lice Cooper (birth name Vincent Damon Furnier) had a choice most guys could only dream of in 1976. A tryst and relationship with sex
symbol and movie star Raquel Welch who desired him at the time or a relationship with Sheryl Goddard, an unknown back-up dancer in his stage show. For the testosterone-filled male species the choice was easy – Raquel Welch. Cooper, letting down the male population, rejected Welch’s advances.
Instead he married his 19-year old sweetheart in March, 1976 in Acapulco and the marriage has continued for almost 40 years. Cooper still jokingly plays it up when he has arguments with Goddard and says he gave up Raquel Welch for her.
I sat down with Alice Cooper in his Dungeon in the basement of his popular downtown Phoenix, Arizona restaurant Cooperstown. No fancy digs – black leather couch, loveseat and coffee table and surrounded by old concert tour posters and paraphernalia. He sips on a coke since giving up alcohol more than 30 years ago.
Cooper’s hit album, “Welcome to My Nightmare” which debuted in 1975 could be a metaphor for his turbulent life and marriage. Cooper admits he has an addictive personality. Alcohol was his main addiction choice and for a short period cocaine as well.
Cooper’s drinking was out of control. Through those alcohol-induced years in the 1970s until the early 80’s Goddard endured a real life nightmare with Cooper far more ghoulish then any of his concerts. Cooper at one point was suicidal and checked himself into a mental institution. In November 1983 she filed for divorce and left Cooper. But in mid-1984 they reconciled after a commitment by Cooper to stop the drinking and sober up.
Fortunately Cooper realized what was important in his life- Goddard and his three children, daughters Calico and Sonora and his son Dash. Son of a preacher Cooper credits God for saving him along with Sheryl’s determination to get him to rehab and believe in him. It’s ironic Cooper, who was criticized mercilessly in his career by various religious groups, is now a born again Christian. Both Goddard and Cooper are heavily involved in their local church and work on various charitable causes together.
A round of golf became Cooper’s new addiction in the mid-80’s instead of a round of drinks. A case of beer got exchanged for a set of golf clubs. He immediately took to the game. Goddard encouraged him with his newfound but healthy addiction. “I get up in the morning, she points to the clubs and she says ‘Go. I don’t want to see you until six o’clock,’ “said Cooper.
COOPER
ALICE
rock legend
By Chris Ryall
Welcome to my Marriage
A