Richmond, VA – It could not have been scripted any better, Bella, Lon, and Boris are horror icons, making cinematic appearances on classic TV every Halloween season, but Alice, Alice Cooper, making a near Halloween appearance, would bring living terror to our doorsteps. As fate would have it, a multitude of shock rock fans took a guided tour through the master’s past, as we were treated (no tricks) to a journey into Alice’s Attic at the Altria Theater in Richmond, VA on Halloween Eve, 2026.
The sarcophagus cover, taking us into the attic, opened to “Who Do You Think We Are” warping us back to his 1981 album, Special Forces. Masked creatures opened the door as members Ryan Roxie (Guitar), Tommy Henriksen (Guitar), Chuck Garric (Bass), Glen Sobel (Drums), and Anna Cara (Guitar) took the stage.
Being Halloween Eve, there were more than normal Alice-like costumes in the audience. Terror was indeed in the air. There was some Trash talking with “Spark in the Dark” before going all the way back to Billion Dollar Babies with “No More Mr. Nice Guy“, which would be a perfect ring tone if you ask me.
As we listened to the sounds coming from the Attic, we were taken back to a time when music and show were one. There were “Billion Dollar Babies” and a “House Of Fire“. The haunting memories were rushing back. No set would be complete without “Eighteen” which before too long, may have to be changed to “Eighty” (his words, not mine). Watching the show, one cannot help but say, ‘WOW, I hope I have that much energy when I am 60 years senior to the iconic hit’.
Having followed Alice for some time, I was quite interested in seeing the newest addition to the band, Anna, in action. You have to hand it to Alice, he chooses wonderful musicians. Of course we got to catch them all interacting together on stage (like they had been playing together forever), but between “Poison” and “Brutal Planet” we all focused on Anna’s solo. The lady can play!!
I have always loved going back and listening and / or reading Alice interviews at different stages of his life. Understanding the stories behind the music, and just the history of the show, is fascinating. “Muscle of Love” brought me back to a time when how bands packaged their music (in this case in a cardboard box) was fascinating.
Of course there were monsters that wanted to “Feed My Frankenstein” and more. But then again, we could all be “Caught in a Dream“, while imagining someone calling, “Hey Stoopid” knowing it was “Dangerous Tonight“. Of course it had to be dangerous, it was Halloween Eve and Alice was in the house!!
This was my third time covering Alice and each time has been a blast. The show is not only about the music, it is about the show. Who else but Alice can bring the insane “Ballad of Dwight Fry“, straight jacket and all to the stage. Have you met “Cold Ethyl“? and did you know that “Only Women Bleed“. Of course, we would not want to lose our heads, Alice does it for us while introducing us to his wife of 50 years (March 20, 1976), Sheryl Cooper.
Before we knew it, things were winding down and soon we would be “Going Home” because the lesson was done and “School’s Out“. After the last song of the set, Alice introduced the band and went into the encore which included a tribute to Kurt Cobain with “Smells Like Teen Spirit” followed by the concluding song for the night, “Under My Wheels“.
After the last note, Alice and the band hung out on the stage for a bit, thanking all those who came in to the show adorned in their best Halloween attire. I spoke with a few fans after the show and was told that his meet and greet was a delightful experience. I can definitely see that, as my experience with him way back at GalaxyCon 2019 was so much fun!!
As the fans were leaving, I hung out at the exits and the number of terrorized smiles of joy, on a Halloween Eve in Richmond, was through the roof. This was my fifth time catching Alice and I must say, the timing of this one was the best.
Alice Cooper Gallery
Given it being that time of year, check out the video (only on Alice’s Facebook page) his 1972 hit, “Elected” HERE.
Check out this Blast From Alice’s Past, “Give the Kid a Break” 1976
Alice Cooper Setlist
Who Do You Think We Are
Spark in the Dark
No More Mr. Nice Guy
House of Fire
Billion Dollar Babies
I’m Eighteen
Muscle of Love
Feed My Frankenstein
Dirty Diamonds
Caught in a Dream
Hey Stoopid
Dangerous Tonight
Poison
Guitar Solo (Anna)
Brutal Planet
Ballad of Dwight Fry
Cold Ethyl
Only Women Bleed
Going Home
School’s Out
Encore:
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Under My Wheels
Performance date – October 30, 2026
