Alma Mater

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Alma Mater" by Alice Cooper from the 1972 album School's Out, and Zoo Freaks, this track’s got some stories to share! Written primarily by drummer Neal Smith, the song’s a nostalgic, bittersweet ode to high school graduation, capturing the ache of leaving behind friends and memories. It name-drops both Camelback High School, where Neal studied, and Cortez High School, attended by the rest of the band, a deliberate nod to their Phoenix roots. The lyrics reference real-life moments, like guitarist Glen Buxton’s memory of a prank involving a snake in “little Betsy’s dress,” which reportedly left their teacher, Miss Axelrod, unimpressed. An alternate version of "Alma Mater" surfaced in the 2023 Deluxe Edition of School’s Out, giving fans a fresh take on this reflective track. The song’s never been performed live, which adds to its mystique as a deep cut cherished by diehard fans.

Diving into the song’s context, "Alma Mater" stands out on School’s Out for its emotional depth, contrasting the album’s rebellious anthems like the title track. Fans on sites like SongMeanings have called it a poignant reflection on leaving the “biggest institution” of youth, comparing graduation to escaping a prison sentence. The outro, where Alice (Vincent Furnier) rambles about hoping his classmates “don’t forget me or nothing,” nails the awkward fear of fading from memory, a sentiment one reviewer on Brutally Honest Rock Album Reviews praised for its “fading optimism.” The track’s personal touches, like the band’s high school references, tie it to their real experiences, making it a love letter to their formative years.

Alice Cooper, born Vincent Damon Furnier on February 4, 1948, kicked off his career in Phoenix, Arizona, with a band originally called The Spiders. Formed in 1964 with high school pals Glen Buxton, Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neal Smith, they played covers before evolving into the theatrical shock-rock act that defined them. After renaming themselves Alice Cooper (inspired by a Ouija board session), they caught the eye of Frank Zappa, who signed them to Straight Records. Their 1969 debut, Pretties for You, was experimental but flopped commercially. It wasn’t until 1971’s Love It to Death and its hit “I’m Eighteen” that they broke through, blending gritty rock with a macabre stage show featuring guillotines, fake blood, and snakes. Manager Shep Gordon saw their ability to shock as a marketable force, and by School’s Out, they were global stars, with the title track hitting number one in the UK.

The original Alice Cooper band split in 1975, and Furnier, legally adopting the name Alice Cooper, launched a solo career with Welcome to My Nightmare. His over-six-decade career has sold over 50 million records, earning him the title “The Godfather of Shock Rock.” Cooper’s influence spans horror, vaudeville, and garage rock, inspiring acts like The Flaming Lips, who covered his songs, and countless metal bands. His stage antics, once decried by figures like Mary Whitehouse in the UK, cemented his legend, and he cheekily sent her flowers for the publicity boost. Cooper’s also known for his humor, like joking on his radio show, Nights with Alice Cooper, that “School’s Out” riff came from a Miles Davis tune, though guitarist Glen Buxton crafted its iconic hook.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Alice Cooper through his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares tour updates, throwback posts, and more. Fans should check out SickthingsUK for detailed news and archives, or Alice Cooper eChive for gigographies and discographies. The Fridays With Alice Facebook group, endorsed by Alice and his wife Sheryl, is a great spot for Zoo Freaks to join discussions and share their love for the Coop. Dive in, and keep rocking those high school vibes!