Orianthi Panagaris is an Australian musician who appeared on Michael Jackson's “This Is It” tour before his untimely death. She was present at all the rehearsals of the tour.
Orianthi playing the “Beat It” solo which got her into the Tour:
A Clip of the Tour:
She played and sang at Jackson's memorial, which was globally televised live on 7th July this year. She appears in the film Michael Jackson's This Is It, which chronicles the rehearsals for the tour.
Footage of the Memorial:
Orianthi learned to play the guitar at age six. Her first support show was for Steve Vai when she was just aged 15. She also had the opportunity to meet and jam with Carlos Santana when she was 18. Santana invited Orianthi to jam with him at soundcheck & later asked her to join him on stage.
Santana & Orianthi, Namm 2005:
She is signed to Geffen Records, and is currently living in Los Angeles, USA.
Orianthi was named in the list of 12 Greatest Female Electric Guitarists by ELLE in August 2009:
http://www.elle.com/Pop-Culture/Movies-TV-Music-Books/12-Greatest-Female-Electric-Guitarists
Orianthi’s Official Site:
