Alice Cooper on why he Recruits Ex-Guns N’ Roses Guitarist For Next Tour as there prepare

Alice Cooper Announces Gilby Clarke as Fill-in Guitarist for Upcoming Tour Dates

Alice Cooper has revealed that former *Guns N’ Roses* guitarist Gilby Clarke will step in as the fill-in guitarist for the legendary shock rocker’s upcoming tour, replacing Nita Strauss, who had initially been tapped to cover for Cooper’s usual guitarist. Strauss, unfortunately, had to bow out due to health issues, and Clarke has been called in to take on the role for the remainder of the short tour, which runs from January 31 to February 17.

The twist in this story comes from the fact that Orianthi, who was originally slated to substitute for Strauss, is now unable to join the tour either due to a series of physical injuries. The Australian guitarist, best known for her work with Cooper in the past, posted an update on her social media, explaining that she’s dealing with a torn hamstring, hip, and lower back issues. She said she’s working with medical professionals but has been advised not to tour or travel for now.

“I have a torn hamstring, hip, and lower back issue which is very uncomfortable and unfortunate,” Orianthi wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “I’ve been advised to not tour/travel. I love Alice and the band very much, but won’t be able to do this short run with them this time. I’m mending up. Love you all.”

As a result, the 2025 leg of Cooper’s tour will see Clarke, who has decades of experience in rock, fill the spot. Clarke is no stranger to the rock scene—he famously replaced

Izzy Stradlin in *Guns N’ Roses* in 1991 and toured with the band throughout their *Use Your Illusion* era. His resume includes work with Slash’s Snakepit, as well as solo ventures like *Pawnshop Guitars*, and he’s also performed with rock supergroup Rock Star Supernova.

The Tour and the Impact

The tour, which kicks off on January 31 in Augusta, Georgia, and wraps up with the *Rock Legends Cruise* in Miami from February 13 to 17, will see Clarke join Alice Cooper’s iconic live band for a string of performances across the southeastern United States. Fans who were hoping to see Strauss and Cooper’s regular guitarist team will now get the chance to experience Clarke’s unique take on the band’s signature sound.

The affected dates include:

– **Jan. 31** – Augusta, GA @ The Bell Auditorium
– **Feb. 1** – Cherokee, NC @ Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
– **Feb. 2** – Greensboro, NC @ Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts
– **Feb. 4** – Mobile, AL @ Saenger Theatre Mobile
– **Feb. 6** – Orlando, FL @ Hard Rock Live Orlando
– **Feb. 7** – Ft Myers, FL @ Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW
– **Feb. 8** – Clearwater, FL @ The BayCare Sound at Coachman Park
– **Feb. 11** – St. Augustine, FL @ St. Augustine Amphitheatre
– **Feb. 13-17** – Miami, FL @ Rock Legends Cruise

Though Strauss’ absence is unfortunate, Alice Cooper fans can rest assured that the show will go on—thanks to Clarke’s seasoned skill and extensive experience. The tour promises to deliver the same high-energy performances that Cooper is known for, with Clarke stepping in seamlessly to carry the torch.

Gilby Clarke: A Rock Veteran

Clarke’s career has spanned decades and genres, cementing his place as a revered figure in rock. After joining *Guns N’ Roses* for the *Use Your Illusion* albums and tour in the early ’90s, he went on to become an influential part of the music landscape. His own music career flourished with the release of *Pawnshop Guitars*, and his work with *Slash’s Snakepit* and *Heart* further added to his rock credentials.

Now, he’ll be helping Alice Cooper maintain the high-octane showmanship that fans have come to expect.

For Alice Cooper, this tour may mark another chapter in his legacy, as he continues to play to packed arenas with one of the most iconic live acts in rock. As for Nita Strauss, we can only hope she recovers quickly to return to the stage with Cooper later in the year.

A Quick Recovery for Orianthi and Strauss

While Clarke takes over for the short-term, there’s optimism that Orianthi will recover fully and rejoin the band for future shows. Alice Cooper’s camp has promised to announce more tour dates soon, including additional performances with Nita Strauss once she’s back in action.

Until then, fans can look forward to the unique energy that Gilby Clarke brings to Alice Cooper’s music and stage presence during these February shows.