Rock icon Alice Cooper surprised shoppers with an impromptu visit to Scarborough Market Hall during a recent weekend. The 78-year-old musician, known for his elaborate stage persona, was observed shopping in a more casual attire, a stark contrast to his typical on-stage look.
Cooper was in the area with his band, The Hollywood Vampires, for a sold-out concert at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre, which drew a crowd of over 8,000 fans. The band, which includes actor Johnny Depp, guitarist Joe Perry of Aerosmith, and Tommy Henriksen, was set to perform.
Julie Henderson, a shop owner at the market, recounted her encounter with the musician. "I noticed him outside my door and then he just wandered in, I instantly thought 'Wow! Alice Cooper is in my shop'," Henderson told The Scarborough News. She described Cooper as "really nice, lovely to talk to, very down to earth" and noted that he purchased an Art Tote bag, even posing for a picture while modeling it.
Fans reacted positively to the sighting on social media, with comments like "Walking past my artwork. What a buzz" and "Love this and a nice bit of normality for him." Others praised the musician for "supporting the local businesses."
The Hollywood Vampires, formed by Cooper in 2015, features Depp, Perry, and Henriksen. Over the years, the supergroup has also included notable musicians such as Brad Whitford, Duff McKagan, and Matt Sorum. The band performs a mix of classic rock covers and original material penned by its members. The band's name is a nod to a celebrity drinking club founded by Cooper in the 1970s. Depp, primarily known for his film career, is also an accomplished guitarist, having pursued a passion for music before achieving Hollywood stardom.