Alice Cooper Introduces New Guitarist for Touring Lineup

22-year-old Anna Cara from Newcastle will fill in for Nita Strauss during her maternity leave.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Alice Cooper has announced that 22-year-old British guitarist Anna Cara will be joining his touring lineup, replacing Nita Strauss who is taking a break for maternity leave. Cara, who has been a longtime fan of Cooper, will make her debut with the band during their upcoming 'Welcome To Our Nightmare' shows in Las Vegas, followed by the 'Alice's Attic' U.S. tour and more dates in Europe.

Why it matters

Alice Cooper is known for his theatrical live performances, so the addition of a new guitarist to his touring lineup is an important move that will shape the sound and energy of the shows. Cara's background as a young, up-and-coming shredder is likely to bring a fresh perspective to Cooper's iconic catalog.

The details

Cara, who hails from Newcastle, has already crossed paths with some of Cooper's longtime collaborators like Marc Storace and Tommy Henriksen. She will be making her debut with the band on April 2-4 in Las Vegas, where Cooper is teaming up with illusionist Criss Angel for the 'Welcome To Our Nightmare' shows. From there, Cara will join Cooper on the 'Alice's Attic' U.S. tour from April 14 to May 9, followed by more Las Vegas dates and a European tour starting in June.

  • Cara will make her debut with Alice Cooper on April 2-4, 2026 in Las Vegas.
  • The 'Alice's Attic' U.S. tour runs from April 14 to May 9, 2026.
  • Cooper and Cara will return to Las Vegas for more shows after the U.S. tour.
  • A European tour is scheduled to begin in June 2026.

The players

Alice Cooper

A legendary rock musician known for his theatrical live performances and iconic catalog of hard rock songs.

Anna Cara

A 22-year-old British guitarist who is joining Alice Cooper's touring lineup, replacing Nita Strauss during her maternity leave.

Nita Strauss

The previous guitarist in Alice Cooper's touring lineup, who is taking a break for maternity leave.

Marc Storace

A longtime collaborator of Alice Cooper.

Tommy Henriksen

A longtime collaborator of Alice Cooper who is also permanently plugged into his world.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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.”

— Alice Cooper

“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.”

— Anna Cara

What’s next

Cara will make her debut with Alice Cooper on April 2-4, 2026 in Las Vegas, followed by the 'Alice's Attic' U.S. tour and a European tour starting in June 2026.

The takeaway

The addition of the young and talented Anna Cara to Alice Cooper's touring lineup signals the legendary rocker's commitment to evolving his live show and sound, while also providing a platform for up-and-coming musicians to showcase their skills on a global stage.