Alice Cooper Taps Gilby Clarke as Fill-in Guitarist

Alice Cooper has recently announced an exciting addition to his 2025 tour lineup: former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke will join the band. Clarke’s involvement comes as both Nita Strauss and Orianthi are unavailable to perform. Initially, Strauss, the regular guitarist for Alice Cooper, had prior commitments during the tour dates, conflicting with Apocalyptica’s touring schedule. Orianthi, set to substitute for Strauss, faced unforeseen circumstances that have ruled her out of the tour as well. Consequently, the rock veteran Clarke, recognized for his iconic years with Guns N’ Roses, will pick up the axe for Cooper’s band for the U.S. tour.

The tour is scheduled to start on January 31st in Augusta, Georgia, and will conclude in Miami, Florida, on February 17th, spanning only around two weeks. The tour highlights include performances at notable venues in various cities across the southeastern United States, such as Bell Auditorium in Augusta, Harrah’s Casino Resort Event Center in Cherokee, and the Hard Rock in Orlando, among others. This lineup includes notable venues which are expected to attract a large number of fans. Clarke will also perform during Alice Cooper’s headline appearance on the Rock Legends Cruise from February 13th to 17th.

Gilby Clarke’s tenure with Guns N’ Roses from 1991 to 1994 is marked by memorable performances during their “Use Your Illusion” world tour and contributions to the band’s covers album, *The Spaghetti Incident?*. Post-Guns N’ Roses, Clarke has pursued various musical endeavors that further solidify his standing in the rock music sphere. He has collaborated with notable musicians such as Slash, Nikki Sixx, and participated in bands like MC5 and others, while also releasing a number of solo albums. This recent inclusion in Alice Cooper’s band reunites him with audiences thirsting for the classic rock guitar symphony for which he is renowned.

Following the conclusion of the winter tour, Nita Strauss is anticipated to return for additional 2025 tour dates. The shows will take Alice Cooper through various major music festivals, including the Sonic Temple Festival in Columbus, Ohio, and the Boardwalk Rock Festival in Ocean City, Maryland. Additionally, Strauss will perform with the band as an opener for My Chemical Romance in a significant show in Philadelphia. These subsequent performances are important milestones in the broader schedule for Alice Cooper as the rock legend continues to entertain fans worldwide. For the interim, however, Clarke’s presence brings a fresh dynamic to Cooper’s music, ensuring that his concerts maintain their signature energy and theatrics.

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