“With years of touring under my belt, I’ve experienced a rollercoaster of performances,” shares Nita Strauss, the renowned guitarist for Alice Cooper and a solo artist in her own right. “Regardless of your experience level, unexpected challenges can arise at any concert. Equipment malfunctions, unpredictable weather, and various other issues can occur. The key is to push through and keep playing.”
“Luckily, having a solid team around you can help resolve issues, ensuring the show goes on as planned. If everything is handled well,the audience may never even realize ther was a hiccup.”
As she wraps up her own U.S. theater tour before rejoining Alice cooper for an exciting spring and summer tour across arenas and festivals in the U.S. and Europe,we asked Strauss to reflect on her most memorable and challenging performances throughout her illustrious career. Here’s what she shared.
UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS ON STAGE
“I’ve had countless unforgettable experiences — from Rock in Rio to Wacken Open Air. However, if I had to choose one standout moment, it would be performing with Alice Cooper and Mötley Crüe at the Hollywood Bowl in 2014.”
“This was my inaugural tour with Alice Cooper, and I had only been part of the band for a few weeks. when I saw the Hollywood Bowl on the tour schedule, I was ecstatic. The venue held a special place in my heart; it felt like my local amphitheater. I grew up attending children’s shows there,and later,I watched legendary bands like Aerosmith and Van Halen perform.”
“Interestingly, my mother had seen Alice Cooper perform at the Hollywood Bowl back in the ‘70s, so the idea of her watching me play with Alice at that same venue was surreal. I was overjoyed to secure a box for my parents to enjoy the show.”
“I wanted to soak in every second of that performance. Before soundcheck, I wandered around, taking in the atmosphere. It was an incredible feeling to think that I was about to contribute my own chapter to the Hollywood Bowl’s rich history.”
“The soundcheck was nothing short of surreal. I recalled a line from the film Rock Star: ‘If you work hard enough and want it badly enough, dreams can come true.’ Standing on that stage, gazing out at the lawn, I could see the very seats I once occupied for so many iconic performances.I thought to myself,‘Now it’s my turn.Let’s make this happen!’”
“Before the show, the band gathers for a fast huddle where everyone can share their thoughts. I took that moment to express how much it meant to me to perform at the Bowl, a venue that had shaped my musical journey.”
“Despite my excitement, I found myself in a meditative state during the performance. Once the intro track began, I felt a deep connection with my instrument, my fellow band members, and the audience. The sound was phenomenal, and the view was breathtaking. It was one of those dream performances where you find yourself questioning, ‘Is this really happening?’”
“After the show, I was thrilled to reconnect with friends and family. Sharing that moment of joy with my parents was priceless.Not to brag,but the Alice Cooper band consistently delivers,and when we perform at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden or the Hollywood Bowl,we elevate our game. I can confidently say we gave it our all that night. For me, it was a meaningful milestone checked off my bucket list.”
You can catch Strauss performing “Eighteen” with Alice at that unforgettable Hollywood Bowl concert below.
Watch On
MEMORABLE MISHAPS
“I was lucky enough to experience what I consider the worst gig of my life early in my career. At around 12 or 13 years old, I joined my first band, ODA. I can’t recall what the initials stood for, but they must have meant something.Being in middle school while the rest of the band was in high school, we decided to enter a Battle of the Bands at a small metal club in San Fernando called the Cobalt café. To perform, we needed to sell ten tickets at $10 each.”
“Regrettably, we didn’t have a large friend group, so we managed to sell only four tickets — to the drummer’s girlfriend and someone’s brother. We were in a bind. Who could cover the remaining $60? thankfully, my dad, a touring musician himself, stepped in. He came to our soundcheck and bought the last six tickets so we could take the stage.”
“We were ecstatic — a real performance in front of an audience! It was going to be incredible. However, we only knew three songs: two originals and a cover of Metallica’s ‘For Whom the Bell tolls.’”
“As we started playing, something unexpected happened: nearly everyone in the club walked out, including one of the other bands and the judges! My dad stayed, along with the four other ticket buyers, but that was about it.”
“Looking back,I can confidently say that was the worst gig I’ve ever had,but at that moment,I was overjoyed. I was completely immersed in the experience,wearing my boots and playing for a handful of people.The entire band was thrilled. We didn’t care that the crowd had thinned out or that the judges had left.”
“I have no idea who won that night or if they even announced a winner. We were just excited to be performing! No matter the challenges, we were out there giving it our all! Of course, we weren’t exactly rocking the house, but in our minds, we were legends.”
“My dad was incredibly supportive throughout the experience. he praised my performance and encouraged me not to let the small audience affect my spirit. Both of my parents were always there for me, providing honest feedback. They never sugarcoated anything. If I played well,they’d let me know,but they were always truthful. That honesty is crucial, especially when you’re young and still learning.”
Strauss also emphasized the importance of performing live when she shared her top tips for guitarists in an interview with Guitar Player in February 2023. “It can be intimidating at first, but you just have to dive in,” she advised. “You’ll find that the experience is rewarding.”
Her journey has certainly paid off, as she recently revealed that she has gained the admiration of guitar legend Steve Vai, one of her early inspirations. “When I was 13, I saw Steve Vai in Crossroads. he was so captivating and charismatic,” she reminisces. “At that time, I had a guitar, but I hadn’t truly fallen in love with it yet. Watching Steve Vai made me realize, ‘Why didn’t anyone tell me you could do that with a guitar? That’s incredible!’”
