On Saturday, November 2, 2024, Conrad Varela, guitarist for the band Escape The Hive, had the incredible opportunity to perform live with rock legend Alice Cooper at the Wasted Grain Club in Phoenix, Arizona. Varela joined Cooper’s backing band for a special one-night performance, marking another milestone in his ongoing musical journey with the shock rocker.
Escape The Hive, which released their debut album This Is Gonna Sting on September 15, 2023, features Varela alongside Michael Beck (vocals), Mike Vars (keyboards), Paul Williams (bass), and A.D. Adams (drums). The band has gained attention with their hard-hitting rock sound, but Varela’s experience playing with Alice Cooper stands out as a personal achievement.
The concert on November 2 was particularly special, as it featured Alice Cooper performing a pop show with students and faculty from his Solid Rock Foundation. Varela, who first gained national recognition after winning the 2018 Alice Cooper “Proof Is In Pudding” talent contest, has had the chance to collaborate with Cooper on several occasions over the years.
Reflecting on the experience, Varela shared his excitement: “Sharing the stage with Alice has always been an honor beyond belief. The energy from the crowd that night made this show even more unforgettable! Working with Alice is always a blast, but keeping up with his stage presence is a challenge in the best way.”
Escape The Hive frontman Michael Beck, who attended the show, expressed his pride in Varela’s performance: “We are so proud to have Conrad as part of Escape The Hive. He’s a top-tier guitarist, and it’s no surprise to see him sharing the stage with Alice. I’ve had the privilege of performing with some incredible guitarists, and Conrad definitely belongs in that conversation.”
The show included a mix of Alice Cooper’s greatest hits, with the band playing songs like “Feed My Frankenstein,” “Poison,” “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “I’m 18,” and “Schools Out.” It was a memorable night for both fans and musicians alike, with Varela’s guitar work adding to the legendary lineup alongside Alice and his son Dash Cooper on vocals.
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