Related Releases 1

This section covers releases made by those associated with the Alice Cooper Group.

Billion Dollar Babies Group

1976 to 1977

Following the hiatus of the Alice Cooper Group, Michael Bruce, Dennis Dunaway and Neal Smith formed a new group alongside Bob Dolin and Mike Marconi. With the name of the original Group already taken by their former lead singer, the new band instead adopted the title of their most successful album, Billion Dollar Babies.  

Glen Buxton was not involved in this project, due partly to his well-known health issues at the time (which also impacted his involvement in the last two Alice Cooper Group albums). Glen sadly passed away, aged just 49, on the 19th October 1997 from complications of pneumonia. He is laid to rest at the Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion, Iowa, with his gravestone a stunning custom design based around the School's Out album cover. 

Billion Dollar Babies released one album, Battle Axe, before disbanding after just 12 months and a short-lived tour featuring only four shows. The reasons for this sad demise were a combination of issues with the manufacture of the LP, their management and a live production so grand it was both uneconomical and logistically challenging to execute. Alice was also a big miss with demand for tickets difficult to generate without the most instantly recognisable member of the Alice Cooper Group. 

Billion Dollar Babies didn't stick around for long but Battle Axe is a bit of a hidden gem and well worth hunting out.

Billion Dollar Babies, Battle Axe 12" Promotional Vinyl Album

1977, Polydor, PD-1-6100

This USA 12" promotional version of Battle Axe features the same sleeve as the main release (below) but includes 'DEMONSTRATION Not For Sale' stamped on the rear in silver. Additionally, the Polydor vinyl labels are white instead of red and feature the additional text 'PROMOTION COPY NOT FOR SALE' on either side.

Some / all copies are understood to have originally come with a poster, 2-page biography and 'Certificate Of Birth' (see image below) but these are now very rare. A promotional cigar is also known to exist (see image below), which formed part of press kits that were handed out to radio stations etc.

Discogs Link: Click Here 

Billion Dollar Babies, Battle Axe 12" AOR Radio Sampler Vinyl

1977, Polydor, PRO 022

This USA 12" promotional Radio Sampler was produced for AOR (i.e. Album-Oriented Rock) radio stations and includes 4 selected tracks from the Battle Axe album (Battle Axe / Sudden Death, Winner, Rock Me Slowly and Dance With Me). Obviously, the idea behind such items was that the music was played to new audiences, who would then purchase the full album and but tickets for live shows.

Included is a simple card sleeve featuring a candid black-and-white image of the band on the front together track listings and Polydor contact information. The rear of the sleeve is blank except that it has 'DEMONSTRATION Not For Sale' stamped on the rear of the sleeve in gold.

The vinyl features white Polydor labels and includes the text 'PROMOTION COPY NOT FOR SALE' on either side. The inner sleeve features promotional material for Polydor artists (including Billion Dollar Babies).

One item that came with most / all copies of this record, but which is not included with mine, is a two-page letter from Polydor Incorporated that explains the track selection and addresses some of the issues associated with the mastering of the initial Battle Axe disc. Images of this letter kindly provided by fellow Alice Cooper fan John O'Donohoe are provided below.

Discogs Link: Click Here

Billion Dollar Babies, Battle Axe 12" Vinyl Album

1977, Polydor, PD-1-6100

This USA 12" version of Battle Axe features a simple card sleeve and red Polydor labels. On the front of the sleeve is a futuristic robot equipped with an axe guitar and on the back are close-up images of the band members, track listings and credits.

Discogs Link: Click Here

Billion Dollar Babies, Battle Axe 8-Track Album

1977, Polydor, 8T-1-6100

This rare sealed USA 8-track album features a red cartridge and includes abridged artwork on the front compared to the original vinyl release (above). The wrap-around sticker also provides the product code on the side and track listings on the rear.

One notable aspect of this release is that the track order is different to the usual arrangement, with the majority of them appearing out-of-place. This was presumably due to the need to adequately fit everything into the four 'programs' on the cartridge.

Discogs Link: Click Here

Billion Dollar Babies, Battle Axe Cassette Album

1977, Polydor, CT-1-6100

This rare USA cassette album features of Battle Axe features a simple single-sided J-card containing abridged artwork and track listings. Inside is a grey tape with cream stickers that provide additional track listings.

One notable aspect of this release is that the track order is different to the usual arrangement, with Wasn't I The One and Rock Me Slowly switched places compared to the original vinyl release (above).

Discogs Link: Click Here

Billion Dollar Babies, Rock 'N' Roll Radio 7" Promotional Vinyl Single

1977, Polydor, PD 14394

Billion Dollar Babies released two singles from the Battle Axe album, Rock 'N' Roll Radio and Too Young, both of which are featured below.

This USA promotional 7" vinyl single features white Polydor labels, comes in a Polydor paper sleeve, and includes Mono and Stereo versions of Rock 'N' Roll Radio (from the Battle Axe album) on Sides A and B respectively. This was a common feature of promotional singles at the time, as it enabled radio stations to play songs on both AM (Mono) and FM (Stereo) stations.

