Celebrity rocker Alice Cooper signs up to Rainbows guitar

Trailblazing celebrity rocker Alice Cooper is the latest music icon to back Rainbows Hospice – by adding his mark to a guitar signed by leading legends to raise cash for the East Midlands charity.

Cooper proved a regular Mr Nice Guy when former music promoter Dave Allen and wife Helen caught up with the shock rock star during the UK leg of his world tour with super group The Hollywood Vampires, which also features Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and movie legend, Johnny Depp, himself an accomplished guitarist.

The Fender Stratocaster, featuring the signatures of some of the world’s leading guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Brian May and Jimmy Page, went missing 10 years ago and was only recovered by Leicestershire police earlier this year, after appearing on eBay.

Dave, from Market Harborough, initially launched the guitar project and was ‘amazed’ when the instrument re-surfaced after being ‘lost’ for a decade. But he vowed to add further big names before the Stratocaster – said to be worth a five-figure sum – is sold at auction for Rainbows in December.

Cooper, famous for massive 1970s million-sellers No More Mr Nice Guy, Billion Dollar Babies and Schools Out, said he was ‘delighted’ to add his name to rock legends like Clapton.

Dave commented: “Alice Cooper is an absolute legend – but he couldn’t have been nicer, a true gentleman. He took a great interest in what Rainbows is doing to support youngsters with life-limiting illness – and hinted he will use his influence to encourage other big names he knows in the business to sign the guitar. I can’t thank him enough.”

Last month singer/songwriter Don McLean, famous for penning classics like American Pie and Vincent, gave his backing signing the charity guitar during his UK tour.

Also in Dave’s sights is Sir Paul McCartney, Rolling Stone Keith Richards, former Yardbirds guitar legend Jeff Beck and ex-Black Sabbath frontman, Ozzy Osbourne before the guitar is auctioned at the end of the year.

Andy Goss, Rainbows Supporter Relations, said: “The story of this guitar keeps on growing – as does the list of legendary names signing the Stratocaster which will be auctioned to raise cash to support youngsters and their families when they need it most. We are so grateful to those stars who have signed – and for everything Dave is doing to support our work at the hospice.”

Our picture shows Alice Cooper with Dave Allen and wife Helen after signing the legendary guitar.