SickthingsUK

If this turns out to be correct I think that it is a very interesting developement. I must admit that when I first saw the american idol performance I just assumed that they had just got some pretty model to mime ala robert palmer. But if true then I think that it would be really cool, a woman on guitar just adds another fresh dimension to what is already an innovative year in Alice's cannon. Plus she looks stunning which is always a bonus.

I also get the feeling that this news will stoke the debate on another thread about Alice appearing at the micheal Jackson tribute concert. I dont really have an opinion on that but just thought I would fan the flames.

is there a source for this?

"While currently unconfirmed, according to Brave Words' Mitch Lafon Damon Johnson's replacement will be Orianthi Panagaris, most famous for working with Michael Jackson before his death. Alice fans may be familiar with her from her guest appearance with Coop playing 'School's Out' on 'American Idol'. Whether this is a permanent replacement or, as has been suggested, it is only for the remainder of this tour, is also unknown. Orianthi is currently in Nashville recording.

grimjim wrote:"While currently unconfirmed, according to Brave Words' Mitch Lafon Damon Johnson's replacement will be Orianthi Panagaris, most famous for working with Michael Jackson before his death. Alice fans may be familiar with her from her guest appearance with Coop playing 'School's Out' on 'American Idol'. Whether this is a permanent replacement or, as has been suggested, it is only for the remainder of this tour, is also unknown. Orianthi is currently in Nashville recording.

sweet, bit of totty!

Source is Mitch Lafon of Brave Words, who is often in the know about such things. It DOES look like it's for real.

If this realy hapen whould be cool to see her singing/playing on What baby wants, before i didn`t picture this music on his new shows but now i can.

Now that would be really original. Would be a nice change to see a woman on stage with Alice, a refreshing element as Dadascot said.

I'm a big fan of her, she can play thats for sure

Female guitarist in the band? That's pretty cool.

This could prove to be great PR for Alice as its bound to attract a lot of media attention.

I think it would be cool... why not?

Her playing is certainly up to scratch.

While Heaven Wept wrote:Her playing is certainly up to scratch.

Yup. I'm sure as heck gonna miss Damon, but I have to admit....I'm rather excited to see Orianthi!

Wonderful player ...From the Gary Moore / Santana style to the flashy metal shredding , she seems to be able to do anything ...very versatile....very good choice , if it's true .

Well, someone just congratulated Orianthi on joining Coop's band on Twitter. Her response?
"Thanks gonna b a blast!"

So...I'll take that as a "confirmed."

NotSoPerfect wrote:Well, someone just congratulated Orianthi on joining Coop's band on Twitter. Her response?
"Thanks gonna b a blast!"

So...I'll take that as a "confirmed."

Love Damon, but musicians come and go. This is super exciting!!

Glad to see Alice is keeping a third guitarist. It really has made the stage show more aggressive. Orianthi has some serious chops and is not just a piece of fluff for a visual effect. Not sure how long she plans to stay with the tour, but since she is from Australia it sort of makes sense for her to do the gig. It will be interesting to see if she sticks with the group until the final leg back in Europe.

I doubt they'd bring her in if she wasn't going to at least play out the rest of this tour.

As a reminder, here's the American Idol performance with Alice and Orianthi.

Hunter