Discogs Link: Click Here

Billion Dollar Babies, Rock 'N' Roll Radio 7" Vinyl Single

1977, Polydor, PD 14394

This USA 7" vinyl single features red Polydor labels, and includes Rock 'N' Roll Radio on Side A and Wasn't I The One on Side B (both from the Battle Axe album).

Discogs Link: Click Here

Billion Dollar Babies, Too Young 7" Promotional Vinyl Single

1977, Polydor, PD 14406

This USA promotional 7" vinyl single features white Polydor labels, and includes Mono and Stereo versions of Too Young (from the Battle Axe album) on Sides A and B respectively.

Discogs Link: Click Here

Billion Dollar Babies, Too Young 7" Vinyl Single

1977, Polydor, PD 14406

This USA 7" vinyl single features red Polydor labels, comes in a Polydor paper sleeve, and includes Too Young on Side A and Love Is Rather Blind on Side B (both from the Battle Axe album).

Discogs Link: Click Here

Billion Dollar Babies, Complete Battle Axe CD Album

2001, NMC Music, 800945 007726

Although the original vinyl version of Battle Axe (above) can still be found quite easily, an official release on CD was never produced (at least not by 2001). However, this excellent (but by all counts, totally unauthorised) European triple CD set was offered by NMC Music. This is a treasure trove of material offering the original 12 tracks from Battle Axe on CD 1, 11 demos on CD 2 and 10 tracks from their first ever live show in Flint, Michigan in 1977 (including some Alice Cooper Group songs). Some of the recordings are a bit hit or miss but it's great to be able to hear this music.

The album artwork is completely different to the original release, which is presumably due to its unauthorised nature. Also included in the set is an excellent 20-page booklet, which includes a biography, concert photos, an interview with Mike Bruce (by John Kirkman) and forewords by Alice Cooper historian Bill Risoli and record company owner Carlton Sandercock. In keeping with unauthorised releases, there is a printing issue in the booklet, with the final answer by Mike Bruce printed twice!

Finally, there is a nice thank you message from Mike Bruce underneath CD 1 (Mike was understood to have personally endorsed this release, whereas neither Dennis Dunaway nor Neal Smith did, hence why he figures in some of the printed material).

Discogs Link: Click Here

Billion Dollar Babies, Battle Axe CD Album

2020, Cherry Red Records, HNECD142T

This further European CD release of Battle Axe by Cherry Red Records is understood to be at least semi-authorised. It again contains three CDs, which feature exactly the same material as the previous unauthorised version (above) except that CD2 includes three additional demos (I Don't Know Babe, Only One Will Walk Away and High Heels Hollywood).

The original album artwork is restored with each CD provided in a card sleeve, which are housed in a slipcase. A 12-page booklet is also provided, which includes much of the material used in the above release only that the forewords are no longer present and track listings and credits added.

Discogs Link: Click Here

Buck Dharma, Flat Out

1982, Rock Candy, CANDY101

Dennis and Neal made guest appearances on Blue Oyster Cult guitarist Buck Dharma's 1982 Flat Out solo album.

They both feature on the opening track, Born To Rock, with Neal also appearing on track two, That Summer Night. 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Deadringer Group

1989

More than a decade after the premature end of the Billion Dollar Babies project, Dennis and Neal joined forces again with the melodic hard rock group Deadringer. Also featuring Joe Bouchard (Blue Oyster Cult), Charlie Huhn and Jay "Jesse" Johnson, their Electrocution Of The Heart album was released in 1989.

There is plenty of enjoy here with stand-out tracks being Everybody Rock, Love's A Killer, Secret Eyes, Dangerous Love and Bring On The Night. An alternative version of Secret Eyes would appear on Neal's 2020 Pop 85/95 solo album (see below).

This proved to be the only album released by Deadringer, which is a real shame as they were a really decent outfit. Electrocution Of The Heart is well worth picking up a copy of!

Deadringer, Electrocution Of The Heart 12" Vinyl Album

1989, Grudge Records, 4512-1-F

Discogs Link: Click Here

Deadringer, Electrocution Of The Heart CD Album

1989, Grudge Records, 4512-2-F

Bouchard Dunaway & Smith, Back From Hell

2001, Kachina Records, NS92347003

The only studio record released by 'BDS' (i.e. Joe Bouchard, Dennis Dunaway and Neal Smith) is the excellent Back From Hell. Principally sold through Neal's official website on CD only, and featuring stand-out tracks like Love You Too Much and There Was A Girl, it has long since been withdrawn and is therefore now very hard-to-find.

My copy was sold at the 3rd Glen Buxton Memorial Weekend in Hollywood, California and is hand-signed by the band and also marked 'GBMW 87/150'.

Discogs Link: Click Here

Bouchard Dunaway & Smith, Live In Paris CD Album

2003, Kachina Records, NS92347005

In October 2002, BDS performed an intimate concert at the Le Plan music venue in Paris, France. Amongst the tracks performed that night was material from Blue Oyster Cult (Joe Bouchard's group), BDS and the Alice Cooper Group, with particular highlights being the moving tribute to Glen Buxton (i.e. See You On The Other Side / School's Out) and a bass medley by Dennis Dunaway.

