Michael Allen

I have read several books about the original Alice cooper and this is as good as it gets. A very funny and informative account of the band's early years with some fascinating stories that even I, as a fan of nearly 60 years, have not heard before. A brilliant companion to Dennis Dunaways book. Worth reading more than once. Btw it has a different take on the chicken story.

Michael Allen has come across a compelling book with a variety of stories; one is better than the other. “Living and Touring with Alice Cooper and Other Stories” is a truly entertaining novel that includes the adventures of family, friends and acquaintances.
It's set in the mid-sixties where love and peace were in vogue. People enjoyed life differently. Here, Alice Cooper joins Mike together with his friends; they embark on different adventures that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. Along the pages, there are photographs that accompany these people's journey.
It's an engaging read because it’s written as if it were a journal. The moment I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. Each tale deals with themes that are common when people travel and I felt identified with some of them. In short, this is a well-written book highly recommended.

I love how Mr Allen writes his memories about his time with Alice and the rest of the group. I wish the book was longer!!!

This book by Michael Allen is a fascinating look into the early years of the Alice Cooper Group before they became international superstars. This book gives a rare glimpse of what life is like in a budding rock band trying to survive and grow despite unbelievable odds. The stories are brilliantly written as the band crossed paths with some of the most iconic artists and celebrities of that era. Michael Allen is also a genius humorist as almost each paragraph is weaved with memorable wit, humor and irony all throughout each page. One, if not the best book of this genre I have ever read. Congratulations Michael on such a masterful book!

I loved this book. I've been an Alice Cooper Band fan (I can't believe I'm gonna say this) for more than 50 years. Yikes. This is a great read. Beyond the facts and Band stories. Mike is a funny guy and his letters to his sweetheart are well sweet. Great Book

This is a must read for any rock fan. Michael (Amp Boy) Allen weaves a story of love, perseverance, endurance and faith in this tell all tome that will have you laughing, crying and wishing for more. School's Out!

This book is so well written. It literally walks you through the evolution of the band that would become a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee. Michael Allen was there at the beginning as the original Roadie and stayed with the group for 5 years. Get this book!

If you're looking for an amusing ride that includes early Alice Cooper stories, then buy this book. I've paid 4 times the price for rock bios that have nothing on this book. As I was about to finish the book, I said to my wife "I'm actually a little depressed its coming to an end!" I've never felt that way before when reading any story, be it fiction or nonfiction.
Excellent book. I'd love to meet the author and trade stories.
In closing, I grew up in Detroit, practically lived at the Grande Ballroom, and saw almost every act the band toured with. I even worked for The Amboy Dukes, as well as Ted Nugent after he went solo, and until 2003.
I should also mention that there wasn't any obscenities in the entire book! I talk like a drunken sailor, but it was refreshing that the author not only doesn't swear in real life, but never has. Refreshing to say the least. Onward Michael, say hello to the Mrs for me..

This is the best description of the early days of Alice Cooper ( the group) from someone who did not actually play in the band. It is funny,insightful and informative. A great read. It's so good I have already read it twice!

The story begins way back in the early 60s long before the Alice Cooper name was famous . These right here guys is a story of the very earlyyears of a band as they progress from lounge rooms through schools to massive festivals . This is before 18 , SchoolsOut and any other hit of Alice Cooper the band . The author Michael Allen was right there , dead smack centre of the formation and growth of the band , he tells stories from an insiders viewpoint , he tells stories from a friends viewpoint and most of all he tells his own stories .

Its quite a large book but its a simple easy read , Michael has a real knack for making the reader feel like he was there too , its a fun read and there is a little love story interwoven between all the stories as Michael chases his girl , Some of his personal letters maybe a bit cringe worthy but still they are an integral part of the story .

All in All a great read - as others have noted if youve read Dennis great book this is a worthy adjunct , if you havent read Dennis book still read this one.

Its a great read !!

Anyone who ever read Dennis Dunaway's autobiography "Snakes! Guillotines! Electric Chairs!" (and if you haven't, why the hell not??) and wanted to hear more about the early days of Alice Cooper (the band) this is the book for you.
Mike "Amp Boy" Allen happened to meet Glen Buxton in college, a lead guitarist for a band called the Spiders and learning that Mike had a car offered him a job hauling the band & their equipment to gigs. Passing the audition with Dennis (the bassist), John (the drummer) & Vince (the lead singer) Mike started out on a journey that would take him from Phoenix to LA and eventually the world as the band changed their name from the Spiders to the Nazz and eventually Alice Cooper.
Mike writes in a very comfortable style that makes you feel like he's sitting in front of you telling you the "Mysterious Tales from the Early Years" with a good dose of humor. He relays many of the stories behind the legends and the many friends involved before they recorded "Love It to Death" that changed their lives forever. He was there for all the early events, including the infamous Toronto Rock'n'Roll Revival where he had to get Glen's amp back from John Lennon. You also learn the story of how he met his love Ellen and read the many letters he sent her from the road.
Filled with almost 100 photos - many never before published - from friends who were there as well, this book is for anyone who enjoys reading about a band's earliest days from someone who was there and survived to write the tales.
It's available for Kindle and as a beautiful hardback copy which shows the amazing photos in the best way.

Mike 'Amp Boy'Allens book, 'Living and Touring with Alice Cooper' is a joyous celebration of the earliest days of the pals from Cortez, Camelback and North High Schools (Phoenix, Az.) as they metamorphosed from Earwigs to Spiders to Nazz till eventually becoming the number one parent terrorising rock band of the early 70s, America's most decadent delinquents, Alice Cooper.
The book is written in an easy, conversational style which drags the reader in. Once you start it's impossible to put down. An added bonus is the plethora of previously unpublished photos. Dennis Dunaway and Alice both had perms !
This book is a 'must have' for any serious Alice Cooper fan and is highly recommended to anyone who has ever wondered what it would really be like to run away with the circus. The roller coaster ride that is life on the road, with all its twists, turns, highs and lows is brilliantly captured by the author.
All ABOARD! Next step, superstardom. Hold on to your valuables.