The Pretty Reckless, led by model/actress and later singer and rhythm guitarist Taylor Momsen, formed in New York City in 2009. With their critically acclaimed fourth album, 2021’s Death by Rock’n’RollThe quartet ventured beyond the boundaries of alt-rock to develop a more mature sound. Below, Momsen talks about the band’s current European tour as guests of AC/DC.
How did you react to the news that The Pretty Reckless would be opening for AC/DC?
When a band member heard about it, he was on the road and almost had a car accident (laughs). Here’s a great story. Last November my agent asked me if we were going to tour. We were making a record and he said no – unless AC/DC, The Who or the Rolling Stones called. Christmas and New Year went by and we were in the studio. Then I got a text from Neil (Warnock, the agent) saying, “AC/DC and The Pretty Reckless. All (European) shows.” And I just thought, “Oh shit.” So we put the recording on hold and I guess we’re going on tour.
That is amazing.
Yes, but the thing is: a week ago the Rolling Stones called too. We’re playing with the Stones in a stadium in Las Vegas and then flying to Germany in the same week to take part in a tour with AC/DC. I’m really overwhelmed.
AC/DC audiences can be quite unforgiving towards opening acts. Does that bother you?
We just go up there and do our thing. We have the same ethic as AC/DC in that respect. We’re loud – almost a bar band at the core. I can’t control how other people see or perceive us, so I don’t worry. I can make music and then go see my favorite band every night. What’s not to like?
At the age of 14, you gave up acting in favor of music. What was the reason?
I’ve been in bands and writing songs for as long as I can remember, but I got to an age where I realized I could do it. It was quite a struggle to quit my job, but I did it and it was the best decision I ever made.
There is probably the type of person who thinks you are “re-enacting” music rather than playing it.
Actually, I think the hate and negativity has somehow disappeared. I was on a TV show that was a hit all over the world (gossip Girl), but we’ve been a band for nearly sixteen years, we’ve toured the world tirelessly and recorded four records. To anyone who doubted us… (laughs) did I mention we’re touring with AC/DC? You don’t get an AC/DC tour for being on a TV show. You get it for doing your part.
Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron of Soundgarden both guested on The Pretty Reckless’ latest album, Death by Rock’n’Rollas does Tom Morello of Audioslave. Do these elder statesmen offer advice?
Not really. We just make music together. I don’t see music as a business. It’s really not like that anymore.
The Death by Rock’n’Roll The album seemed to elevate The Pretty Reckless to several levels.
I really like all our records, but Death by Rock’n’Roll is my favorite.
From the track Harley Darling, Classic Rock said: “If someone said this song was from Neil Young’s harvest meetings, you would believe it.”
That’s an incredible compliment. Thank you very much.
When could we hear the sequel?
The album is on hold, but we will start recording it again as soon as we finish this tour.
Our legendary older bands are retiring and older heroes are dying – the latest being Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers recently.
That was devastating. We had Warren Haynes (former Allmans guitarist, now with Gov’t Mule) play Back to the river from our recording Who are you selling to? ( 2016).
Do you feel responsible for keeping rock’n’roll alive?
Rock’n’roll is alive and I want to keep it that way, so if I can contribute to that, I will.
The Pretty Reckless are currently supporting AC/DC in Europe with shows in London on July 3rd and 7th and in Dublin on August 17th.
