When shock rock icon Alice Cooper took on “Eleanor Rigby” for the 2014 tribute album The Art of McCartney, fans were treated to a surprisingly reverent rendition of one of the Beatles’ most haunting songs. Known for his theatrical horror persona and snarling vocals, Cooper’s version of the 1966 classic was unexpectedly faithful – yet still unmistakably his.
A Tribute with Teeth
The Art of McCartney was a sprawling tribute project celebrating Paul McCartney’s songwriting legacy, featuring artists from across the musical spectrum. Cooper’s contribution stood out not for its bombast, but for its restraint. Backed by a string arrangement and layered harmonies that echoed the original Revolver recording, Cooper delivered the lyrics with a somber, almost mournful tone.
Why “Eleanor Rigby”?
Cooper has long cited the Beatles as a major influence. “We were way influenced by the Beatles’ music, by the great songwriting of Lennon and McCartney,” he said in a Rolling Stone magazine interview. “We’re always going to be a little more horse-powered than the Beatles were, but we always referred back to those melody lines”. Choosing “Eleanor Rigby” – a song steeped in isolation and existential dread – was a natural fit for an artist who built a career exploring the darker corners of the human psyche.
Trivia and Tidbits
- Cooper also recorded “Smile Away”, a deep cut from McCartney’s 1971 solo album Ram, as a bonus track for deluxe editions of The Art of McCartney.
- The tribute album took over a decade to complete and featured a star-studded lineup including Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, and Kiss.
- Despite his theatrical image, Cooper’s version of “Eleanor Rigby” is one of the more emotionally grounded covers on the album, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
In a career filled with guillotines, snakes, and blood-soaked ballads, Alice Cooper’s take on “Eleanor Rigby” is a rare moment of quiet reflection. It’s a reminder that even the godfather of shock rock can find beauty in the bleak—and pay homage to the melodies that shaped him.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.