HOT GALLERY: Heavy Metal Rockers—Before They Were Stars
What is heavy metal? For some people, that topic that can generate more controversy than religion or Tim Tebow. Over the years, metal has split into more genres and subgenres than we have room to list here. Bottom line: We say you know heavy metal when you hear it. So there. Now that that's settled, let's take a look at some of the heaviest rockers around before they were stars. By Brett SingerAlice Cooper, born Vincent Furnier in 1948 (doesn’t that photo remind you of Mr. Rogers a little bit?), released his first album way back in 1969; his most recent effort, Welcome 2 My Nightmare, dropped on September 13, 2011. He does a syndicated radio show, was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and still performs live. In a video on his website, Cooper jokingly tells a fan that he is “like oxygen and water to you, and it’s about time you understand that.” He adds, “I will always be doing something in this business until the moment I pass my last breath, if God’s willing.” Don’t let that God reference throw you—Cooper is a born-again Christian. Bonus video: Cooper’s amazing appearance on The Muppet Show in 1978.