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Alice Cooper brought shock rock thunder to MMRBQ 2026 in Camden on May 9. The legendary artist debuted his new guitarist Anna Cara, and she absolutely delivered on stage. This moment marks a major shift for the rock icon.
🔥 Quick Facts
- New Guitarist: 22-year-old Anna Cara from Newcastle, England makes her second tour debut
- Venue: Freedom Mortgage Pavilion in Camden, NJ hosted festival on May 9, 2026
- Tour: Alice’s Attic Tour wraps up spring run with this final US performance
- Previous Star: Nita Strauss on maternity leave after 12-year tenure with band
The Rise of Anna Cara, Rock’s Brightest New Talent
At just 22 years old, Anna Cara stepped into one of rock’s most demanding roles. She’s replacing 12-year veteran Nita Strauss, a guitarist known worldwide. But Anna wasn’t chosen by accident. Nita herself handpicked the Newcastle shredder as her temporary replacement. This endorsement carries massive weight in the music world.
Anna brought precision and soulful emotion to her guitar solos. Fans praised her dynamic playing style, which honors Nita’s legacy while carving her own path. Her Instagram following has grown rapidly, showing how talented young artists connect with audiences globally.
Alice Cooper performs at MMRBQ 2026 in Camden with new guitarist Anna Cara
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Why Nita Strauss Stepped Away and Endorsed Her Heir
Nita Strauss announced her temporary departure to welcome her first child this summer. The guitarist called Anna Cara the best up and coming guitarist in recent interviews. This rare praise from a rock legend opened doors most musicians only dream about.
Nita released an official statement saying, “Anna’s precision and soulful, emotional playing will make her an amazing asset to the Cooper tour.” She promised to return after maternity leave, meaning this transition is temporary but monumentally important for Anna’s career trajectory.
MMRBQ 2026 Lineup and Alice’s Attic Tour Details
| Artist | Time | Location |
| Alice Cooper | 7:50 PM | Freedom Mortgage Pavilion |
| The Hooters | 8:00 PM | Camden, NJ |
| Godsmack | 9:45 PM | Doors: 1:00 PM |
| Everclear | Festival Special | More Artists Too |
Alice Cooper’s Alice’s Attic Tour spans April 14 through May 9, 2026. The tour wraps at MMRBQ before three more Las Vegas shows opening May 22 at Planet Hollywood with illusionist Criss Angel. Then comes a European tour starting June 13.
“Nita found a brilliant British female guitarist to fill in for her while she is on maternity leave. Anna Cara is a beautiful dynamic shredder in the vein of Nita but with a style of her own. She will fit in with our gang perfectly.”
— Alice Cooper, Rock Legend
The Setlist That Rocked Camden and Introduced Anna Cara
Alice performed a 15-song setlist showcasing classics and deeper cuts. The performance started at 7:50 PM and delivered hits spanning five decades of rock excellence. Songs included “Who Do You Think We Are,” “I’m Eighteen,” and “Poison,” all featuring Anna’s fresh guitar contributions.
The guitar solo moment proved pivotal for Anna’s introduction. Attendees reported she handled the spotlight with maturity and skill beyond her years. The song “Cold Ethyl” and “Ballad of Dwight Fry” showed her ability to handle emotional, intricate passages.
What Does Anna Cara’s Moment Mean for Rock Music’s Future?
Anna Cara’s elevation to Alice Cooper’s band sends a powerful message. Young guitarists, especially female musicians, now see a realistic pathway to the biggest stages. Her journey from YouTube dreamer to festival star happened in just weeks. This inspires countless aspiring musicians watching from home.
The rock community noticed her immediate impact. Industry professionals recognize her technical precision and emotional depth. She’s already collaborating with Tommy Henriksel (Cooper guitarist) and Marc Storace of Krokus. Will Anna Cara become the next rock legend? Fans certainly believe so after her MMRBQ debut.
Sources
- Alice Cooper Official Website – Official announcement of Anna Cara and tour details
- Setlist.fm – Complete MMRBQ 2026 performance setlist and timing data
- Guitar World – Profile coverage of Anna Cara partnership with Alice Cooper
