Alice Cooper Recruits New Guitarist Anna Cara to Fill In for Nita Strauss on Tour

The 22-year-old British musician will join Cooper's live band while Strauss is on maternity leave.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:15pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a guitar neck and fretboard, with the metal strings and hardware reflecting dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting to create a glamorous, high-fashion aesthetic.The addition of rising guitarist Anna Cara to Alice Cooper's live band promises to bring a fresh energy and style to the shock rocker's legendary stage show.Las Vegas Today

Alice Cooper has announced that 22-year-old British guitarist Anna Cara will be joining his live band for his upcoming tour, filling in for Nita Strauss who is expecting her first child. Cooper praised Cara as a 'brilliant' and 'dynamic shredder' in the same vein as Strauss, and Cara expressed excitement at the opportunity to join Cooper's 'great band' after dreaming of doing so since she started playing guitar at 14.

Why it matters

Alice Cooper is one of the most iconic rock acts of all time, known for his theatrical live shows. Bringing in a new guitarist to fill in for a longtime member like Nita Strauss is a significant change for the band and will be closely watched by Cooper's devoted fanbase.

The details

Nita Strauss, Cooper's regular guitarist, is currently on maternity leave. Cooper says he found a 'brilliant British female guitarist' in Anna Cara to fill in for Strauss while she is away. Cara, 22, is described as a 'dynamic shredder' in the same style as Strauss, but with her own unique approach. Cooper is confident Cara will 'fit in with our gang perfectly' during the upcoming tour.

  • Cooper's tour launches on Thursday in Las Vegas.

The players

Alice Cooper

An iconic American rock singer and songwriter known for his theatrical live performances.

Anna Cara

A 22-year-old British guitarist who will be joining Alice Cooper's live band to fill in for Nita Strauss during her maternity leave.

Nita Strauss

Alice Cooper's regular guitarist who is currently on maternity leave.

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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

The takeaway

Alice Cooper's decision to bring in a new guitarist to fill in for Nita Strauss during her maternity leave shows the iconic rocker's commitment to maintaining his high-energy live shows, while also providing a career-making opportunity for the up-and-coming British guitarist Anna Cara.