This CD-R release of the night was produced in 2003 and could be purchased in very limited quantities on Neal Smith's website and the 2003 Glen Buxton Memorial weekend. The home-made packaging varied a little depending on where you purchased it from, but the content was essentially the same. Also, all copies were hand-signed by the band on the front.     

Discogs Link: Click Here

Dennis Dunaway

Alice Cooper Group Founding Member (1968 to the Present)

Dennis Dunaway (AKA Dr Dreary) founded The Earwigs along with Vince Furnier in 1964. He became the bass player of the Alice Cooper Group until their indefinite hiatus begun in 1974. His and Vince's love of surrealist art, and song-writing prowess, were integral in shaping the image and sound that made the Alice Cooper Group one of the most creative, distinctive and successful bands in the world. During this time Dennis met and ultimately married Cindy Smith, the sister of drummer Neal Smith, and they've remained practically inseparable ever since!

Since the Alice Cooper Group hiatus begun, and in-between some prolonged periods of public inactivity, Dennis has been involved in several other projects, including Billion Dollar Babies (1977), The Flying Tigers (~1978-1982), Buck Dharma (1982), Deadringer (1989), Neal Smith (1999), Bouchard Dunaway & Smith (2001), The Dennis Dunaway Project, 5th Avenue Vampires (2010), Blue Coupe (2010-Present) and The American Rock Celebration (2015). Since 2011, he has also become increasingly involved in Alice Cooper-related material again, including occasional live performances, contributions on the Welcome 2 My Nightmare, Paranormal and Detroit Stories solo albums, plus the debut album by The Hollywood Vampires. This has led to vociferous calls for a full reunion of the surviving members of the Alice Cooper Group.  

You can read all about Dennis and his experience in the Alice Cooper Group by obtaining a copy of his excellent 2015 autobiography 'Snakes! Guillotines! Electric Chairs!, My Adventures In The Alice Cooper Group'.

Dennis has a personal website, which can be found here, and is regularly updated with his latest news.

The Dennis Dunaway Project, Bones From The Yard CD Album

2006, Deedledoop Records

Bones From The Yard is the only album released to-date by The Dennis Dunaway Project, a hard rock band featuring Ed Burns, Rick Tedesco, Dennis Dunaway and Russ Wilson. Featuring a number of songs written by Dennis himself, highlights include the excellent Kandahar, Man Is A Beast, Subway (which inspired the track A Runaway Train on the solo Alice album Welcome 2 My Nightmare) and Home Sweet Home.

A 2nd album by The Dennis Dunaway Project was planned, but never materialised. However, much of the material is understood to have featured on a solo album by Rick Tedesco entitled A Light In The Attic. Included on this album is the song Fireball, which ended up being covered by Alice Cooper on his Paranormal solo album.

Discogs Link: Click Here

5th Avenue Vampires, Drawing Blood CD Album

2010, 5th Avenue Vampires

Drawing Blood is the only album released to-date by 5th Avenue Vampires, a hard rock band featuring Dennis Dunaway, Richie Scarlet, Russ Wilson and Joe Von T. With excellent tracks like Light In My Head, Pleasure And Pain and Dream Police, this is a worthwhile addition for Dennis fans. 

This album can still be purchased from the 5th Avenue Vampires website, with buyers treated to a personalised note from Joe Von T. and, if you're lucky, some surprise creepy crawlies lurking inside the envelope!

After the release of Drawing Blood, two more songs (White Ladies and I'm Your Nightmare) were released as downloads in 2012. No further releases have been made to-date, however, it sounds like new music is in the pipeline, but with a different line-up alongside Joe (i.e. no Dennis).

Discogs Link: Click Here

Blue Coupe, Tornado On The Tracks CD Album

2010, Bouchard Dunaway Bouchard

Tornado On The Tracks is the debut album by Blue Coupe, a three piece classic rock band featuring Albert Bouchard, Joe Bouchard (both formerly of Blue Oyster Cult) and Dennis Dunaway. With excellent songs, such as You (Like Vampires), Angel's Well and God I Need You Tonight, this is an essential purchase for all Dennis fans. It is especially recommended that you watch the video for You (Like Vampires), which earned the band a Grammy nomination.

Discogs Link: Click Here

Blue Coupe, Million Miles More CD Album

2013, Blue Coupe

Blue Coupe's follow-up to Tornado On The Tracks features more evolved production and features a host of classic tracks including Hallow's Grave (featuring a guest appearance by Alice Cooper), I'll Forever Stick Around, Used Car, Supernatural Love, Ride With Me and Devil's Highway).

Discogs Link: Click Here

Blue Coupe, Eleven Even CD Album

2019, Blue Coupe, MoCo 004

After a six year break, the 3rd Blue Coupe album continues where Tornado On The Tracks left off, with 11 new tracks including the excellent trio Simple Answers Kill, Day After Day (Running Away) and Bitter Game. Upon release, fans were offered a very limited opportunity to purchase copies of the CD that were both personalised and signed by the band. I was lucky enough to grab one before they sold out less than 24 hours later!

Discogs Link: Click Here

Blue Coupe, When Legends Collide CD Album

2023, Blue Coupe

In 2023, Blue Coupe released a Black Friday Record Store Day exclusive CD / DVD featuring 10 "rarities and previously unheard originals" on the former and 9 "physically unreleased music videos, live performances and an animated video" on the latter, there was plenty of exciting material on offer.

