Guitarist Nita Strauss Marries Longtime Boyfriend Josh Villalta: A Heavy Metal Fairytale Rings True
Nita Strauss, the fiery guitar goddess known for her electrifying performances with Alice Cooper, tied the knot with her longtime partner, drummer and manager Josh Villalta, on May 4th, 2024. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles provided the glamorous backdrop for a ceremony that perfectly blended rock and roll royalty with heartfelt romance.
The guest list itself was a testament to Nita‘s enduring influence in the music scene. Joining the happy couple were her Alice Cooper bandmates, the legendary Alice Cooper himself and bassist Chuck Garric. The celebration transcended genre boundaries, with David Draiman (DISTURBED) and his girlfriend Sarah Uli, DISTURBED bassist John Moyer and his wife Brandi adding a heavy metal edge. Pop star Demi Lovato and her fiancé Jordan Lutes brought a touch of pop glamour, while celebrity chef Chris Santos and his wife Natalie Makenna rounded out the eclectic and impressive guest list.
The seeds of this rock and roll romance were sown in 2011 when current Yamaha marketing manager Mike Taft introduced Nita Strauss and Josh. Their connection blossomed over the years, culminating in a truly unforgettable proposal. In July 2023, during the release party for Nita‘s latest solo album, “The Call of the Void,” Josh surprised Nita with a heartfelt proposal onstage. This wasn’t just any proposal; it was a moment etched in rock history, witnessed by a crowd of industry peers and adoring fans.
Speaking of “The Call of the Void,” the album itself deserves a spotlight. It’s a sonic masterpiece, a testament to Nita Strauss‘s songwriting prowess and her ability to collaborate with some of the biggest names in metal. Guest vocalists on the album include heavy metal titans like David Draiman, Alissa White-Gluz (ARCH ENEMY), Lzzy Hale (HALESTORM), and a whole roster of genre heavyweights. This kind of star power collaboration foreshadowed the A-list gathering that would celebrate Nita and Josh‘s union.
But the wedding wasn’t just about the famous faces. Videos circulating online reveal a night filled with genuine love and infectious joy. The highlight? An impromptu performance by David Draiman, joined by Josh Villalta and John Moyer, delivering a blistering rendition of METALLICA‘s “Enter Sandman.” Draiman’s girlfriend even captured footage of him belting out LED ZEPPELIN‘s “Whole Lotta Love,” transforming the wedding reception into a mini rock concert. These impromptu performances added a unique touch, showcasing the couple’s deep connection to music and their willingness to share it with loved ones. You can check out footage from these performances below.
Nita Strauss‘s journey to rock royalty began long before her marriage. For eight years, she captivated audiences with her dazzling guitar work as part of Alice Cooper‘s band. Her talent transcended genre, leading her to join Demi Lovato‘s band in 2022. This versatility and adaptability are hallmarks of Nita Strauss‘s career.
In 2018, she released her critically acclaimed solo album, “Controlled Chaos.” Praised for its technical brilliance and genre-bending style, the album solidified Nita‘s position as a force to be reckoned with in the music world. “Controlled Chaos” showcased her ability to weave intricate guitar solos with catchy melodies, appealing to both metal traditionalists and those seeking a fresh take on the genre.
Nita‘s return to Alice Cooper‘s band in March 2023 further cemented her rock and roll pedigree. Her talent and stage presence made her a natural fit for Alice Cooper‘s theatricality, and her return was met with excitement by fans worldwide.
Nita Strauss‘ story is an inspiration to aspiring musicians, particularly young women. She has carved her own path in a male-dominated industry, proving that talent, dedication, and a love for music can open doors. Her wedding to Josh Villalta is a celebration not just of their love, but also of her incredible journey in the world of rock and roll.
As Nita and Josh embark on their new chapter together, we can only expect more musical fireworks from this talented couple. Congratulations to Nita Strauss and Josh Villalta! May their future be filled with wedded bliss, electrifying riffs, and a lifetime of unadulterated rock!
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