(Artist Update)

Written by: Abigail Brown  

For a group that’s experienced repeated tragedies, The Pretty Reckless has been able to bounce back from each loss and show that channeled grief makes some tough music. Consistently over fifteen years, they’ve dropped alternative classics that thrive regardless of how niche they get, such as their recent Grinch-themed Christmas EP Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas. This holiday opus was naturally released on Halloween.

The Pretty Reckless is an alternative rock band that formed in 2009 in New York City’s underground music scene. Current members are Taylor Momsen as the lead singer and guitarist, Mark Damon on bass guitar, Ben Phillips as the lead guitarist, and Jamie Perkins on drums. At the time of their formation, Taylor Momsen was an actress on the popular TV show Gossip Girl; an interesting juxtaposition with the hard rock frontwoman she was becoming behind the scenes. Momsen unexpectedly left the show in season four, stating no interest in returning to acting. By then the band had already made their mark past NYC and played the Warped Tour.

In 2010, The Pretty Reckless released their self-titled EP, which received mixed reviews despite the previously released single, “Make Me Wanna Die,” having been a hit. Two months later they released their first album, Light Me Up. This did not perform as well as their later music. 2012 saw the release of Hit Me Like A Man, and this EP would prove to be more successful. With a two-year gap in between, they released their next albums: Going to Hell (2014) and Who You Selling For (2016). After the motorcycle death of close friend Kato Khandwala in 2018, they would go on to drop their highly acclaimed and seriously sick Death by Rock and Roll (2021). An album of alternate versions, covers, and remixes called Other Worlds was released in 2022. After a short break, we received the song “For I Am Death” (2025) and this became their record-breaking eighth song to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. This single is also rumored to be the lead track on their upcoming album. Then came the previously mentioned Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas, which dominated the Hard Rock charts through the end of 2025. The festive EP contained 6 tracks and featured a rock version of the song “Where Are You Christmas?” Taylor Momsen played Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas over 25 years ago, so this was an unanticipated role reprisal that ended up a tremendous success. The song recently hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Hard Rock Songs chart on January 3, 2026.

As far as accomplishments go, The Pretty Reckless was the first female-led band that had more than one single hit No. 1 on the mainstream rock charts. As of January 2026, they’ve had eight singles reach this benchmark. They are also the first female-led band to get back-to-back No. 1 hit singles to chart, setting the record high at four singles in a row. The Pretty Reckless is also known for having a dedicated fan base, which is already speculating online about what could be coming next.

Officially starting February 24 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, The Pretty Reckless will be touring with AC/DC as a special guest opener for the highly anticipated next leg of their Power Up Tour 2026. The shows for North American concert-goers might not start until July, but with the wait comes the possibility of hearing their new music performed first. All they’ve made known about their fifth studio album is that it’s reported to be in “the final stages” and will be released sometime this year. With indie label Fearless Records backing their right to full creative control, it seems The Pretty Reckless will continue to have the chance to make rock chart history with free expression. We last received an eccentric Grinch themed EP, why not a Gossip Girl rock opera?

Here at Soundwave we will continue following The Pretty Reckless, keeping readers updated on the nearing tour and album release. Don’t forget to support what we do here by donation or scoping out the Soundwave Shop. Thank you for reading! Keep it groovy out there.

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