Guitarist leaves band after eight years

Alice Cooper guitarist Nita Strauss has announced her departure after eight years. The axe slinger shared the “bittersweet” decision on social media today (Mon, July 11th).

“After this absolutely incredible run in Europe, it is bittersweet for me to let you guys know that I will not be joining the Alice Cooper band for the upcoming fall tour,” she writes. “The past eight years together has been the experience of a lifetime, and I could not be more grateful to Alice and Sheryl Cooper, Shep Gordon, the amazing band, crew and fans for welcoming me to all of your nightmare. I don’t know what the future will hold after this, but I am forever thankful.”

She also states all of the festival dates she had lined up with her solo band have been canceled.

“I will also regretfully have to cancel the festival dates my solo band had planned for the rest of the year.”

No reason was given for her Alice Cooper departure or for the tour cancelation, but she says there’s no drama for either decision.

“I AM NOT PREGNANT!!! There is no drama whatsoever and my touring year is still VERY full- in fact, I’m on a flight straight into the next adventure as I post this, and I’ll be on stage again much sooner than you think! But that’s news for another day.”

Strauss joined the Alice Cooper band after guitarist Orianthi left in 2014 after Kip Winger recommended her to Cooper. She’s also been a member of the Iron Maidens, an all female Iron Maiden tribute band, and played in a rebooted version of the 80s glam metal group, Femme Fatale.