Full Breakdown
Alice Cooper Reunites with Original Bandmates at Christmas Pudding Event
11/17/2025, 2:04:39 PM
Reunion Performance Highlights
On November 15, 2025, legendary rocker Alice Cooper reunited with the surviving members of his original band—guitarist Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway, and drummer Neal Smith—during the annual "Christmas Pudding" event at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. This performance marked a significant occasion as it coincided with the release of "The Revenge of Alice Cooper," the first full album by the original lineup since 1973's "Muscle of Love." Nashville-based guitarist Gyasi Heus filled in for the late Glen Buxton, contributing to a six-song set that included classic hits and new tracks.
Background of the Event
The "Christmas Pudding" concert serves as a fundraiser for Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers, which provide music, art, dance, and vocational programs for youth aged 12-20. This year celebrated the 30th anniversary of the nonprofit, which has expanded to include three locations in Arizona, with the latest center opening in Goodyear. The event featured various performers, including Eagles' guitarist Don Felder and Ed Roland of Collective Soul, showcasing a blend of rock talent while supporting a charitable cause.
Performance Overview
The reunion set began with the iconic "I’m Eighteen," followed by a lively rendition of "Under My Wheels." The band continued with "No More Mr. Nice Guy" and "Billion Dollar Babies," before introducing songs from their new album, including "Black Mamba" and "Wild Ones." The performance concluded with the classic "School’s Out," which Cooper performed in its original format, a departure from his recent medley with Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall." The excitement of the band members was palpable, particularly from Dunaway and Bruce, who engaged enthusiastically with the audience.
Official Statements & Responses
Alice Cooper reflected on the reunion, stating, “When we parted, we didn’t divorce; we just separated. There was no bad blood. There were no lawsuits or anything like that.” He expressed amazement at how smoothly the collaboration for the new album went, emphasizing the emotional impact of losing Glen Buxton. Producer Bob Ezrin, who played a pivotal role in the reunion, noted that Heus was an ideal fit for the band, capturing the essence of their original sound.
Criticism & Opposition
While the reunion was largely celebrated, some critics pointed out that the performance, while nostalgic, may not fully capture the energy of the original lineup's heyday. There are concerns about the longevity of such reunions and whether they can meet the high expectations of long-time fans.
What's Next
Looking ahead, there is speculation about further performances by the reunited band members, as they seem eager to continue sharing their music with audiences. The success of the "Christmas Pudding" event may pave the way for more collaborative efforts in the future, potentially leading to additional tours or recordings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Losing Glen was really tough for us ’cause he was our Keith Richards.” — Alice Cooper
- “As Ezrin told The Arizona Republic, “Just from the look alone before he played a note, I kind of went, ‘OK, that's our guy.” — Bob Ezrin
This reunion not only celebrates the legacy of the original Alice Cooper band but also reinforces the ongoing commitment to youth engagement through the Solid Rock Teen Centers.