Presented in a nice 'Digipak' sleeve, and hand-signed by the band in silver pen, these were limited to just 600 copies and, therefore, in high demand.     

Discogs Link: Click Here

Cold Cold Coffin Rock Cinema Short

2019, PRP-NYC Productions

Cold Cold Coffin is a song by Dennis Dunaway that was ultimately turned into a lavish rock cinema short horror film directed by Brian Cichocki, who also produced the film alongside Sean Quinn and Peter and Orion Perenyi. This followed a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2018 whereby patrons were offered a number of exciting rewards, including Alice Cooper Group memorabilia from Dennis' personal archive (see below).

Cold Cold Coffin tells the story of a wealthy tycoon (Dennis) who discovers his young bride (Calico Cooper) married him for his exquisite estate instead of love. Heartbroken and angry, he exacts revenge by having himself cryogenically frozen in order to outlive her so she can't get his money (if he stays alive then she's not entitled to anything!).  

The film, shot at Highlands Castle, NY, uses black-and-white visuals to provide the viewer with a traditional, ultra-creepy, viewing experience, but with some contemporary twists (such as the use of panoramic drone footage). Coupled with the brilliant soundtrack, the end result is more than impressive and is well worth playing on a big screen with the lights turned off and music cranked up high! 

The film premiered at the Theatre 80, New York on 14th August 2019 during a screening of the Live From The Astroturf motion picture. Several other screenings took place in the USA, and also in Berlin and London, prior to the films worldwide YouTube release on 26th October 2019.

As one of the larger backers of the Kickstarter project I was lucky enough to have my name included in the end credits as a patron!

In January 2020, Cold Cold Coffin deservedly received the award for 'Best Music Video' at the Los Angeles Motion Picture Film Festival.

My Kickstarter items finally arrived direct from Dennis in January 2022 after a series of unfortunate delays outside of his control. It was well worth the wait though as you can see from the images below!

Dennis Dunaway, And So It Began Album

And So It Began is an album of music by Dennis Dunaway that was released in 2021, under his own Dr. Dreary Records label, as part of the Cold Cold Coffin Kickstarter project (above). It features 10 tracks, which are predominantly demos, representing periods from throughout Dennis’ long and distinguished music career.

The opener, Fireball, is the original demo version of the excellent track penned by Dennis that would later be covered by both Dennis Dunaway Project guitarist Rick Tedesco and, more notably, Alice himself on his 2017 Paranormal solo album. As the title suggests, this is about a biblical-sized Fireball plummeting to the Earth and wiping out everything in its path.

The Cold Cold Coffin montage demonstrates how, by fusing four different versions of the song together, the track evolved from a haunting bass-driven demo into its majestic final form.

No Runnin’ Away is the original demo of the Blue Coupe track Day After Day (Running Away), my favourite track from the Eleven Even album (above). I have to admit though, I like this version even more and it again shines a bright light on Dennis’ wider musical talents. 

Dead End Girl is a diverse ballad demo, with a real 80’s vibe, about a girl who runs away from home and is later found by her high school boyfriend.

Friend is the most intriguing track on the album. As the title suggests, it’s about Alice and how it felt for Dennis (especially in the immediate years after the Group's hiatus begun) to see him and his touring band performing the songs that he helped write. It has a very personal feel to it (like it’s been lifted from a diary) and the hurt and pain endured certainly resonates.

The Cold Cold Coffin Soundtrack is the final version of the song that featured in the epic rock cinema short horror film of the same name (above). Dennis has said that this was rejected by Bob Ezrin as “Alice doesn’t do scary anymore”. This for me was a crazy decision, but I’m personally pleased that Dennis was able to realise his vision and keep it for himself as it’s one of my favourite ever pieces of output by the Alice Cooper Group.

The Sound Of A is a 1990’s demo of a track that Dennis and Alice originally wrote way back in 1968. Like Fireball, it eventually gained mainstream attention when it was included on Alice’s Paranormal solo album.

Unlike many of the tracks on this album, Jaws Of Temptation is a completed song by Dennis’ 2015 band The American Rock Celebration with backing vocals by Blue Coupe singers Tish and Snooky Bellomo. With a suitably Southern feel, the song features Dennis singing about the temptations that await when alone in New Orleans.

Little Bitty Kid is an excellent, petulant sounding, demo all about kids with guns. The final version appeared as Little Kid (With A Big Big Gun) on The Dennis Dunaway Project’s 2006 album Bones From The Yard (above).

Waitin’ For My Ship is another demo about wanting success, but doing nothing to achieve it. It is notable as it features Dennis’ daughters Renee and Chelsea on backing vocals (who were both very young at the time).

Overall, this is a fascinating body of work and an essential item to have for any fan of the Alice Cooper Group (or solo Alice for that matter). 

The album was released on 12" vinyl only and limited to just 500 copies that were divided into three different variants:

> White cover with clear disc (100 made);
> Black cover with clear disc (200 made); and
> Brown cover with translucent red disc (200 made).

All copies provided under the Kickstarter project were signed by Dennis on both the front cover and inlay. A small number of remaining unsigned copies were then generally sold by Good Records.

