Alice Cooper has announced that British guitarist Anna Cara will replace his longtime guitarist Nita Strauss for upcoming performances, as reported on Instagram. Strauss is taking a break to welcome her first child this summer.
The rock legend shared his enthusiasm about the new addition to his band in a recent statement.
“Nita found a brilliant British female guitarist to fill in for her while she is on maternity leave,” Cooper said. “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!”
The new guitarist also expressed her excitement about joining the legendary rock act.
“This is like a dream come true, to join Alice and his great band,” Cara said. “Back when I started playing guitar at 14 I was watching Alice Cooper live shows on YouTube dreaming of joining one day! 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.”
The transition comes as Cooper’s band prepares for their upcoming tour dates with Cara stepping in during Strauss’s maternity leave.
The selection of Cara represents a carefully orchestrated transition within Cooper’s touring lineup. Guitar World reported that the 22-year-old guitarist from Newcastle, England was handpicked by Strauss herself to serve as her replacement during the maternity leave period.
Cara brings established connections to Cooper’s musical circle that extend beyond this recent announcement. Louder Sound noted that she currently plays with Crossbone Skully, the band led by Alice Cooper and Hollywood Vampires guitarist Tommy Henriksen. This existing relationship within Cooper’s extended musical family likely contributed to the smooth transition process.
The young guitarist has already made her debut with the legendary shock rocker. WMGK confirmed that Cara made her live debut with Cooper on April 2 in Las Vegas for the “Welcome To Our Nightmare” shows alongside Criss Angel. This marked the beginning of her tenure with one of rock’s most theatrical acts.
Cara’s rapid rise in the guitar community has been notable. Her technical skills and stage presence have earned recognition beyond her years. The Newcastle native has built a substantial social media following. This demonstrates the kind of modern musical engagement that complements Cooper’s enduring theatrical rock legacy.
