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Bradenton Herald
May 01, 1998

Author: Diane Nelson

Alice Cooper Will Rock In America

Your parents might not have let you go to an Alice Cooper concert back in the '70s. But they can't stop you now!

Cooper, one of the pioneers of shock rock, has been confirmed as the Saturday night headliner for Classic Rock Weekend '98, slated to take place in Minnedosa July 30-August 2.

"We lost Boston -- they backed out -- they cancelled their whole tour," Tom Crook, Classic Rock's events co-ordinator, said Wednesday. "So we've been looking for replacements for about a month and going nuts, but we finally got Alice yesterday."

Notorious because of his ghoulish makeup and scandalous theatrics like hanging and decapitating himself on stage, Cooper was famous for hits like School's Out, Welcome to My Nightmare, No More Mr. Nice Guy, Elected and Only Women Bleed.

And although Crook suspects Cooper has passed the half-century mark in age, his antics in Minnedosa are expected to mirror those of his youthful musical career.

"I know he's got like an extra 10,000 pounds of equipment coming in, so I imagine he'll have quite the show still," Crook said. While Classic Rock organizers were uncertain how Cooper would be received by potential ticket-buyers, response to his inclusion in the weekend lineup has been more than favorable. Tickets for the third annual event have been selling briskly, Crook said -- half of the available passes are already gone and those planning to attend Classic Rock are advised to book their tickets soon. Organizers are expecting another sell-out event and are only selling admissions in advance -- no tickets will be sold at the gate.

All reserved camping sites have been booked, but Crook said plenty ofoverflow spots are available.

The kick-off party on Thursday, July 30 will feature Harlequin and Trooper. Friday's lineup includes Dr. Hook, Toronto, April Wine and Foreigner. Acts hitting the stage Saturday are Filthy Lucre, Queen City Kids, Nick Gilder, David Wilcox, Randy Bachman and Alice Cooper On Sunday, The Hunger, Burton Cummings, Streetheart, REO Speedwagon, Loverboy and Pat Benatar will perform.

Tickets to Classic Rock Weekend '98 are $100 plus GST. Camping sites are $45 each. To order tickets or for more information, call Classic Rock toll-free at 1-800-647-4409.