The catchy artwork was produced by Dennis’ daughter Chelsea. Also provided is an insert that provides notes from Dennis about each track and a montage of images from the Cold Cold Coffin film.

Dennis Dunaway, And So It Began 12" Vinyl Album

2021, Dr. Dreary Records

This is first USA vinyl variant of the And So It Began album. Limited to just 100 hand-numbered copies (mine being #97) it features a white sleeve and clear disc. Both the front cover and inlay are signed by Dennis Dunaway.

Discogs Link: Click Here

Dennis Dunaway, And So It Began 12" Vinyl Album

2021, Dr. Dreary Records

This is second USA vinyl variant of the And So It Began album. Limited to just 200 hand-numbered copies (mine being #82) it features a black sleeve and clear disc. Both the front cover and inlay are signed by Dennis Dunaway.

Discogs Link: Click Here

Dennis Dunaway, And So It Began 12" Vinyl Album

2021, Dr. Dreary Records

This is third USA vinyl variant of the And So It Began album. Limited to just 200 hand-numbered copies (mine being #96) it features a brown sleeve and translucent red disc. Both the front cover and inlay are signed by Dennis Dunaway.

Discogs Link: Click Here

Dr Dreary T-Shirt

2016

This cool Dr Dreary T-shirt was produced for fans attending the 2016 'Chiller Theatre Expo' in New Jersey, USA. The event was attended by Alice, Dennis and Mike Bruce and included the 'Snakes Museum of Rare Alice Cooper Artifacts', which comprised of rare items from the history of the Alice Cooper Group (including costumes and stage props).

Dennis Dunaway Killer Souvenir Photo Pack

2020, Jodi Photography

This fantastic hand-signed souvenir photo pack was offered by UK-based Jodi Photography and limited to just 18 pieces (of which this is #2). The centrepiece is a black-and-white A4 print of a photo taken by Jodi during the Alice Cooper Group reunion mini-tour of the UK in 2017, which features Alice and Dennis together on-stage (where they belong) in a menacing-looking pose. If that wasn't good enough, Dennis not only signed the print in silver pen but also perfectly recreated his iconic left-handed 'Killer' scrawl that originally appeared on the front of the Killer album.

Those lucky enough to secure a set were also given the opportunity to select 4 further A5 prints from Jodie's extensive collection of Alice Cooper Group / solo photos. I decided to keep to the Dennis theme, but this is partly because I had previously purchased a variety of other prints (see below) including rare candid backstage shots of Alice and his touring band.

This is a highly prized item in my collection! 

Dennis Dunaway Souvenir Photo Pack

2021, Jodi Photography

This further hand-signed souvenir pack by Jodi Photography was limited to 25 pieces (of which this is #11). This includes another great black-and-white A4 print of a photo taken by Jodi during the Alice Cooper Group reunion mini-tour of the UK in 2017, featuring Alice and Dennis together on-stage.

Also provided are two custom trading cards (one featuring Dennis and the other the same image as the signed photo, including the unique copy number) plus a cool sticker of the Alice Cooper Group from the 2017 tour.   

Super Punk Muffin T-Shirt

In 2008, Super Punk Muffin (a band based in Devon, UK) released the entertaining tribute song 'Dennis Dunaway (Legend With A Bass)'. It was warmly welcomed by fans, not to mention Dennis himself, who proclaimed the band to be "very inventive, and though you've got to worry that Pretties For You is their favourite album, you've got to love them too".

Dennis became good friends with band member Brigs Jones, and through our mutual friendship with Dr Dreary, I've since got to know Brigs well myself. It's especially great having another big fan of the early Alice Cooper Group material so close to me (just 12 miles away to be precise).

Brigs was kind enough to gift me this Super Punk Muffin shirt, which has a great drawing of Dennis on the front and is often worn with pride!

Michael Bruce

Alice Cooper Group Member (1968 to the Present)

Michael (Mike) Bruce is the rhythm guitarist, keyboard player and vocalist (both lead and backing) of the Alice Cooper Group, having joined when they were known as The Spiders in 1966 (replacing John Tatum). Before this time, he was a member of Phoenix-based bands The Trolls, The Wild Flowers (who released two 7" singles) and Our Gang.

Although a highly accomplished musician, Mike’s legacy extends far beyond this due to his prowess as a songwriter and composer. It is largely thanks to him that songs like Caught In A Dream, Be My Lover and No More Mr Nice Guy came to be. It was this all-round talent that inspired him to record his own solo album, In My Own Way, which was released in 1974 and written during the turbulent period where the Alice Cooper Group was beginning to fraction and both Alice (Welcome To My Nightmare) and Neal Smith (Platinum God) also released albums of their own. 

This fluid situation can actually be felt in the music provided on In My Own Way, as some (but not all) of the material was potentially written for use by the Alice Cooper Group in the first instance. Sadly, the album failed to receive a meaningful commercial release, despite the fact that Alice appeared on the track As Rock Rolls On. Copies of the original LP are therefore very scarce, but there have thankfully since been CD reissues in both 1997 and 2002 (see below).

