John Lennon’s Surprising Take on Alice Cooper: “Paul Would’ve Done It Better”
Alice Cooper, known for his shock rock persona, has always drawn inspiration from the classic rock legends of earlier decades. While his theatrical stage presence is a significant aspect of his identity as an artist, the foundation of his songwriting is deeply rooted in the timeless classics of the 1960s. These very songs were pivotal in motivating him to pursue a career in music. In the vast landscape of rock bands, the impact of The Beatles stands unrivaled, and Cooper acknowledges the invaluable lessons he learned from this iconic group.
Reflecting on songwriting excellence, Cooper shared in an article for Louder Sound, "When you think of great songwriting, nobody was better. McCartney and Lennon just did such great songs." He reminisced about the early days of The Beatles, stating, "Take any song, and it’s like the perfect three-minute song, and I think anyone in the world would love to have written any one of them. ‘She Loves You’ is a good rock song."
As the 1970s unfolded, Cooper became part of the notorious drinking club known as “The Hollywood Vampires” in Los Angeles. He humorously took on the title of “president” of this group, which included rock legends such as Keith Moon, Harry Nilsson, and Mickey Dolenz. Notably, Ringo Starr was also a member, and John Lennon was often associated with the club whenever he visited. For Cooper, the chance to connect with Lennon was a dream come true.
Lennon’s comment about Cooper’s music might sound like a joke, but it carries a significant weight, especially for someone who has spent a lifetime measuring their worth against such monumental figures. Cooper could chuckle at it because he understood where he stood in the grand scheme of rock history. Being anywhere near the orbit of The Beatles meant that even compliments came with a playful sting, and Lennon was never shy about mixing admiration with a bit of mischief.
However, this anecdote reveals more about Lennon’s character than about ego. He didn't view Cooper as mere novelty; he recognized the artistry, the satire, and the boldness behind tracks like ‘Elected,’ which was released amidst real political turmoil. Lennon appreciated the intent behind the music and supported it by bringing others to listen, demonstrating his genuine endorsement. To Cooper, this was far more meaningful than the quip regarding McCartney; it was the acknowledgment that Lennon truly valued the work and wished for it to be heard by a wider audience.
Cooper reflected on this connection, saying, "In the prime of Alice Cooper, we were getting all this publicity, and I think John understood and really did like the idea that we were so controversial, that we were banned and that we couldn’t care less what Mary Whitehouse said. And he liked the songs."
During one of their casual gatherings, Lennon singled out a specific single from the Alice Cooper band as a standout favorite. The song ‘Elected,’ from the band’s 1972 album Billion Dollar Babies, was launched to coincide with the 1972 presidential election. In this track, Cooper humorously declares his aspiration to become president while poking fun at the contest between Richard Nixon and George McGovern.
Cooper recounted Lennon's reaction to ‘Elected,’ noting, "When ‘Elected’ came out, that to [Lennon] was like a great poke in the eye to all politics. He came to listen to the record at the office in New York, and he kept bringing people in, like, ‘You’ve gotta hear this record!’ One time, he’s walking out, and I’m walking in. ‘Hey John, how are you doing?’ ‘Hey, Alice! Great record.’ Then he adds: ‘Paul would have done it better.’ I responded, ‘Well, of course he would – he’s Paul McCartney!’ The fact that he loved the record was a big deal.”
Check out ‘Elected’ below and experience the wit and charm that caught the attention of one of rock’s greatest icons.
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