She’s one of the most bad ass guitarists alive today. She’s a decedent of classic composer Johann Strauss. She’s graced the covers of many guitar magazines and has been ranked the #1 female guitarist alive. I’m talking Nita Strauss of The Iron Maidens and for the past three years The Alice Cooper band.
Ms. Strauss first got fame in an all female tribute band for Iron Maiden. Cleverly named The Iron Maidens. But that’s just the start for this young, talented and entertaining guitarist. A few years after The Iron Maidens formed, Alice Cooper asked her to replace Orianthi and his new lead guitarist. And I gotta say, it’s a great match. I got to see Alice Cooper open for Motley Crue at the Hollywood Bowl during their farewell (we’ll see) tour. And as well all know, Alice is getting on in life. He’s 70 years old. But, he still sounded really good and adding a young guitarist like Strauss into the fold gave the songs a youthful vigor that really paid off. Her solo was a highlight on the night no doubt. Maybe THE highlight. And she absolutely destroyed ‘Feed My Frankenstein’. I mean, the stage froze.
And I recently saw her on what was to be the last season of ‘That Metal Show’. And that’s when I said, ‘Damn, this gal kick ass!’ There was a segment on the show. A VS. segment of sorts where the hosts put two minutes on the clock and they and the guests would debate what’s better or stronger or whatever. And that weeks discussion was Led Zeppelin VS. Black Sabbath. And as they went around the circle everyone said ‘Zeppelin, Zeppelin, Zeppelin’. In typical blind fashion. Then it got to Nita Strauss and she was unabashed ‘Yo, BLACK SABBATH!’ She was asked why and I loved her answer. ‘Because it’s just riffs, bad ass riffs. Riff after riff. Even when the original line-up wasn’t in tact. Tony always wrote some of the best riffs to grace any album.’ And that’s just the damn truth right there.
And by the way, not only is she the number one rated female guitarist, I think she’s just one of the best players out there. Her style is almost reminiscent of Steve Vai. Which I feel is really saying something. And she’s got great feel. She knows that you can’t just shred scales like Malmsteen. And you know what? It’s good to see a sexy female destroy the rock scene like she is. I know Alice Cooper is only the beginning of things to come for this talented musician. Who knows? Maybe she’ll be the next Megadeth lead player. That would actually be a fucking great team. Mustaine and Strauss. There’s a lot of gigs out there. And she’s the prime employee to hire. Make sure to check her out on youtube.
she tears it up
a little more feel here.