Since the Alice Cooper Group hiatus begun, Mike has been involved in several other projects including Billion Dollar Babies (1977), The Josiah-Bruce Band (1990) and Michael Bruce / The Michael Bruce Group (1998-Present). Since 2011, he has also become increasingly involved in Alice Cooper-related material again, including occasional live performances and contributions on the Welcome 2 My Nightmare, Paranormal and Detroit Stories solo albums.

Mike also released his own short autobiography in 1996 ‘No More Mr Nice Guy, The Inside Story Of The Alice Cooper Group’, a no-holds-barred re-telling from his perspective that created some controversy at the time!

Legend City 12" Vinyl Album

2001, Bacchus Archives, BA1150

This USA 12" compilation album features tracks from Phoenix-based bands of the mid to late 60's. Of particular relevance is the inclusion of four tracks by Mike Bruce's Wildflowers (i.e. A Man Like Myself, More Than Me, One More Chance and On A Day Like Today).

In addition to being able to hear these long-lost gems, this release also features an inlay that includes some amusing background information on each song and Mike's shenanigans at the time. 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Michael Bruce, In My Own Way The Complete Sessions CD Album

2002, Gonzo Multimedia, HST483CD

This European two CD version of In My Own Way features the original 10 tracks from the 1974 release plus a host of demos, outtakes and alternative versions (in total, a massive 31 different tracks are provided). Notable tracks from the original album include King Of America, Lucky Break, the title ballad In My Own Way and As Rock Rolls On (which features Alice).

Included in the booklet is an interesting interview between Mike Bruce and music journalist John Kirkman, which explores the struggles that he and the rest of the members faced after the demise of the Alice Cooper Group.

Discogs Link: Click Here

Michael Bruce, Rock Rolls On 12" Vinyl EP

1983, ETR, 4-27-1

This vinyl EP was released in 1983 and features seven tracks, which include remixed material from the In My Own Way album (i.e. As Rock Rolls On, Friday On My Mind, Lucky Break and In My Own Way), an excellent cover of the Billion Dollar Babies song Too Young and the all new tracks Gina and Do You Wanna Know.

The inclusion of As Rock Rolls On is notable, as it is now simply titled 'Rock Rolls On' and also has Alice's vocal contributions removed (whether this was done for creative or licensing issues is unknown though).

Discogs Link: Click Here

Michael Bruce, Halo Of Ice CD Album

2002, NMC Music, PILOT 131

In May 2001, following a club tour of the UK, Mike visited Reykjavik, Iceland and played a live show of hits with Alice Cooper Group superfans (and members of the band Dimma) Ingo and Silli Geirdal, who he had previously performed with at a small number of shows in the USA.

The audio from this show was captured and subject to this CD release, which contains many of the Alice Cooper Group's greatest hits, lovingly interpreted, with Mike on lead vocals. Also provided is a nice colour booklet featuring images of Mike performing and notes by Ingo Geirdal and producer Carlton P. Sandercock.

Discogs Link: Click Here

Michael Bruce, The Second Coming Of Michael Bruce: Live & Re-Cooperated CD Album

2005, GB Records, GB 0001

Following his successful trip in 2001, Mike returned to Iceland in October 2002 for two further live shows (in Akureyri and Reykjavik) with Ingo and Silli Geirdal and friends. Both shows were recorded and this CD features 14 tracks taken from them, including classic Alice Cooper, Billion Dollar Babies and solo Mike Bruce songs. Also provided are three bonus studio tracks:

> Muscle Of Love (demo version);

> Forever Eighteen (a revised version of I'm Eighteen); and

> Rhapsody 4 G.B. (Glen Buxton instrumental tribute). 

This hard-to-find CD release was limited to just 200 copies and features a 'Digipak' style case including artwork by Ingo and Silli Geirdal and an introduction by Dennis Dunaway.

A neat touch on this product is that the classic 'WB' Warner Brothers shield icon is replicated, only this time it states 'GB' (in reference to Glen Buxton). 

Discogs Link: Click Here

Michael Bruce, Be Your Lover Anthology CD Album

2011, Floating World Records, FLOATM6088

This excellent two CD anthology features the following content:

> All of the In My Own Way album (plus some of the bonus content from the above Complete Sessions version);

> 11 of the 17 live / bonus tracks from The Second Coming Of Michael Bruce release (above);

> The all-new content (i.e. Too Young, Gina and Do You Wanna Know) from the Rock Rolls On EP (above); and

> An alternative version of Oh My Love (incorrectly titled as Oh My Life on CD1 and On My Love on CD2).

If you're looking to explore Mike's solo career then this is release for you!

Discogs Link: Click Here

Neal Smith

Alice Cooper Group Founding Member (1968 to the Present)

Neal Smith (AKA The Platinum God) is the drummer of the Alice Cooper Group, having joined when they were known as The Nazz in 1967 (replacing John Speer). Before this time, he was a member of several Phoenix-based bands including the Nightriders and The Laser Beats.

Like the other members of the Alice Cooper Group, Neal possessed incredible talent, charisma and individuality (both as a performer and songwriter) and I'm convinced that his marauding playing style was a heavy influence on Animal from The Muppets (plus some lesser drummers)!

