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Alice Cooper Announces Gilby Clarke as Fill-In Guitarist for Upcoming 2025 Tour

Alice Cooper has revealed a last-minute change to his upcoming tour lineup, with former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke stepping in as the new fill-in guitarist for Nita Strauss. Strauss had originally been slated to join Cooper’s band for the tour, but she is now unable to perform due to unforeseen health issues. Clarke will take over from former Cooper guitarist Orianthi, who had been announced as Strauss’ fill-in but is also unable to complete the tour due to her own medical concerns.

Orianthi’s Health Setback

Orianthi, the talented Australian guitarist, shared the news with her fans on social media, revealing that she is suffering from a torn hamstring, hip, and lower back issues that have made touring physically impossible. “I have a torn hamstring, hip and lower back issue which is very uncomfortable and unfortunate,” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Getting the help I need here with the best doctors. I have 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.”

Her departure from the tour, while unfortunate, has opened the door for Clarke to join the band, ensuring that Cooper’s iconic shows will continue as planned.

Gilby Clarke Joins the Tour

Clarke, who is no stranger to the rock scene, will take over for Orianthi on guitar for Cooper’s upcoming shows. Clarke rose to prominence in the early ’90s when he joined Guns N’ Roses as the replacement for Izzy Stradlin during their Use Your Illusion tour. He later appeared on GNR’s 1993 covers album, The Spaghetti Incident? and released his solo debut, Pawnshop Guitars, in 1994. Clarke has also contributed to Slash’s Snakepit and toured with Heart, among other collaborations. His vast experience and rock pedigree make him an exciting addition to Cooper’s live performances.

Tour Dates

The tour will kick off on January 31 in Augusta, Georgia, and run through February 17, including a major highlight—the Rock Legends Cruise in Miami from February 13-17. Fans can look forward to an incredible setlist filled with Alice Cooper’s greatest hits, with Clarke’s guitar work adding a fresh energy to the show. Below are the confirmed dates with Gilby Clarke on guitar:

  • 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

What’s Next for Alice Cooper

While the 2025 winter tour with Clarke is a temporary adjustment, Alice Cooper’s 2025 touring plans don’t end there. The rock icon has more dates lined up for the spring and summer, and it’s expected that Nita Strauss will rejoin the band for these shows once she’s recovered. Cooper’s loyal fanbase can anticipate more exciting announcements as the year progresses.

Despite the changes to the tour lineup, Alice Cooper’s influence and legendary status in rock ‘n’ roll remain undiminished. With his powerful live shows and a guitar lineup featuring some of the most skilled musicians in the industry, this year’s tour promises to be another must-see event for fans around the world.

For those unable to catch the early 2025 shows, stay tuned for more announcements on future tour dates and the return of Nita Strauss to the fold.

While the shuffle of guitarists might seem like a bump in the road for Alice Cooper’s 2025 tour, it’s clear that the legendary rocker’s team is more than equipped to handle such challenges. With Gilby Clarke stepping in as the fill-in guitarist, the shows are sure to deliver the same high-energy performances fans have come to expect. As always, Alice Cooper continues to prove that the show must go on.

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