Alice Cooper Reveals the Secret to His Longevity in Rock and Roll

Alice Cooper, the godfather of shock rock, has seen it all. With a career that spans over five decades, countless albums, global tours, and a legacy that has left a permanent mark on music and pop culture, Cooper continues to defy the limits of age and relevance. In a recent interview with The Independent, he opened up about what keeps him going—and the surprising habits that fuel his staying power.

Dressed in black as always, but with a twinkle in his eye that reveals more warmth than menace, Cooper speaks with the ease of someone comfortable with his legend. Yet, behind the makeup and the theatrics is a man who has worked hard—physically, mentally, and spiritually—to maintain the energy needed to command stages around the world.

One of the first things Cooper credits for his endurance is a complete lifestyle overhaul. Decades ago, he walked away from the alcohol and drugs that nearly destroyed him. “I realized that if I wanted to keep doing what I loved, I had to give up everything that was killing me,” he said. “Sobriety saved my life—and my career.”

Health has become a cornerstone of his daily life. While many may associate rock stars with indulgence and chaos, Cooper is now known for his disciplined routine. He plays golf almost every day, which he credits as his primary source of exercise and stress relief. “Golf is my therapy,” he said. “Four hours on the course clears my head and keeps me grounded.”

Equally important is his diet. Gone are the heavy late-night meals and greasy tour food of his early days. Today, Cooper eats clean, stays hydrated, and avoids the crash-and-burn habits that used to define life on the road. “I still love a good steak, but I’m smart about it now,” he explained with a grin.

But the secret to his longevity isn’t just physical—it’s also emotional and creative. Cooper remains deeply passionate about music. He continues to write, record, and tour, not because he has to, but because he wants to. “I wake up every day excited about rock and roll,” he said. “I still get that buzz from a good riff or a great lyric.”

Family has also played a crucial role in keeping him centered. Married to his wife Sheryl for over 45 years, the two have built a strong, supportive partnership that has weathered the highs and lows of fame. “She’s my best friend,” Cooper said. “She was there during the chaos and she’s still here. That kind of loyalty is rare.”

Faith has become another guiding light in Cooper’s life. A devout Christian, he often speaks about how his beliefs gave him clarity and purpose after years of excess. While his stage persona may scream horror and rebellion, the man behind the makeup is driven by humility and gratitude.

Another factor that keeps Cooper young is his connection to the fans. Unlike many artists who become jaded or distant over time, he thrives on interaction. “The fans are everything,” he said. “They bring energy, passion, and that keeps me on my toes. If you don’t respect your audience, you don’t deserve to be on that stage.”

Technology and reinvention have also played a role. Cooper has embraced the digital age, using social media to connect with new generations of listeners. He doesn’t fear the evolution of the music industry—he adapts to it. “You have to evolve,” he noted. “Otherwise, you become your own tribute act.”

One of the most surprising aspects of his longevity is his willingness to mentor younger artists. Over the years, Cooper has supported and collaborated with emerging musicians, offering guidance without ego. “I see myself in some of these kids,” he said. “If I can help them avoid the mistakes I made, that’s a win.”

Touring, which often becomes a burden for aging artists, remains a source of joy for Cooper. He still performs with intensity and flair, delivering theatrical, tightly rehearsed shows that rival anything from his earlier days. “There’s nothing like walking out and hearing that roar,” he said. “It never gets old.”

Creativity continues to drive him forward. Even now, Cooper is constantly writing new material, experimenting with sounds, and collaborating with long-time producer Bob Ezrin and his trusted band. “The fire hasn’t gone out,” he insisted. “As long as I have ideas, I’ll keep making music.”

His sense of humor is another secret weapon. Throughout the conversation, Cooper laughed often, poking fun at his image while remaining self-aware. “I’m the guy who gets his head chopped off on stage every night,” he joked. “You have to laugh at the madness.”

The support of his band has also been essential. For years, Cooper has surrounded himself with talented, enthusiastic musicians who bring their own flavor to the show. Guitarist Nita Strauss, in particular, has earned high praise for her fierce playing and onstage chemistry with Cooper. “It’s not just my show—it’s our show,” he said.

Cooper’s legacy isn’t just about music—it’s about resilience. From battling addiction to reinventing himself across decades, he’s demonstrated that longevity in rock isn’t about being invincible—it’s about evolving, adapting, and staying passionate.

He continues to inspire not just fans, but fellow musicians. Artists like Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, and even Lady Gaga have cited Cooper as a major influence—not only for his music, but for his work ethic and creativity.

For Cooper, aging in rock and roll isn’t something to fear. It’s a badge of honor. “There’s no age limit on rock,” he said. “It’s about attitude, heart, and soul. And I’ve got plenty of all three left.”

Looking ahead, Cooper has no plans to retire. With new music on the way and more tour dates on the horizon, he remains as committed as ever. “I’ll stop when it’s not fun anymore,” he declared. “And trust me—it’s still a lot of fun.”

In the end, Alice Cooper’s secret to longevity isn’t really a secret at all. It’s about discipline, passion, faith, and the willingness to keep learning. Whether on stage or off, he proves that age is just a number—and that true rock stars never fade.