Since the Alice Cooper Group hiatus begun, and in-between some prolonged periods of public inactivity, Neal has been involved in several other projects including Billion Dollar Babies (1977), The Flying Tigers (~1978 to 1982), Plasmatics (1981), Buck Dharma (1982), Deadringer (1989), Neal Smith (1999-Present), Bouchard Dunaway & Smith (2001), Cinematik (2001-2002) and Killsmith (2008-2014). Since 2011, he has also become increasingly involved in Alice Cooper-related material again, including occasional live performances and contributions on the Welcome 2 My Nightmare, Paranormal and Detroit Stories solo albums.

Neal has a personal website, which can be found here, and is regularly updated with his latest news.

Neal Smith, Platinum God CD Album

1999, Kachina Music, NS92347001

Platinum God is the debut solo album by Neal Smith and was only available to buy for a limited period of time from his personal website. Although released in 1999, its origins can be traced way back to 1975 and the beginning of the Alice Cooper Group hiatus. The huge delay was caused by several factors, but it's understood that Neal was finally encouraged to complete and release it due to demand from his fanbase!

Although only eight tracks in total, there is plenty for Alice Cooper fans to enjoy, with tracks like Maneater Deadly To Her Play, Rock n Roll Radio (which previously appeared on the Billion Dollar Babies Battle Axe album), The Sea's A Maneater and Platinum God being particular highlights.

This hard-to-find copy has the case hand-signed by both Neal Smith and Dennis Dunaway (who also appears on this album, on bass and vocals).

Discogs Link: Click Here

Cinematik, Cinematik CD Album

2001, Kachina Records, NS92347002

Neal's two Cinematic albums are an intriguing fusion of rock and world music that nicely reflect his experimental roots in the early Alice Cooper Group days. However, principally instrumental in nature, the serene sounds are a massive departure from what we've previously heard from him.

Most Alice Cooper fans would really struggle to guess that Neal is the mastermind behind this chilled-out material, with one of only a few clues being Euriffodes (on the One Full Moon Away album) which has some definite Halo Of Flies vibes about it.

The albums are well worth picking up from Neal's personal store, with the added bonus being that they will arrive hand-signed!

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The 2001 debut release of Cinematik, the first CD in the Cinematik series. Neal explores World beat music with his extensive collection of drums and percussion instruments from around the world.

Discogs Link: Click Here

Cinematik, One Full Moon Away CD Album

2001, Kachina Records, NS92347004

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The second CD in the Cinematik series. World beat for the new age at it's best. A masterful mellow collaboration.

Discogs Link: Click Here

Neal Smith, Killsmith Sexual Saviour

2008, Kachina Records, NS92347006

Neal's follow-up to his Cinematik project was a complete 360-degree turn. Killsmith is (initially at least) an ultra-heavy endeavour, with somewhat rudimentary material relating to sex, violence and death. Highlights from the first three albums (released between 2008 and 2014) include the raucous Sexual Saviour, How Do You Bleed and Thrill Thrill Thrill Shoot To Kill (Killsmith One), plus Evil Voodoo Moon and Squeeze Like A Python (Killsmith Two). Evil Voodoo Moon is notable as the riff would form the basis of the solo Alice track I'll Bite Your Face Off from his Welcome 2 My Nightmare album, which was also released in 2011.

As with the Cinematic CDs, these albums can be picked up, hand-signed, from Neal's personal store!

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Neal's second solo endeavor takes an industrial metal journey into the dark sinister side of Neal's brain. Not for the faint of heart, you'll love it to death!

Discogs Link: Click Here

Neal Smith, Killsmith Two

2011, Kachina Records, NS92347008

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Neal's CD "KillSmith Two" is a stone Kold rockin' Killer with 12 brand new songs: 2000 Miles From Detroit - Suicide Highway - Cemetery Of The Damned (23) - Evil Voodoo Moon -Death By The Numbers - Crimes Of High Passion - Legend Of Viper Company -Die For The Night - Strip Down - Kiss My Rock - Anything - Squeeze Like A Python.

Discogs Link: Click Here

Neal Smith, Killsmith & The Greenfire Empire

2014, Kachina Records, NS92347009

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This deluxe autographed CD/Book tells the complete Greenfire story along with all of the song lyrics and credits. This deluxe book, of course, also includes Neal’s newest CD, KillSmith & The Greenfire Empire the third in his critically acclaimed KillSmith series. The KillSmith band has garnered praise from fans and critics worldwide. And now, Neal takes his ferocious brand of rock and roll to another level! This time “KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire” tells a deadly tail by weaving a tapestry of musical styles making the “GreenFire” story come alive.

The story about a poor boy who grows up in the jungles of South America, then becomes “Diablo the Emerald King” the most ruthless, ferocious and powerful drug lord in the world. As a young boy Diablo discovers an ancient secret that has been hidden for thousands of years in pre-Columbian jungle ruins. The secret he discovers is an ancient sacrificial drug called “Greenfire.” As GreenFires deadly addiction spreads like wildfire around the globe, it reaches a country called “Blue Soul Land.” The havoc it creates in “Blue Soul Land” unleashes the rage of a retired Special Ops Military hero nicknamed “KillSmith” with grave consequences.

