Alice Cooper has announced a thrilling update for his 2025 tour: Gilby Clarke, formerly of Guns N’ Roses, will be joining the band on guitar. This change in guitar lineup is due to scheduling conflicts with Nita Strauss and unforeseen circumstances preventing Orianthi from participating. Fans eager to witness iconic guitar performances will be excited by this news.
Clarke, known for his guitar work during his time with Guns N’ Roses, steps in as both Strauss, Alice Cooper’s regular guitarist, and Orianthi became unavailable for this tour leg. Strauss had prior commitments with Apocalyptica, while Orianthi, who was to substitute, had to withdraw due to unforeseen issues. As a result, Clarke, a respected figure in rock guitar circles, will be wielding his axe with Cooper’s band for the upcoming U.S. tour.
The tour is set to kick off on January 31st in Augusta, Georgia, and wrap up in Miami, Florida, on February 17th, making it a compact two-week run. Key stops on this tour across the southeastern U.S. include the Bell Auditorium in Augusta, the Harrah’s Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, and the Hard Rock in Orlando. These venues are anticipated to draw large crowds, keen to see Clarke’s contribution to Alice Cooper’s guitar-driven show. Clarke is also scheduled to perform as part of Alice Cooper’s headline appearance on the Rock Legends Cruise from February 13th to 17th.
Gilby Clarke’s guitar playing became famous during his tenure with Guns N’ Roses from 1991 to 1994. He played on their “Use Your Illusion” world tour and contributed to their covers album, The Spaghetti Incident?. After his time with Guns N’ Roses, Clarke continued his career in music, collaborating with figures like Slash and Nikki Sixx, and participating in groups such as MC5. He has also released several solo albums, further cementing his reputation as a notable rock guitarist. His joining Alice Cooper’s band is a significant moment, promising audiences the classic rock guitar sounds he is celebrated for.
After the winter tour concludes, Nita Strauss is expected to return to Alice Cooper’s band for later 2025 tour dates. These dates include appearances at major music festivals like the Sonic Temple Festival in Columbus, Ohio, and the Boardwalk Rock Festival in Ocean City, Maryland. Strauss will also be playing guitar with the band when they open for My Chemical Romance in Philadelphia, marking significant events in Alice Cooper’s ongoing schedule. While Clarke fills in for this period, his presence is set to inject a dynamic energy into Cooper’s performances, maintaining the high-energy and theatrical concerts fans expect.
Check Out Dates Here:
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 Amphitheater
Feb. 13-17 – Miami, FL @ Rock Legends Cruise
