Fire

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some wild trivia about "Fire," the blazing track from Alice Cooper's 1995 compilation album Classicks, now spinning on THE ZOO! This song is a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s classic, originally recorded by Cooper as a B-side for the 1991 single "Love’s a Loaded Gun" from the album Hey Stoopid. What makes "Fire" special is its rarity—it was previously unreleased in the U.S. until its inclusion on Classicks and later on the 1999 box set The Life and Crimes of Alice Cooper. In a 1991 promotional CD called Stoopid News, Cooper himself read 15 quirky sound bites, hyping up the Hey Stoopid era, which gives a glimpse into the playful, theatrical vibe surrounding the song’s release. Fans on Alice Cooper Fans Facebook group often rave about how Cooper’s raw, raspy take on "Fire" channels Hendrix’s spirit while adding his signature shock-rock edge. The track’s inclusion on the 2008 Classicks CD/DVD set, paired with the 1990 concert video Trashes the World, cemented its cult status among diehards who love its gritty, live-wire energy.

Let’s dive into how Alice Cooper, the Godfather of Shock Rock, kicked off his legendary career. Born Vincent Damon Furnier on February 4, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, as a kid. At 17, he formed a band called The Earwigs with high school pals, including Dennis Dunaway and Glen Buxton, initially as a joke for a talent show. They couldn’t play instruments at first, but Buxton, the only one with guitar skills, taught the others. The group evolved into The Spiders, then The Nazz, before settling on the name Alice Cooper in 1968, inspired by a Ouija board session and the idea of a creepy, old-lady persona. The band’s theatrical, horror-infused performances, blending garage rock and vaudeville, caught the eye of Frank Zappa, who signed them to his Straight label. Their third album, Love It to Death (1971), produced by Bob Ezrin, broke through with the hit "I’m Eighteen," launching them to fame. After the original band split in 1975, Furnier legally became Alice Cooper and went solo with the iconic concept album Welcome to My Nightmare, solidifying his status as a rock icon with over 50 million records sold.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Alice Cooper and his electrifying world through his official channels. Check out his official website for tour dates, news, and merch. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for behind-the-scenes glimpses and witty posts, like his recent X update about spinning tracks on his radio show, Alice’s Attic. For fan communities, join the Alice Cooper Fans Facebook group to connect with fellow shock-rock enthusiasts. Another great spot is the Alice Cooper Wiki on Fandom, packed with deep dives into his discography and lore. Stay tuned to THE ZOO for more Cooper chaos!