1.- BLESSINGS AND CURSES2.- GOOD MORNING BLUE SOUL LAND3.- SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER4.- THE KILLSMITH OVERTURE5.- PALACIO de ESMERALDAS6.- GREENFIRE – BORN OF POISON7.- I WANT MONEY8.- PANDEMONIUM9.- I REMEMBER BLUE SOUL LAND10.- DEATH TO THE KING11.- NOELLE NO WONDER

Discogs Link: Click Here

Killsmith, Halloween Best Of Killsmith 2008-2018

2018, Kachina Records, NS92347010

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2018 marks the 10th anniversary of legendary Alice Cooper drummer & Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Neal Smith's first “KillSmith” solo CD. To celebrate, Neal has created a new 12 song compilation CD called “Neal Smith - KillSmith Halloween,” the best of KillSmith. It has 11 previously released KillSmith songs and features one brand new song called “Strychnine”. 2018 not only marks the golden 50th anniversary of the original Alice Cooper Group, but it also marks the 10th anniversary of my “KillSmith” solo project.

Since my last solo album “KillSmith & The Greenfire Empire,” I have been wanting to put together a compilation CD of my scariest and best “KillSmith” songs. I have chosen 11 songs plus a brand new bonus track called "Strychnine,” it's a killer! Get your downloads or CD's today! From the drummer of the band that made everyday Halloween.......Happy Halloween to all of my sick things around the world! Play my “KillSmith Halloween” loud and let it scare the “HELL” out of you! - Neal Smith “KillSmith Halloween”

Track List

EVIL VOODOO MOONDEATH BY THE NUMBERSHOW DO YOU BLEEDCEMETERY OF THE DAMNEDSQUEEZE LIKE A PYTHONTHE KILLSMITH OVERTURETHRILL THRILL THRILL SHOOT TO KILLDIE FOR THE NIGHTPANDEMONIUMSTRYCHNINEDYNASTY OF DARKNESSMONSTERS IN THE ATTIC

Discogs Link: Click Here

Neal Smith, Pop 85/95 CD Album

2020, Kachina Records, NS92347011

Neal threw fans another curveball with the release of this classic sounding pop rock album, which he actually recorded during the period 1985 to 1995. If you're a fan of this genre, and are able to get your mind around the fact that this really is a Neal Smith album, then there is much to enjoy here. The first three tracks (i.e. If I Only Had You, Dying To Love You and Secret Eyes) are particularly catchy. A nod to the Alice Cooper Group is also present in the form of Love You To Death!     

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With the onslaught of glam hair bands and heavily homogenized rock of the 1980's, Neal Smith, Hall of Fame Drummer and founding member of the original Alice Cooper Group, was looking for a new direction for his songwriting. Inspired by another drummer, songwriter, singer Phil Collins, Neal turned from writing hard rock to a slicker, more pop rock songwriting style. In the late 1980's he took four of his new songs into the studio and recorded them.

One of the songs “Secret Eyes” helped land a recording deal with newly formed record company called Grudge Records. Along with Dennis Dunaway (Alice Cooper fame), Joe Bouchard (Blue Oyster Cult fame), Charlie Hune (Ted Nugent fame) and lead guitarist Jay Jesse Johnson (also known as “Triple J”), a new band called “Deadringer” was formed and signed by Grudge Records. Deadringer recorded an album in 1989 called “Electrocution Of The Heart” featuring the single “Secret Eyes.” The album and Deadringer were all short lived after Grudge Records quick demise. After Deadringer and well into the 1990's, Neal continued writing songs with Jay Jesse Johnson (“Triple J”) in this pop rock style.

Song List:

01) IF I ONLY HAD YOU02) DYING TO LOVE YOU03) SECRET EYES04) LOVE SETS THE NIGHT ON FIRE05) DISTANT DRUM06) I WANNA BE GOOD, BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW07) LOVE CAN RUN, LOVE CAN HIDE08) IN A HEARTBEAT09) FLY HOME SWEET ANGEL10) I LOVE YOU TO DEATH11) ALL MY EYES CAN SEE

Discogs Link: Click Here

Neal Smith, Killsmith Goes West

2023, Kachina Records, NS92347012

Neal's most recent Killsmith offering offers yet another twist, with a move into country music. Never afraid to embrace something new, Killsmith Goes West contains several gems, including Pull It Out Smokin' and Evil Wind.

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Neal Smith’s newest album, ”KillSmith Goes West,” the fourth in his KillSmith solo series, is heading in a whole new direction partner. Neal’s percussive, musical and songwriting contributions and influence to the world of rock are undisputed. From the ground breaking shock rock direction of the multi gold, multi-platinum legendary band “Alice Cooper,” until the present, Neal has always taken on the challenge of exploring new musical directions.

Track List: 01) Shaughnessy Highway 02) Tequila, Tamales & A Woman 03) Big Wheels Rollin’ West 04) Coffee, Beer & Borrowed Time 05) Pull It Out Smokin’ 06) Sunsets Of Gold 07) If Jesus Was A Gunfighter 08) Jukebox Rose 09) Evil Wind 10) Tattooed Cowgirl

Discogs Link: Click Here

Neal Smith Signed Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Drumsticks

2011

These great signed drumsticks celebrate the 2011 induction of the Alice Cooper Group into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and are each hand-signed by The Platinum God himself.

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