In the rock and roll world, few names are as iconic as Alice Cooper. Born Vincent Damon Furnier on February 4, 1948, he was raised in a Christian home, yet his early career was marked by a descent into heavy drinking and drug use, a lifestyle that seemed far from his upbringing. Amidst his rising fame in 'shock rock', Cooper found himself consuming alarming amounts of alcohol daily, a point he realized when it stopped being fun and became a necessity.
Rock Star's Near Death Experience
A pivotal moment came in 1983 when Cooper faced a near-death experience. Hospitalized for alcoholism and liver cirrhosis, he awoke one morning vomiting blood. As he recounted to Greg Laurie, he once saw blood in his eyes while using cocaine, a moment that drove him to call out to God in desperation. His marriage to Sheryl Goddard was also in jeopardy, prompting them to seek Christian counseling.
Biblical Miracle Breaks Alcohol Addiction
In what Cooper describes as a 'Biblical miracle', Jesus healed him from alcoholism. He emerged from the hospital without cravings, something doctors found extraordinary. This miraculous recovery marked the beginning of his renewed faith journey. He embraced sobriety, returned to church, and reconciled with his wife. They have been married for over four decades, a testament to their shared faith and love.
Life Transformed Through Faith
Cooper's life became a testimony to Jesus' power to transform and redeem. He continued his career, using his platform to share his faith. 'I can still be Alice Cooper, and be a Christian,' he says, emphasizing that his lifestyle is his testimony. His concerts now carry a message of redemption, portraying battles of good versus evil.
Today, Cooper attends Camelback Bible Church in Paradise Valley, Arizona, and remains committed to helping others, including troubled youth through his Solid Rock foundation. He understands redemption as a gift from Jesus, saying, 'None of us deserve Redemption, but Christ on the cross... that blood is the most precious thing that is your Redemption.'