On July 11, 1972, Alice Cooper headlined the largest rock concert Pittsburgh had yet to see.
During the 1970s, the wild showman and his band rode a streak of four consecutive platinum albums and five Top 40 hits: “I’m Eighteen,” “School’s Out,” “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” and “Elected." Their show and sound was perfect for huge venues.
Originally scheduled for June 23 with Humble Pie and Uriah Heep opening, the show had been pushed to July due to Hurricane Agnes which killed 122 people and forced more than 100,000 Pennsylvanians to evacuate.
Once the storm had cleared, 40,000 fans arrived at the two year old Three Rivers Stadium, home of the Steel Curtain Pittsburgh Steelers and the World Champion '71 Pittsburgh Pirates led by Roberto Clemente. These fans, though, were there to rock, unlike Uriah Heep who couldn't make the rescheduled date.
As Humble Pie - who had just lost their guitar wunderkind Peter Frampton to his desire to go solo - finished their set with a blazing "Hot and Nasty" led by Steve Marriott, the fans rushed the field and even got into the dugouts.
According to news reports Alice was holed away partying with the press who were enjoying champagne cocktails (it was a different time) while teens rushed the stage -- some even ended up backstage. Once security got control of the situation, Cooper and his band took the stage shortly after 11pm and rocked the joint.
It was the kickoff of the School's Out Tour which would see the band play stadiums, speedways, coliseums, and convention centers all around the US and Europe. At the Hollywood Bowl, they handed out diplomas to attendees for making it through the show.
Despite Cooper's popularity, credit for the Three Rivers Show should also be doled out to legendary Pittsburgh concert promoter Pat DiCesare for making such a huge show come true. DiCesare is also known for being the guy who brought Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Janis Joplin to the City of Bridges.
Fifty-one years later and Alice is still out on the road, making new music, and re-releasing his classics. The albums School's Out and Killer received the deluxe Rhino Records treatment recently with newly pressed vinyl and insightful liner notes.
In August, 75-year old Alice is scheduled to release his 29th studio album, Road, which he has described as a concept album. He will support that by going on tour with Motley Crue and Def Leppard. Then in September he will co-headline a tour with Rob Zombie.
If you are the type of fan that just wants to see this legendary performer in smaller venues minus the Crue and Leppard, Alice's Too Close For Comfort Tour which began in April, still has a few more dates in August.
Go to Alice's website for tickets to all of his shows.
