What was set to be a long-awaited reunion has taken an unexpected turn. Acclaimed guitarist Orianthi has officially pulled out of Alice Cooper’s forthcoming U.S. tour dates after suffering a torn hamstring and hip damage, injuries that make it impossible for her to endure the physical demands of a full stage performance.
A Return That Almost Happened
Back in November 2024, fans were thrilled when Cooper announced that Orianthi would be returning to his band for a run of shows between January 31 and February 16, 2025. She was set to fill in for long-time Cooper guitarist Nita Strauss, who had prior commitments.
The short tour included high-profile stops in Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, and a headline slot on the Rock Legends Cruise departing from Miami, a perfect showcase for Orianthi’s fiery playing and magnetic stage presence.
For many fans, it was a chance to relive the chemistry Orianthi brought to Cooper’s band between 2011 and 2014, before she handed the torch to Strauss.
Injury Changes Everything
Just days before the first show, Orianthi shared that the injuries she had been battling since late 2024 were simply too debilitating to continue.
“I feel terrible… I hate letting people down, but my body isn’t cooperating,” she admitted in a candid Guitar Hang interview.
The torn hamstring and hip damage had left her unable to stand and move freely on stage, an essential part of delivering Alice Cooper’s high-energy theatrical rock shows.
She even recalled how awkward it felt being forced to perform while seated at PRS’s 40th Anniversary concert, where she was asked to play AC/DC’s Back in Black:
“You should never play Back in Black sitting down,” she laughed, calling the moment both “embarrassing” and humbling.
Gilby Clarke Steps In
With Orianthi sidelined, Alice Cooper wasted no time finding a replacement. Enter Gilby Clarke, former Guns N’ Roses guitarist, who will now handle guitar duties for the tour.
Clarke brings decades of arena-rock credibility, and his addition ensures the tour will lose none of its power, even if fans will miss Orianthi’s signature style.
Fans & Fellow Musicians React
While disappointment is widespread, there’s been an outpouring of support for Orianthi. Injury-related cancellations are a tough reality in the music industry, and fans have rallied behind her with encouragement to prioritize health over performance.
Alice Cooper’s camp has also expressed full understanding, emphasizing that the “show must go on”, but never at the expense of an artist’s well-being.
Looking Ahead
Orianthi remains optimistic. She’s currently focused on recovery and hinted at future projects once she’s back on her feet, including benefit appearances and new music.
For now, her fans will have to wait a little longer to see her light up the stage again. But if her track record is anything to go by, Orianthi’s return will be worth it.
Final Word
Orianthi’s withdrawal is a reminder of the physical toll of touring, even for world-class musicians at the top of their game. While fans will miss her on this run, Gilby Clarke’s arrival guarantees that Alice Cooper’s tour will remain as electrifying as ever.
And when Orianthi makes her comeback, it will be all the more triumphant.
Leave a Reply