Alice Cooper Unleashes Fiery New Anthem “Wild Ones”: A Thunderous Return to Rock Roots

Rock legend Alice Cooper has once again stormed the music scene with his electrifying new single “Wild Ones,” a high-octane track that harkens back to his raw and rebellious roots. Released on June 11, 2025, the single is the first offering from Cooper’s upcoming album Road Rebels, set for release later this year. Fans and critics alike are already hailing “Wild Ones” as a vintage-sounding, adrenaline-fueled anthem that cements Cooper’s enduring legacy in rock and roll.

“Wild Ones” wastes no time diving into familiar Cooper territory—razor-sharp guitar riffs, pounding drums, and theatrical vocals that channel both menace and mischief. Produced by long-time collaborator Bob Ezrin, the song feels like a love letter to the shock rock pioneer’s early 70s heyday, blending glam, hard rock, and just a touch of the macabre.

Lyrically, the single is classic Cooper: a celebration of youthful rebellion, misfit pride, and the irresistible thrill of danger. With lines like “We don’t follow rules, we set ‘em on fire”, Cooper reaffirms his status as rock’s eternal outsider, reveling in chaos with a wink and a snarl.

In a press release accompanying the single, Cooper described “Wild Ones” as a tribute to “the kids I see at every show—the leather-jacketed, black-eyelinered wild hearts who remind me why I do this. It’s for them. It’s for the misfits. It’s for the ones who never fit in and never wanted to.”

The single also comes with a visually striking music video, directed by horror filmmaker Robby Henson, that leans heavily into gothic Americana imagery. Set in a dystopian carnival, the video features Cooper leading a ragtag army of rebels through fire-lit streets and neon nightmares, echoing the themes of nonconformity and liberation found in the lyrics.

Musically, “Wild Ones” features Cooper’s current touring band firing on all cylinders. Guitarists Nita Strauss and Ryan Roxie trade searing solos, while Chuck Garric on bass and Glen Sobel on drums deliver thunderous rhythm work. The result is a tightly woven rock onslaught with theatrical flair—signature Alice Cooper, evolved for a new era.

The release of “Wild Ones” also coincides with the announcement of Cooper’s 2025 Reign of the Black Cross world tour, kicking off in September. With dates across North America, Europe, and South America, the tour promises a stage production as ambitious as Cooper’s most iconic performances, complete with guillotines, monsters, and surprise cameos.

Fans attending early listening parties have described the new single as “vintage Alice with a punk edge,” and critics are already comparing it to classics like “School’s Out” and “Elected.” There’s a palpable sense that “Wild Ones” could become a new live staple, igniting mosh pits and fists-in-the-air moments at every tour stop.

At 77 years old, Alice Cooper continues to defy expectations. Rather than softening with age, he seems more energized than ever, drawing from decades of musical experience to deliver a track that feels both timeless and timely.

“Wild Ones” comes at a cultural moment when many younger fans are rediscovering classic rock through platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Cooper, with his signature snarl and flair for the dramatic, fits seamlessly into this renaissance, bridging generations of listeners.

Industry insiders suggest Road Rebels, his forthcoming album, will lean heavily into high-concept storytelling and thematic cohesion. While Cooper has flirted with concept albums in the past, sources close to the production say this may be his most narrative-driven effort in decades.

Cooper has always been a master of blending music with theater, and “Wild Ones” feels like the opening act of a larger rock opera. There’s a cinematic quality to the track that hints at grander themes to come—perhaps even a dystopian arc or anti-hero tale in the full album.

In interviews, Cooper has hinted at Road Rebels being a “reflection of modern chaos through a 70s lens,” suggesting political undertones and satirical jabs woven into the sonic mayhem. If “Wild Ones” is any indication, fans are in for a potent mix of commentary and entertainment.

Reaction from the rock community has been overwhelmingly positive. Artists like Slash, Rob Zombie, and Joan Jett have praised the single on social media, with many expressing awe at Cooper’s staying power and ability to stay relevant in an ever-changing music landscape.

“Wild Ones” also marks the return of Alice Cooper to active studio recording after a brief hiatus during which he focused on touring and charity work. His dedication to keeping rock alive—both as a performer and as a mentor to younger acts—is evident in the passion behind this release.

Cooper’s legacy has always been about more than just shock value. Beneath the makeup and stage props lies a deep respect for rock’s rebellious spirit and a genuine desire to connect with audiences. “Wild Ones” embodies that ethos, proving that rebellion doesn’t have an expiration date.

In a music industry increasingly dominated by pop algorithms and short-form content, Cooper’s unapologetically loud and long-form approach is a breath of fresh (or rather, electrified) air. “Wild Ones” is loud, theatrical, and defiantly old-school—in all the best ways.

With “Wild Ones,” Alice Cooper doesn’t just return—he reasserts. This is not nostalgia. This is revolution. Fueled by distortion and driven by passion, the godfather of shock rock reminds the world that the wild ones never really go away—they just wait for the right moment to strike.

As the summer heats up, Alice Cooper’s new single is poised to become the soundtrack for anyone who still believes in the power of guitars, grit, and going against the grain. “Wild Ones” is out now on all major streaming platforms, with the full album Road Rebels expected in late August.