Saturday night at the Bournemouth International Centre, Alice Cooper returned for his third Halloween – Night Of Fear show, asking fans beforehand to support the supernatural holiday and turn up in the most outrageous costumes and rock out to Alice’s brand of rock’n’roll. And the fans didn’t disappoint dressing up in ghoulish costumes and make-up.

I was very surprised to find that the evening had been chosen to be all-seated, as most Alice Cooper fans like to head bang and jig about a bit to his music.

And from the start, all of the fans on the floor seating, had decided to stand up for the entire show, and I noticed some in the terraces, and on the balcony where standing also.

Alice Cooper’s current band line-up comprises of a three-guitar attack of Orianthi, Ryan Roxie and Tommy Henricksen, along with the rhythm section of bassist Chuck Garric and drummer Glen Sobel.

Fans were treated to the usual theatrical visuals throughout the show, like a boa constrictor wrapped around Alice’s neck, a huge Frankenstein running around the stage, and many costumes changes for Alice throughout the show.

The set-list included many of Alice’s hits, No More Mr Nice Guy, Be My Love’, Hello Hooray, Feed My Frankenstein, Billion Dollar Babies and Welcome To my Nightmare.

Towards the end Alice announced that he was going to Raise The Dead, and played tributes to musicians that included Jim Morrison – Break on Through (to the other side), John Lennon – Revolution’, Jimi Hendrix – Foxy Lady and Keith Moon – My Generation.

Alice then finished the show with Under My Wheels, I’m Eighteen and Poison’.

Fans were then treated to an encore of Schools Out with Another Brick In The Wall Part 2 interlude.

Derek Daniel