Strings on Fire: Nita Strauss at the Worcester Palladium March 12, 2024
In the annals of rock history, few figures stand as tall and shred as fiercely as Nita Strauss. Renowned for her virtuosic guitar playing, charismatic stage presence, and unyielding dedication to her craft, Strauss has carved out a distinctive niche in the male-dominated world of heavy metal.
Born on December 7, 1986, in Los Angeles, California, Nita Strauss's journey into the world of music began at an early age. Raised in a household where music was not just a hobby but a way of life, she was exposed to a diverse array of genres ranging from classical to rock. It was her father, a musician himself, who first introduced her to the guitar, igniting a passion that would shape her future. Strauss's influences are varied and extensive. From classical virtuosos like Beethoven and Paganini to rock icons such as Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai. Strauss has drwn inspiration from a wide range of sources, each contributing to her unique style and approach to the instrument.
Strauss's professional career began to take shape in the mid-2000s when she joined the all-female tribute band The Iron Maidens. Serving as the group's lead guitarist, she quickly garnered attention for her technical prowess and electrifying stage presence. This experience not only honed her skills as a performer but also provided her with a platform to showcase her talent to a wider audience.
In 2014, Strauss's career received a significant boost when she was tapped to join the legendary Alice Cooper's touring band. Serving as the group's lead guitarist, she embarked on a grueling tour schedule that took her to stages around the world. Her tenure with Cooper not only solidified her reputation as one of the preeminent guitarists in the industry but also provided her with invaluable experience and exposure.
In addition to her work with The Iron Maidens and Alice Cooper, Nita Strauss has also pursued a successful solo career. In 2018, she released her debut solo album, Controlled Chaos, showcasing her formidable skills as both a guitarist and a composer. The album received widespread acclaim and topped the Billboard charts for #1 Top New Artist. Her 2023 follow-up, The Call of the Void, also on Summarian Records, featured vocals from some of metal’s most prominent names, including Alice Cooper, Disturbed’s David Draiman, Motionless in White’s Chris Motionless, Arch Enemy’s Alissa White-Gluz, and Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale.
Throughout her career, Strauss has collaborated with a diverse array of artists across various genres. From sharing the stage with fellow guitar virtuosos like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani to collaborating with pop sensations like Demi Lovato, she has proven herself to be a versatile and adaptable musician capable of thriving in any musical setting.
In 2023, Strauss continued her working relationship with Alice Cooper and also joined Demi Lovato on her most recent tour while continuing to promote her solo effort. Currently on the second leg of her national North American tour, Strauss brought her electrifying personality and guitar pyrotechnics to the Worcester Palladium’s upstairs stage on March 12. Joining her were quartet Starbenders, as well as Boston-raised artist Diamanté and Worcester’s own Gold Star Boulevard.
Strauss has graced some of the largest stages and prides herself on giving the same show to 100 people or 100,000 people. That certainly was the case playing to the 500-person crowd at the Palladium. Strauss and her band (Johnny Young - rhythm guitar, Christopher Dean - bass, Josh Villalta - drums, and Katt Scarlett - keyboards, with Kasey Karlsenon providing lead vocals for part of the show) ripped through a 15-song, 60-plus-minute set that included a balanced mix of songs from 2018’s "Controlled Chaos" and 2023’s "The Call of the Void." Strauss’s guitar mastery alone is enough to impress, but the energy she and the band put into their performance is the secret sauce that makes Strauss’s technical guitar skills and proficiency so entertaining and enjoyable. Strauss is at her best when she’s sharing the spotlight and her infectious energy with others on stage. This is probably the reason she is in such high demand and is able to fit in so well with a wide range of musicians in a variety of settings and styles.
The show reached an explosive high point when Strauss and company were joined by vocalist Kasey Karlsen for the single "Victorious" and a cover of Pantera's "Cowboys from Hell."
The underdog performance of the evening goes to opener, Worcester natives Gold Star Boulevard, who played a great set of catchy songs. Energetic, fun, and engaging, they delivered no-frills rock and roll that set the perfect tone for the rest of the night.
