"Hello...Hooray...Let the show begin, I feel ready", was the opening line of Alice Cooper's Rock Carnival, which stormed into New York's Jones Beach Theatre last Wednesday, August 13th. Backed up by Slaughter, Warrant, and Dokken, Alice returned to legendary form in his latest live theatrical spectacular.

Forget last year's tour which was basically a watered-down greatest hits (here ya go 12 songs- I'm outta here) strokeoff, this long awaited Carnival of the Macabre hosted by the evil showman (Alice himself) was just what the doctor ordered for all us hard core sickies who've been jonesing for the full blown stage show for the last seven years.

The stage was impressively decorated to resemble some sort of sick sideshow, festooned with bright colored lights and clowns and a funhouse backdrop. Oddly enough, this show seemed to be in support of his 1994 release "The Last Temptation" his last studio effort and the three act comic book titled " The Compleat Alice Cooper".

Alice and his band looked and sounded absolutely spectacular as he performed many of his classics as well as some newer songs and some rare oldies that haven't been performed live in years. Also making its return was the snake wrapped around Alice's neck as he sang, delivered by clowns...how refreshing. Interestingly, AC performed almost the entire show without his trademark eye paint until it was applied against his will by the clowns for the last two songs. This place rocked nonstop for 90 minutes, slowing down only for his ballad "Only Women Bleed".

Some of his more obscure songs performed included "From the Inside", "Public Animal #9", "Unfinished Sweet", and the lengthy and chilling "Halo of Flies". Alice could have gotten a Tony Award for his performance of the evil carnival barker for the song "Nothings Free" donned in a top hat, purple ruffles and tails. Step inside kiddies!

It is amazing to see that Alice and all that he stands for has withstood the test of time and can still go out and kick some major ass, and his live horror shows still can entertain even the most marginal of rock fans. I would highly advise anyone to check this legend out while he is still putting on these extremely entertaining productions.

Review by Alan Haesche

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