GodSpeed, Nita Strauss! (July, 2022)

This week we step away from the “Song & Verse” narrative of Alice’s career and discography to look a little closer at life’s journey.

This past week, after eight years with Alice Cooper, Nita Strauss (Hurricane Nita) announced that she is leaving the band.

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.

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

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.

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 👁‍🗨👁‍🗨❤️🏰 – Nita Strauss

Alice was impressed with Nita’s guitar prowess and professional attitude from day one. Her approach and style were things Alice needed and wanted.

“…I accidentally found Nita, and Nita was a shredder. And that’s what I was kind of looking for — was a shredder. But I didn’t know how good she was, but she was a total shredder up there and killed it. And immediately just fell right into it with the guys in the band; she was one of the guys. Great chick. And she just keeps getting better. That’s the thing about it — she just keeps getting better. No drama — it’s always just, can’t wait to get on stage.” – Alice Cooper

During the FWA journey, we’ve been blessed to see Nita on stage with Alice three times; her charisma and skills are second to none. She has been a solid member of the Alice Cooper lineup and will be sorely missed.

It’s interesting how life transpires. The people we meet and our experiences with them help shape our journey. Some people come and go and leave little to no impression on us, while others leave an everlasting one.

Based on the responses by Nita and her bandmates, we think it’s safe to say that Nita has left an undying mark on the Coopers, the band, and the fans. She is loved and will not be forgotten.

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others who are asleep but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as, in fact, you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Christ has called us to “Love God and Love People.” As the above-listed verses point out, part of that call requires us to lift one another – encouraging one another step-by-step as we walk with Him. With that in mind, we wish Nita well and hope her career continues to shine for many years to come.

A long list of musicians has worked with Alice Cooper during his career. He has always found an impeccable lineup that can handle the strenuous task of performing, not only musically but theatrically as well.

Alice has also reunited with various musicians, making guest appearances on their albums, having them join him on stage, or even rejoining the band altogether. In fact, it has been announced that Kane Roberts, former guitarist from the 1986-1989 era, will be rejoining the band for the Fall leg of the 2022 tour.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming back Kane Roberts for our shows in September and October. We’ve been friends all this time, and he’s always been one of my favorite guitarists. He’s bringing more muscle to the Detroit Muscle Tour. We’ve always had a swinging door policy where players can come and go, so it’s very exciting to get back on stage with Kane. The fans are in for a real treat at these shows. It’s gonna be a blast. Kane Roberts, Ryan Roxie, and Tommy Henriksen on guitars? Hell yeah!” – Alice Cooper

“ALICE CALLED! Honored! I’ll be humbly rejoining a rare list of amazing guitarists, from Glen Buxton, Michael Bruce, and Dennis Dunaway to the current BADASS lineup and, of course, one of my true favorites – Nita Strauss. What a KILLER BAND and CREW to be touring with this FALL! No choice but to RTFO!” – Kane Roberts

It’ll be great to see Kane reunite with Alice and allow many to see someone who helped orchestrate Coop’s comeback in the ‘80s.

In conclusion, it’s funny how life sends us certain people in our times of need. When Alice looked for a shredder, he “accidentally” found Nita. But, we believe it’s safe to say it was no accident; it was a divine appointment. There was a plan at work. As that chapter closes, it’s a bittersweet reminder that life is a journey.

It also seems pretty obvious that once someone has become a part of Alice Cooper, it’s a lifetime commitment – they’re part of the family. With that being said, we once again wish Nita Strauss nothing but happiness. We pray that her path remains guided here on Earth by our Heavenly Father.

May her days be inspired and blessed by Him and His Love!

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name, the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other. – John 15:12-17

Let us also take heart in knowing that accepting Christ places us in a family. We are forever a part of something extraordinary, and our names reside in the Book of Life (Revelations 20:11-15). We are adopted and loved; we are forever His.

That’s it for this week! Be well and catch you next Friday.

Until then, Keep Walkin’ in Faith and Rockin’ with Alice!