Alice Cooper Announces New Guitarist

Alice Cooper Announces New Guitarist Orianthi

posted Aug 31, 2011 at 12:53 PM by CROMCarl. (7 Comments)

Alice Cooper posted the following announcement about the replacement for guitarist Damon Johnson:

"Alice Cooper announced today that eminent guitar prodigy Orianthi will join his band, replacing departing guitarist Damon Johnson, for the next leg of his 2011 'No More Mr. Nice Guy' world tour starting September 22,2011 in Auckland, New Zealand. Currently in progress, the tour hits ninety plus cities, covering five continents, including Europe and North America twice over.

"At the young age of 26, Orianthi has already experienced what most aspiring musicians only dream of. She's opened for her hero, Steve Vai; backed Carrie Underwood; traded solos with Carlos Santana; shared the stage with the King of Pop (Michael Jackson) and accompanied Alice during his live performance of “School’s Out” on the 2010 season finale of American Idol.

"'It’s very difficult to find someone to match the talents of Damon Johnson,' commented Cooper, 'but not only did we find someone who is more than up to the challenge…she also looks WAY better.'

"Orianthi will join world-renowned guitarist Steve Hunter (toured and recorded with Cooper and Lou Reed) and Tommy Henriksen (co-wrote and played on Cooper’s upcoming release); drummer Glen Sobel and Alice's longtime bassist Chuck Garric round out the band.

"'I’m super excited to go on tour with Alice,” said Orianthi. “It’s a huge honor to be able to get on stage and jam with an icon.'

"Orianthi will debut with the band for a performance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Friday September 9, 2011 on NBC."

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7 Comments on "Alice Cooper Announces New Guitarist"

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1. Mork From Ork writes:

She is a killer guitarist. I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised. Alice always had top notch musicians in his band. I really dig the new single for the upcoming Welcome 2 My Nightmare album (Sept.13th in the States). This has been a good year for Cooper fans.

# Aug 31, 2011 @ 1:12 PM ET | IP Logged

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2. GORECUNT writes:

NICE!

# Aug 31, 2011 @ 4:04 PM ET | IP Logged

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3. Necrovomit writes:

@1 thats what i remember most about alice's show. when we all came out everyone was like "wow alice has really good musicians with him."

# Sep 1, 2011 @ 3:32 AM ET | IP Logged

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4. Netromancer writes:

Having first heard of this chick by way of Steve Vai I won't degrade her ability, but having heard her solo stuff I can't call myself a fan. Technically; a great guitarist. Creatively; mediocre at best.

# Sep 1, 2011 @ 3:46 AM ET | IP Logged

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5. Netromancer writes:

BTW, Dennis Dunaway rules.

# Sep 1, 2011 @ 3:48 AM ET | IP Logged

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6. GORECUNT writes:

Netromancer, give her time...

# Sep 1, 2011 @ 3:19 PM ET | IP Logged

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7. Netromancer writes:

I don't know GC, 2 albums is usually enough for a band to find their groove. Her solo stuff is just to reminescent of Kelly Clarkson type pop-rock. Others might like it but I can't see it ever growing on me. As a touring musician with Alice, however, I think she'll do great. The girl can definately play.

# Sep 1, 2011 @ 3:58 PM ET | IP Logged

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