Shock-Rock Royalty Delivers a Theatrical Masterclass With a Fearless, Virtuoso Band Behind Him
LIVE NATION PRESENTS:
JUDAS PRIEST LIVE AT FIRSTBANK AMPHITHEATER IN FRANKLIN, TN ON 10/7/25
Alice Cooper transformed FirstBank Amphitheater into a twisted, theatrical playground, proving yet again why he’s the reigning king of shock rock. From the chilling opening sequence to the triumphant finale, Cooper delivered a performance packed with horror-inspired visuals, razor-sharp musicianship, and the darkly comedic swagger that has defined his career. But what made this show truly electrifying was how seamlessly his powerhouse band elevated every moment.
The night ignited early with “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” where Cooper strutted out in full villainous glory—cane in hand, sneer on his face—while his band erupted with precision and attitude. Guitarists Nita Strauss and Ryan Roxie commanded the stage with an undeniable chemistry, their riffs bouncing off each other with a mix of classic rock crunch and modern metal fire. Strauss, fresh off extensive touring and solo work, tore through solos with athletic intensity, while Roxie delivered the swaggering tone and rhythmic anchoring that long-time Cooper fans have come to expect.
Guitarist Tommy Henriksen added a darker, grittier flavor to the triple-axe attack, rounding out one of the strongest guitar lineups Cooper has ever toured with. His rhythm work injected punch into the heavier tracks, and his stage presence—equal parts cool confidence and playful menace—made him a standout throughout the set. Meanwhile, bassist Chuck Garric provided thunderous low-end power, locking in tightly with drummer Glen Sobel, whose explosive fills and machine-like precision drove the entire show with adrenaline-pumping force.
Visually, the production was as vivid and macabre as ever. Cooper cycled through his iconic props—guillotine, straightjacket, serpents, and more—with the timing of a seasoned actor, while the band played the role of his sinister counterparts. The lighting bathed the stage in a rotating palette of eerie greens, blood-red strobes, and gothic purples, perfectly complementing the theatrical madness unfolding with each song. Whether the band was interacting with Cooper’s antics or headbanging through galloping riffs, their commitment to the spectacle never wavered.
Fan favorites like “Poison,” “I’m Eighteen,” and “Hey Stoopid” sparked massive crowd reactions, amplified by the band’s dynamic performance. Strauss delivered one of the evening’s most technically spellbinding moments with a blazing solo during “Poison,” while Sobel’s thunderous drum breaks turned “I’m Eighteen” into a stadium-sized anthem. Garric’s snarling bass tone added weight to the darker tracks, giving songs like “Only Women Bleed” a monstrous presence that matched the onstage theatrics perfectly.
One of the most gripping moments arrived during “Ballad of Dwight Fry,” where Cooper, strapped into a straightjacket, staggered across the stage in a performance that bordered on theatrical insanity. Behind him, the band played with dramatic restraint, slowly building the tension until the song erupted into chaos. Henriksen’s atmospheric guitar layers and Sobel’s simmering percussion gave this classic moment renewed emotional depth.
As the show powered toward its climax, the band kicked into higher gear. “Cold Ethyl” were played with infectious energy, showcasing the band’s tightness and the seamless interplay between its members. Every musician brought personality and edge to their performance, reinforcing that Cooper’s show isn’t just about theatrics—it’s about world-class players delivering arena-sized rock with conviction.
The night ended in explosive fashion with “School’s Out,” a celebration complete with confetti, giant balloons, and a playful detour into “Another Brick in the Wall.” The band stretched out the finale with improvisational flair, Strauss and Roxie trading licks while Sobel and Garric locked into a groove that had the crowd singing at full volume.
As Alice says “May all your lovely dreams… Become Nightmares”! It was the perfect close to a night where Alice Cooper, backed by one of the fiercest bands in rock, delivered a spectacle that was equal parts performance art and pure musical muscle.
ALICE COOPER Photo Gallery Click HERE