Until now the only apparent connection between shock rocker Alice Cooper and education has been his 1972 hit “School’s Out”.
But the ghoulishly made-up singer has announced he is to fund an activity centre for teenagers on the campus of a private university in Phoenix, Arizona, to encourage them to continue their studies.
The 58-year-old, who already pays for scholarships at the university, is setting up the pound;1.6 million centre through a Christian charity he has founded and wants it to include a recording studio, basketball courts, rock-climbing walls, a coffee house and concert hall. Cooper said the centre was needed because 12 to 16-year-olds were getting caught up in gangs and drugs but secretly wanted boundaries.
“We’re not going to beat them over the head with a Bible,” Mr Cooper said.
“But we’re certainly going to be available to tell them that that’s available to them.”
Mr Cooper’s other hits include “No More Mr Nice Guy”, “Teenage Lament” and “Muscle of Love”.
Oh, how people change.