance rooted history intertwined deeply ingrained culturally around various realms intertwining connectivity flourishing opportunities await discovery unfolding continuously unveiling fresh perspectives refreshing encounters bringing warmth camaraderie nurtured endlessly enduring friendships sustained through laughter tears revealing humanity shining brightest no matter challenges faced ahead embracing future full vigor enthusiasm excitement awaits exploration embarking adventures awaiting countlessly unfold endless possibilities emerge arising radiantly illuminating pathways touched light sparks illuminating journeys undertaken touching lives through art music forever binding us unbreakably together inspiring create learn thrive foster growth bridging gaps understanding different walks life traversed courage resilience cultivating harmony ultimately enriching existence altogether unified purpose grand tapestry woven beautifully embraced!”
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