In a move celebrating both rock ‘n’ roll history and local pride, Arizona Governor Emily Reyes has officially approved $2.5 million in state funding to erect a life-sized statue of legendary shock rocker Alice Cooper. The monument will be installed in Margaret T. Hance Park, located in the heart of downtown Phoenix — a fitting tribute to one of Arizona’s most iconic cultural exports.
The decision comes after years of community advocacy and rising calls to honor the Phoenix-born rock star, whose theatrical performances and pioneering influence helped shape the sound and spectacle of modern rock music. The statue will commemorate Cooper not only as a performer but also as a philanthropist and active community figure in Arizona.
“Alice Cooper has not only shaped the sound of a generation, but he’s never forgotten where he came from,” said Governor Reyes in a press conference on Monday. “His impact on music is global, but his love for Arizona is personal and enduring. This statue is our way of saying thank you.”
The statue is set to be unveiled in late 2026 and will stand prominently near the park’s amphitheater, where Cooper has performed numerous times throughout his career. The design, currently in the hands of acclaimed sculptor Diego Vasquez, will depict Cooper in his signature gothic stage attire — complete with cane and top hat — with a guitar slung across his back.
“It’s surreal,” Cooper said in response to the announcement. “To be honored like this in the place I’ve always called home — I’m speechless. I hope it inspires young musicians to chase their weird, wild dreams.”
Cooper, born Vincent Damon Furnier, is widely credited with creating the “shock rock” genre in the 1970s, blending horror theatrics with hard rock music. But beyond his stage persona, he is known in Arizona for his Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Foundation, a non-profit offering free music and arts programs to local teens.
The statue will also include a QR code linking to a digital timeline of Cooper’s life, including major milestones, discography, and community work. Plans are in place to host an annual Alice Cooper Day in Phoenix following the statue’s unveiling, celebrating local music and arts.
With this statue, Arizona honors not just a rock legend, but a hometown hero whose legacy continues to inspire generations — both on and off the stage.
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