The station is switching to live programming on June 27 after Rajar figures revealed listening hours for the SMG-owned station increased by 21% to 926,000 hours in the first quarter of the year.
Cooper, real name Vincent Furnier, became famous for his part in the rock band that bears his name. He has been dubbed the Detroit "shock-rocker", and is best-known for bringing theatrics to rock and roll and the hit 'School's Out For Summer'. Younger generations became familiar with him via his memorable cameo in the film 'Wayne's World'.
The rock star will be taking his eccentric style to the airwaves every weeknight from 6pm to 10pm and will follow on from Gordon Loncaster, who is also a new member of the team having worked as a radio DJ in the Midlands.
The new role for Cooper coincides with the release of his latest album 'Dirty Diamonds', which is released on July 4. His 2005 World Tour will arrive in the UK in November.
The station broadcasts music such as Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith, Bob Dylan, The Who and the Rolling Stones.
"Virgin Radio Classic Rock has a great vibe and I can't wait to get started. It's a real buzz to be one of the first ever DJs on this station -- I'm looking forward to getting the joint rocking," Cooper said.
The national station can be heard on 105.8FM in London, on 1215AM nationwide, on DAB digital radio, via Sky Digital, which was launched in May, cable networks and via WorldSpace.
Paul Jackson, acting chief executive at Virgin Radio, said: "Bringing Alice Cooper to UK airwaves is an absolute honour -- this guy is a living rock legend and completes a phenomenal line-up for Virgin Radio Classic Rock."
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