HE'S larger than life and gives Ozzy Osbourne a run for his money on the theatrical stakes.

I'm talking of course about Alice Cooper, whose name Alice may suggest gender-bending, but lets face it - it must have taken a real man to change his name to Alice and have it accepted the world over.

Alice is not known for being meek and mild.

His shock rock tactics in the 70s and his live shows using a guillotine, electric chair and a snake have given people plenty to talk about.

He virtually invented rock as theatre, created new fashion trends, sparked a new sexual revolution, established higher standards for teenage decadence, and found time on top of all this to write and record a library of classic rock 'n' roll albums.

Alice's real name is Vincent Damon Furnier and he was born on February 4, 1948, in Detroit , USA.

His commercial break came about with the School's Out single and album.

His best selling titles include Billion Dollar Babies, Welcome To My Nightmare and Muscle of Love.

As if outrageous live shows were not enough, Alice also became a Hollywood celebrity appearing on television shows.

Alice has been quoted as saying ''The sicker our fans get, the sicker we'll get.''

If you want to find out the truth in this comment, catch Alice live at Civic Hall, Wolverhampton on Thursday, July 3.

Tickets are £25 subject to booking from Midland Box Office on 01902 55 21 21 and available online @ www.wolvescivic.co.uk