Clones (We’re All)

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Clones (We're All)" by Alice Cooper from the 1980 album Flush the Fashion, and Zoo Freaks, this track is packed with wild trivia! Written by David Carron, formerly of Arlo Guthrie’s Shenandoah, the song dives into themes of forced conformity, with Cooper’s eerie vocals and synth-heavy sound creating a dystopian vibe. Cooper himself said he picked this track to chase a fresh, new wave sound, a bold pivot from his hard rock roots, thanks to producer Roy Thomas Baker, known for his work with Queen and The Cars. The single hit #40 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and, surprisingly, #69 on the Disco Top 100, showing its crossover appeal. It’s been covered by artists like The Smashing Pumpkins and The Epoxies, and sampled by Akira the Don, proving its lasting influence. Cooper revealed on his radio show in 2020 that all the song titles on Flush the Fashion were inspired by National Enquirer headlines, adding a cheeky tabloid twist to the album’s vibe.

Another cool tidbit comes from fan reactions and Cooper’s own reflections. A fan named Mike Canoe shared on Loudersound that his first exposure to Cooper was watching a performance of "Clones (We're All)" on a syndicated music show as a pre-teen, cementing it as his defining Cooper track. Despite Cooper’s struggles with substance abuse during this period, which he’s called his “blackout” years, the song’s slick production and catchy synth hook—some say borrowing from Gary Numan’s “Are Friends Electric?”—made it a standout. The music video, with Cooper’s expressive eyes and subtle theatrics, is a fan favorite for its quirky, futuristic edge. Posts on X from Cooper’s official account in 2020 celebrated the song’s 40th anniversary, highlighting its enduring place in his catalog.

Alice Cooper, born Vincent Damon Furnier on February 4, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, kicked off his career in Phoenix, Arizona, where he formed a band with high school track teammates in 1964. Originally called The Earwigs, they started as a Beatles parody act for a school talent show. Evolving into The Spiders and then Nazz, the group eventually became Alice Cooper, named to evoke a creepy, witchy persona. By 1969, they were gigging in Los Angeles, catching the eye of Frank Zappa, who signed them to his Straight Records label. Their early albums, Pretties for You and Easy Action, were raw and experimental, but 1971’s Love It to Death, with hits like “I’m Eighteen,” broke them into the mainstream. Cooper’s theatrical shock rock—think guillotines, fake blood, and boa constrictors—set him apart, blending horror, vaudeville, and garage rock. After the original band split in 1975, Furnier legally became Alice Cooper and launched a solo career with Welcome to My Nightmare, cementing his legacy as the “Godfather of Shock Rock.”

Zoo Freaks can dive deeper into Cooper’s world through his official channels and fan communities. His official website offers tour dates, discography, and merch, while his Facebook and Instagram share behind-the-scenes glimpses and throwbacks. Follow him on X for real-time updates and witty banter. Fans can also check out SickthingsUK, a dedicated fan site with news, rare photos, and detailed history. For community vibes, join the Alice Cooper Fans Facebook group, where diehards swap stories, memorabilia, and show reviews. These spots keep the shock rock spirit alive for every Zoo Freak out there!