Orianthi forges her triple talents early in Adelaide; linked with Michael Jackson, Alice Cooper as guitarist
South Australian Music Hall Of Fame member Orianthi was lead guitarist and first female member of Alice Cooper's band for two world tours from 2011.
Orianthi Penny Panagaris, inducted into the South Australian Music Hall Of Fame in 2014, is a singer/songwriter who's achieved most fame as a lead guitarist – rehearsing in 2009 with Michael Jackson for his ill-fated This is It concerts and performing with Alice Cooper’s touring band.
In 2009, Orianthi was named one of the 12 greatest female electric guitarists by Elle magazine. And, in 2010, as breakthrough guitarist of the year by Guitar International magazine. Her 2009 debut single, “According to you”, reaching No.3 in Japan, No.8 Australia and No. 17 USA, won praise for vocals and guitar work.
Adelaide-born of Greek descent, Orianthi began playing piano at three and, encouraged by her father, moved to acoustic guitar at six. When she took up electric guitar at 11, attending Mercedes College, Cabra Dominican College and St Peter’s Collegiate Girls’ School.
At 15, she began writing songs but was already playing in bands and performed in her first stage show with guitarist Steve Vai on tour. At 18, Orianthi was asked by Carlos Santana to jam with him on a soundcheck and then joined him on stage at his Memorial Drive, Adelaide, concert in 2003.
Orianthi released her debut home-studio album, Violet Journey, in 2005, composing all material and contributing guitar, vocals, and drums. Santana brought Orianthi to master guitar maker Paul Reed Smith’s attention. Orianthi moved to Los Angeles and signed with Geffen Record in 2006.
Her appearance at the 2009 Grammy Awards as Carrie Underwood’s lead guitarist led to the role in Michael Jackson’s This is It rehearsals. She played and sang at Jackson's memorial and appeared in the Michael Jackson’s This is It film.
Her major label debut album Believe in 2009 produced the world hit “According to you” and her charismatic rock instrumental “Highly strung” with Steve Vai became a YouTube hit. Orianthi appeared on American Idol results show in 2010 when she headlined shows in the USA, Japan, Australia, and Malaysia. She also opened for other artists including: John Mayer, Mika, Kid Rock, Daughty and had more than 30 dates for Adam Lambert’s Glam Nation tour with former Idol contestant Allison Ireheta.
On 2011, Orianthi was announced as new guitarist and first female member of the Alice Cooper band for two world tours. In 2014, she joined Richie Sambora for his tour in Australia and Europe. In 2016, the two toured under the name RSO in Australia, South America and England.