Alice Cooper’s rebel anthem reaches mid-life crisis age at 40

"School's Out" is one of the most recognizable and anthemic rock songs in music. Originally released in summer 1972, Alice Cooper's "School's Out" has the kind of appeal that reaches people from all walks of life, and 2012 marks its 40th birthday.

"[School's Out] is everybody's national anthem," says Cooper. "From presidents of the United States to movie stars to guys you would look at in an airport and think were the furthest thing away from rock 'n' roll, they would come up to me and go, ''School's Out' got me through school.'"

While the song is officially knee-deep in a mid-life crisis, Alice is far from it, recently doing a surprise performance for London's West End showing of Rock of Ages. A genuine pioneer of shock rock himself, Cooper has choice words for new acts.

"Don't get into wimp rock. Be a rock star," he says. "Listen to Iggy and the Stooges, early Who, early Rolling Stones. Bands are so timid. Every time I see a new band I go, 'Why are you so afraid to be a rock star?' Be an obnoxious rock 'n' roller. Get rid of your corduroys.'"

Here's to 40 more years of dirty looks from teachers and words that don't rhyme.