Orianthi joins Alice Cooper's band as Damon Johnson leaves to join Thin Lizzy

Tue, 30 Aug 2011

Alice Cooper guitarist Damon Johnson has left the band to join Thin Lizzy now that Richard Fortus has finished his time on loan from Guns N Roses reports BraveWords.com.


Confirming his departure on his Facebook page in a farewell to his band-mates, he said "I love you, Alice Cooper. And Chuck, Tommy, Steve, and Glen. And Keri, Jimmy, Eric, Ryan, and Tommy C. With all my heart." On his joining Thin Lizzy for their US tour with Judas Priest, the guitarist said, "The music of Thin Lizzy is the absolute biggest influence on my entire career; as a guitarist, songwriter, singer and performer I've been performing Lizzy songs since I started playing in bars in Alabama in 1987. To be even a small footnote on the list of great guitarists that have been in the band over the years is one of the highest accolades of my life. I am honored and beyond excited!!"



Taking his place in Alice Cooper's Band is Australian guitarist Orianthi who hit the big time when she was recruited as lead guitarist for the late Michael Jackson and was set to perform at the King of Pop's O2 Arena in London Residency until he passed away shortly before.

She has gone on with a sucessful solo career as a guitarist and singer, even collaborating with Steve Vai on a single. 

Check out Orianthi with Alice Cooper last year:




Check out our interview from NAMM 2010 with Orianthi to find out more about the rising star.