At a Glance
- Alice Cooper explained how The Who’s anthem shaped his hit School’s Out.
- He discussed his sober lifestyle after quitting alcohol in 1983.
- The 1972 track was later honored in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015.
Why it matters: Fans learn how a classic anthem was born and how the rocker defies the myth that sobriety limits rock success.
Alice Cooper, the 77-year-old rock icon, recently shared the story behind his iconic 1972 summer anthem, School’s Out, and reflected on his journey to sobriety.
The Genesis of a Summer Anthem
Cooper began crafting the song after a pivotal moment in his career: hearing The Who’s 1965 hit My Generation. He said, “We understood what an anthem was after hearing ‘My Generation.'” The track was designed to capture the collective feeling of a last day of school.
He noted that the idea was simple: “At the same time, everybody hated school. We thought, if you can capture the last three minutes of the last day of school before summer vacation, that would be a joyous song.” The result was a high-energy anthem that resonated with millions.
The song’s success was not accidental. Cooper wanted the music to feel relatable, so he incorporated a hook that listeners could instantly identify with. The chorus’s repetition of “School’s out!” became an instant rallying cry for teens worldwide.
Influence of The Who
Cooper’s admiration for The Who shaped the anthem’s structure. He recalled how the band’s raw power and rebellious spirit set a template for his own work. The Who’s My Generation taught him the importance of a strong, memorable hook.
He emphasized that an anthem must feel timeless: “It’s an anthem because 100 years from now, a 16-year-old kid hears that song and goes ‘Oh, he’s talking about me!'” This perspective guided the songwriting process.
The Anthem’s Impact
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1965 | The Who releases My Generation |
| 1972 | School’s Out released |
| 2015 | Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame |
| 1983 | Cooper declares sobriety |
| 2025 | Interview with News Of Los Angeles |
The track’s influence extended beyond the charts. It became a cultural touchstone for summer, inspiring countless covers and parodies. Its inclusion in the Grammy Hall of Fame underscores its lasting legacy.
Living the Rock Star Lifestyle
Cooper reflected on how his life changed after quitting alcohol in 1983. He described his former drinking routine: “When I used to drink, my drink was whiskey and Coca-Cola. I used to be the Dean Martin of rock ‘n’ roll. There was always a drink in my hand.”
He also shared how friends adjusted their behavior around him. “I went, ‘Guys, it’s different with you. You guys can have a drink, two drinks, and then leave it,'” he recalled. This shift required both personal discipline and social support.
Cooper stressed that sobriety did not diminish his rock persona. “I have absolutely no desire to ever put alcohol in my mouth again, or any drug,” he said. He added that abstaining has not harmed his reputation.
Sobriety and the Rock Attitude
He argued that the stereotype of a rock star needing alcohol is outdated. “But I’ve never once had anybody come up to me and go, ‘Wow, what a wimp,'” he noted. Cooper believes the essence of rock is attitude, not intoxication.
He emphasized that being sober can enhance authenticity. “Rock ‘n’ roll is more of an attitude. You don’t have to be drunk or high to be a rocker, you know. It’s just an attitude.” This perspective challenges the myth that sobriety equates to weakness.
The rocker’s stance offers a hopeful message for fans who may struggle with substance use. His experience shows that rock can thrive without drugs or alcohol.
Key Takeaways
- School’s Out was born from a desire to capture the last moments of a school day.
- The Who’s My Generation taught Cooper the power of a strong anthem.
- The song’s legacy is cemented by its Grammy Hall of Fame induction.
- Sobriety has not hindered Cooper’s career; it has reinforced his authenticity.
Alice Cooper’s story reminds us that rock’s core is attitude, not substances, and that anthems can endure for a century and beyond.
