“When she first picked up the guitar at 14, she was watching Alice Cooper’s live performances on YouTube and dreaming of one day being part of his band,” as Alice Cooper introduces new guitarist Anna Cara.
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Anna Cara is stepping in to replace Nita Strauss, who is taking a break from her career.
Alice Cooper has revealed that Anna Cara will step in as guitarist while longtime band member Nita Strauss takes time off to welcome her first child.
Cara, a 22-year-old musician from Newcastle in the UK, is already connected to Cooper’s circle. She currently performs with Crossbone Skully, a project led by Cooper alongside Hollywood Vampires guitarist Tommy Henriksen, and has also played in the solo band of Marc Storace.
Cooper praised the young guitarist, sharing that Strauss personally recommended her as a temporary replacement. He described Cara as a talented and energetic player with her own unique style, saying she’s a perfect fit for the band during Strauss’ absence and expressing excitement about introducing her to fans.
For Cara, joining the legendary rocker’s group is a milestone moment. She said it feels like a dream realized, recalling how she used to watch Cooper’s performances online as a teenager and imagine herself on stage with him one day. While acknowledging that following in Strauss’ footsteps is no easy task, she noted that Strauss has been very supportive and encouraging as she prepares to take on the role.
Cara first gained attention during the 2020 lockdown, when she began posting guitar covers on social media, performing songs by artists like Iron Maiden, Slipknot, and Jimi Hendrix. Her skills eventually caught Henriksen’s eye, leading to her joining Crossbone Skully at just 19. The band later released their debut album, Evil World Machine, in 2024.
Strauss also expressed confidence in her replacement, calling Cara one of the most promising rising guitarists. She highlighted Cara’s technical precision and emotional playing style, saying those qualities will make her a strong addition to Cooper’s tour.
Reflecting on her own time with the band, Strauss described her 12 years working with Cooper as an unforgettable experience. She added that she looks forward to returning to the stage in the future—this time with her new baby—while reassuring fans that the band is in good hands in the meantime.