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- May 6, 2024
Guitar virtuoso Nita Strauss tied the knot and rocked her wedding reception with electrifying performances alongside music icons Alice Cooper and David Draiman. Striking a chord of love and music, her celebration dazzled guests as she showcased her exceptional talent on the strings, making her special day an unforgettable fusion of matrimony and music mastery.
Nita Strauss Rocks Her Wedding Reception
Guitar virtuoso Nita Strauss tied the knot with her longtime partner Josh Villalta at the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel in Los Angeles on May 4th. The wedding was a blend of romance and rock ‘n’ roll, as Strauss joined Alice Cooper and David Draiman onstage for electrifying performances.
A Legendary Reception
Despite being the bride, Strauss didn’t hesitate to grab her guitar and jam alongside Cooper for a rendition of the Beatles’ “Back in the U.S.S.R.” She also showcased her vocal prowess by singing with Draiman on Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” and Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” setting the stage on fire.
A Musical Celebration
The groom, who doubles as the drummer in Strauss’ solo band, also showcased his musical talents during the performances. For their first dance, the couple chose Extreme’s hit ballad ‘More Than Words,” setting the tone for a night of celebration and love.
A Star-Studded Affair
Among the 120 guests were Alice Cooper, WWE legend Mick Foley, and musician Demi Lovato. Foley officiated the ceremony, while Cooper and his wife provided a special reading. The Moon Units kept the party going with live band karaoke, making it a night to remember.
Nita Strauss Onstage Engagement
The couple famously got engaged onstage last July, with Villalta choosing Strauss’ record release party for her The Call of the Void album on July 6 to pop the question. Strauss and her band, with Villalta included, were initially celebrating the album’s release at the legendary Whisky-a-Go-Go, before it turned into an engagement celebration as well. The Sunset Strip venue was a perfect place to pop the question as the couple were initially introduced in 2011 at the Rainbow Bar & Grill by mutual friends.
Nita + Josh’s Wedding
According to People magazine, who had the exclusive photos from the nuptials as well, Strauss and Villalta wed in front of 120 guests, including Nita’s longtime bandmate Alice Cooper and his wife, WWE legendary wrestler Mick Foley, Strauss’ onetime bandmate Demi Lovato, “Dead Inside” song collaborator David Draiman and more.
Foley actually officiated the wedding, while Cooper and his wife Sheryl provided a special reading for the couple. The Moon Units were booked to be the band for the reception, offering some of their musical friends a chance to come up and do live band karaoke. The couple also danced their first dance to the ’90s rock ballad “More Than Words” from Extreme.
Strauss’ Wedding Attire and Details
According to People, Strauss wore a Maggie Sottero gown, the Frederique Royale style, featuring beaded lace, a fit-and-flare silhouette and a sweetheart neckline. She paired the gown with white Valentino rockstud flats, which she later swapped for customized white Air Force One sneakers for the reception.
Strauss and Villalta also had a wedding cake, a traditional Louisiana-style confection called a doberge, made of multiple thin layers of cake alternating with pudding. “It’s one of our very favorite desserts, and we were so excited to share it with our Cali guests,” said the guitarist.
Straus Shares Her Joy
“Josh has said many times over the last nine years, ‘We’ve been together so long, we’re already married.’ And I’ve been the one saying, ‘No, we have to do the thing!’ ” Strauss told the magazine. “So now we’ve truly done the thing, we’ve made it official, tied the knot, as long as we both shall live.”
Villalta shared in posting his photos, “What else can I say…. I got to marry my best friend. It was such a beautiful and special day. Words aren’t enough to express the love and emotions in the room.”
Celebrity Congratulations
Award-winning fiddler Jenee Fleenor has been playing with Strait’s Ace in the Hole band recently, filling the spot left by Gene Elders, including in Indianapolis.
During his latest show in Indianapolis on Saturday night, George Strait announced his upcoming 31st studio album Cowboys and Dreamers.
“We got some new stuff, too; I’m gonna throw in throughout the night because I broke down and did another record, and I’m gonna play a few of those for you tonight,” Strait said.
An official release date for Cowboys and Dreamers is yet to be announced.
Strait also announced that the song “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame” will be a collaboration between Chris Stapleton, featured on his upcoming album.
His first show in six months, Strait sold out Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the Indianapolis Colts. “It’s so good to be back… man, it’s been six months, and that’s too long,” Strait said.
Since his 2014 “Cowboy Rides Away” tour, Strait’s appearances have been far fewer outside of his Las Vegas Residency and appearances at the Houston Rodeo and Austin City Limits festival. Nonetheless, wherever he performs, George Strait will always attract crowds in historic numbers as he’s widely regarded as “The King of Country Music” by fans across all generations.
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