Alice Cooper Introduces New Guitarist as Nita Strauss Steps Away

Shock rock icon Alice Cooper is preparing to introduce a new addition to his band, as guitarist Anna Cara steps into the spotlight for the first time this Thursday night. The debut will take place during the Welcome to Our Nightmare shows in Las Vegas, a theatrical collaboration with illusionist Criss Angel running through the weekend.

Cara, a 22-year-old musician from Newcastle, England, arrives with strong endorsements and a growing reputation. Her inclusion marks a temporary but notable shift in Cooper’s lineup as the band continues its relentless touring schedule.

A Rising Talent Steps In for Nita Strauss

Cara takes over from longtime guitarist Nita Strauss, who announced earlier this year that she would be stepping away from touring duties to prepare for the birth of her first child. Rather than leaving a gap, Strauss herself played a role in identifying her successor.

“Nita found a brilliant British female guitarist to fill in for her while she is on maternity leave,” Cooper said in a press release. “Anna Cara is a beautiful, dynamic shredder in the vein of Nita but with a style of her own. She will fit in with our gang perfectly while Nita is away, and we can’t wait for the sick things to meet her. Welcome to the show, Anna!”

Strauss echoed that confidence, emphasizing Cara’s musicianship and potential. “When I was asked in an interview who I thought was the best up-and-coming guitarist, I had no hesitation in answering ‘Anna Cara,’” she said. “Anna’s precision and soulful, emotional playing will make her an amazing asset to the Cooper tour.”

She also reflected on her own tenure with the band, adding:

“Working with Alice for 12 years has been the experience of a lifetime, and I look forward to seeing you all back on the road. Until that time comes, I know that the show is in good hands and the fans are in for a treat.”

From Newcastle to the World Stage

Before landing this high-profile role, Cara had already crossed paths with members of Cooper’s musical circle. She previously worked with guitarist Tommy Henriksen—who also plays in Cooper’s side project, Hollywood Vampires—as well as Marc Storace of Krokus. Those collaborations helped position her as one of the more exciting young guitarists emerging from the UK scene.

Her upcoming performances in Las Vegas will serve as a high-stakes introduction, placing her directly in front of Cooper’s devoted fanbase in a production known for its elaborate theatrics and musicianship.

A Global Tour and a Dream Realized

Following her Las Vegas debut, Cara will join Cooper on the Alice’s Attic tour, which begins April 14 in San Antonio and runs through May 9 in Camden, New Jersey. Additional Las Vegas dates with Criss Angel are scheduled for late May before the tour heads to Europe, kicking off June 13 in Istanbul, Turkey, and concluding July 12 in Romano d’Ezzelino, Italy. Further dates are expected later in the year.

For Cara, the opportunity represents a full-circle moment.

“This is like a dream come true, to join Alice and his great band,” she said. “Back when I started playing guitar at 14, I was watching Alice Cooper live shows on YouTube, dreaming of joining one day.”

She also acknowledged the challenge ahead, adding:

“Nita Strauss is a tough act to follow, and she’s been so encouraging to me this past month, so I am looking forward to showing everyone who I am and what I can do.”

As Cooper’s touring machine rolls on, Cara’s arrival signals both continuity and fresh energy—an intersection of legacy and the next generation stepping into the spotlight.

Alice Cooper, Alice’s Attic Tour 2026
4/2-4 — Las Vegas, NV — Criss Angel Theatre (“Welcome To Our Nightmare” w/ Criss Angel)
4/14 — San Antonio, TX — Majestic Theatre
4/15 — Irving, TX — Toyota Music Factory
4/17 — Topeka, KS — Performing Arts Center
4/18 — Cedar Rapids, IA — Alliant Energy Powerhouse
4/19 — Terre Haute, IN — The Mill
4/21 — Toledo, OH — Stranahan Theatre
4/23 — Columbus, OH — Mershon Auditorium
4/24 — Pikeville, KY — Appalachian Wireless Arena
4/25 — Huber Heights, OH — Rose Music Center @ The Heights
4/27 — Virginia Beach, VA — The Dome
4/28 — Durham, NC — Performing Arts Center
4/29 — Spartanburg, SC — Memorial Auditorium
5/1 — Albertville, AL — Sand Mountain Amphitheatre
5/2 — Albany, GA — Civic Center
5/3 — Pensacola, FL — Bay Center
5/5 — Fort Myers, FL — Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall
5/6 — Fort Lauderdale, FL — Aurene Theatre
5/7 — Daytona Beach, FL — Welcome to Rockville festival
5/9 — Camden, NJ — Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
5/22-24 — Las Vegas, NV — Criss Angel Theatre (“Welcome To Our Nightmare” w/ Criss Angel)
6/13 — Istanbul, Turkey — Lifepark Open Air
6/18 — Clisson, France — Hellfest
6/19 — Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain — Azkena Rock Festival
6/21 — Dessel, Belgium — Graspop Metal Meeting
6/24 — Copenhagen, Denmark — Copenhell Festival
6/25 — Oslo, Norway — Tons of Rock Festival
6/27 — Rattvik, Sweden — Dalhalla Open Air
6/30 — Plzen, Czechia — Logspeed Arena
7/2 — Ballenstadt, Germany — Rock Harz Open Air
7/3 — Clam, Austria — Clam Rock @ Clam Castle
7/4 — Eisenstadt, Austria — Lovely Days Festival
7/7 — Zurich, Switzerland — The Hall
7/8 — Luxembourg, Luxembourg — Rockhal
7/9 — Gelsenkirchen, Germany — Amphitheatre
7/12 — Romano D’Ezzelino, Italy — AMA Music Festival