Alice Cooper has brought in British guitarist Anna Cara as a replacement for longtime collaborator Nita Strauss, who revealed earlier this year that she would be stepping away temporarily to welcome her first child this summer.
22-year-old Anna Cara, hailing from Newcastle, has previously collaborated with Marc Storace of Krokus and Tommy Henriksen, known for his work with Alice Cooper and Hollywood Vampires. She has also gained a strong following on Instagram through her performance videos.
Anna is set to make her live debut with Alice Cooper between April 2 and 4 during the special “Welcome To Our Nightmare” shows in Las Vegas. These performances are a unique collaboration with illusionist Criss Angel and will take place at his theater inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
Following that, Alice will hit the road for his U.S. “Alice’s Attic” tour from April 14 through May 9, before returning to Las Vegas on May 22–24 for three more “Welcome To Our Nightmare” shows alongside Criss Angel.
Keeping up his typically relentless pace, Alice will then launch the European leg of the “Alice’s Attic” tour from June 13 to July 12, with additional shows expected later in the fall.
Alice said: “Nita found a brilliant British female guitarist to fill in for her while she is on maternity leave. 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!”.
Anna, for her part, said, “This is like a dream come true, to join Alice and his great band. 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.”
Nita said: “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.’ Anna’s precision and soulful, emotional playing will make her an amazing asset to the Cooper tour! 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 (with a +1 along for the ride!) Until that time comes, I know that the show is in good hands and the fans are in for a treat!”.
