For decades, Alice Cooper has shocked audiences with dark costumes, outrageous performances and horror-inspired stage shows. But behind the makeup and theatrical persona, the legendary rocker says his life is grounded in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The 78-year-old singer recently opened up about his Christian faith in an interview with Virgin Radio UK, sharing how he first walked away from his religious upbringing before eventually finding his way back to God.

“I went as far away as you could get, got sober and came back,” Cooper said in a clip shared by the broadcaster on November 1.

For Cooper, Christianity isn’t about following a religious institution or maintaining a perfect image. It’s about knowing Jesus personally.

“And first of all, Christianity is not worshiping the church. It’s worshiping Jesus Christ, one-on-one relationship, one-on-one,” he explained.

That message may seem unexpected coming from the man widely known as the “Godfather of Shock Rock.”

Cooper built his career pushing boundaries with elaborate performances featuring fake blood, guillotines, snakes and other horror-inspired props. His theatrical approach helped transform rock concerts into spectacles and earned him a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.

Yet while his stage persona became famous for embracing the macabre, Cooper’s personal journey took a different direction.

Raised in a Christian household, the singer drifted away from his faith as his music career took off. He then spent years in rock-and-roll excess and struggled with alcohol before embracing sobriety and returning to Christianity.

His story reflects a familiar biblical message: No matter how far someone wanders from God, the opportunity to return remains.

In Luke 15, Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son, a young man who abandons his father’s home, wastes his inheritance and eventually returns, expecting rejection. Instead, his father welcomes him with open arms.

For Christians, the story reminds believers of God’s forgiveness and willingness to welcome those who turn back to Him.

That return to faith has also influenced how he spends his time away from the spotlight.

Alongside his wife, Sheryl, the singer founded Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers, a Christ-centered nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young people discover their talents and find positive direction in life.

The organization operates centers in Phoenix, Mesa and Goodyear, Arizona, offering free opportunities for teens to explore music, art and vocational skills in a safe, supportive environment.

The mission is especially personal for Cooper, whose own musical journey began during his high school years in Phoenix.

Through Solid Rock, he hopes to help young people develop their creativity, build confidence and discover a sense of purpose.

It’s a different side of the performer audiences have watched for more than five decades, yet one that reflects the values he now openly embraces.

And while Cooper has never abandoned the theatrical performances that made him famous, he continues to distinguish between the character audiences see onstage and the man he is offstage.

His latest comments remind readers that faith isn’t necessarily about someone’s appearance, reputation or past mistakes.

For Cooper, the heart of Christianity is much simpler: It’s not about worshiping a church or living up to someone else’s expectations.

It’s about having a relationship with Jesus Christ, one-on-one.