“When I was asked who was the best up-and-coming guitarist, I had no hesitation”: Alice Cooper announces new 22-year-old guitarist, handpicked by Nita Strauss to be her replacement

Alice Cooper has announced his temporary replacement for Nita Strauss, who is taking a break from his band to welcome her first child this summer.

Anna Cara, a 22-year-old guitar player from Newcastle, England, has been chosen for the role, having been handpicked by Strauss herself to be her replacement. Indeed, Strauss recently singled out Cara as her favorite up-and-coming guitarist in an interview.

Cara arrives in Cooper’s band already with an impressive resume. She’s racked up quite the following on social media thanks to her playthrough videos, and in the past has worked with Marc Storace of Krokus, and Tommy Henriksen, who plays with both Cooper and Hollywood Vampires.

“This is like a dream come true, to join Alice and his great band,” Cara says. “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.”

She joins the band with a glowing recommendation from Strauss, who plans to return to the Cooper lineup further down the line after the birth of her child.

“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!” Strauss says.

“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!”

It’s an astonishing piece of feedback and a remarkable gig to get for the 22-year-old, and Cooper himself is already singing her praises.

“Nita found a brilliant British female guitarist to fill in for her while she is on maternity leave,” the singer says. “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 to meet her.”

Cara is set to make her live debut with Cooper tonight (April 2) and will be part of the band as they navigate a hectic touring schedule over the next few months, including the Alice’s Attic tour across the US and Europe.

Head over to Alice Cooper’s website for more details.