Alice Cooper: The Song That Inspired ‘School’s Out’

Alice Cooper Reveals The Who Inspired “School’s Out” and Reflects on Four Decades of Sobriety

A new interview with rock icon Alice Cooper, 77, delves into the creative process behind his enduring hit “School’s Out” and his decades-long journey with sobriety, revealing a surprising influence and a steadfast commitment to a life free from substance abuse.

Cooper recently appeared on the Rock & Roll High School podcast with Pete Ganbarg, where he discussed his career and the art of crafting a timeless anthem. The conversation touched on his inspirations and the evolution of the rockstar lifestyle.

The Who’s “My Generation” – A Blueprint for Anthems

According to Cooper, the foundation for understanding what constitutes a truly impactful anthem was laid by The Who. “We understood what an anthem was after hearing ‘My Generation,’” he explained.

He highlighted the 1965 hit’s enduring resonance, stating that 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 ability to connect with generations, Cooper emphasized, is the hallmark of a successful anthem.

Capturing the Spirit of Summer Freedom with “School’s Out”

Building on this understanding, Cooper and his band set out to create a song that tapped into a universal experience. Reflecting on the inspiration behind “School’s Out,” Cooper recalled, “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.”

Released in the early 1970s, “School’s Out” quickly became a defining glam rock anthem, earning a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its ability to encapsulate a feeling of liberation and youthful rebellion.

From Whiskey & Coke to a Life of Sobriety

The interview also explored Cooper’s personal journey with sobriety, a commitment he made in 1983. He candidly described his past reliance on alcohol, stating, “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.”

Cooper shared the challenges he faced when he first got sober, noting that friends who could drink socially often avoided alcohol around him. “I went, ‘Guys, it’s different with you. You guys can have a drink, two drinks, and then leave it,’” he recalled. “When I was drinking, I had to have another one and another one and another one and another one.’ If you’re in my situation, I can’t have any alcohol.”

Redefining the Rockstar Image

Despite the stereotypical association between rock and roll and substance abuse, Cooper maintains that sobriety hasn’t diminished his stage persona. “I have absolutely no desire to ever put alcohol in my mouth again, or any drug,” he affirmed.

He noted that he’s never faced criticism for his choice, adding, “But I’ve never once had anybody come up to me and go, ‘Wow, what a wimp.’” Cooper powerfully concluded that “sobriety sounds like it would be anti the character of rock ‘n’ roll … 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.”