The Pretty Reckless
October 11, 2014
Wiltern Theater- Los Angeles, CA
From being an actress in the TV series Gossip Girl to a hard-rock, grunge singer, songwriter, in The Pretty Reckless, it is clear that Taylor Momsen was meant for stardom. After forming in 2009, the band released their first album, Lift Me Up in 2010 and followed with a tour with Evanescence. 4 years later, the band released their second album, Going to Hell and later in the year became the first female-fronted band to achieve No. 1 on the rock radio chart with the album’s first two hit singles, Heaven Knows and Messed Up World. After just 5 years of being a band and accomplishing so much, it was no question that fans lined up early at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, CA on October 11, 2014.
Not only were Los Angeles locals excited for the show, but fans from all around the world were as well-why, you ask? Because the concert was streamed on Yahoo! Live for hundreds of thousands to experience a hard rocking female fronted band showing us what rock is all about. Their short, 11 song, and 1 encore set began with Follow Me Down, one of their more well known song. The lights were moodily dimmed and female moans played on the PA before the infectious bass line kicked in with the hard hitting drums that had everyone on their feet. Following Follow Me Down, the grunge, hard rockers went into Since You’re Gone and Sweet Things, continuing the high energy, head banging performance.
The band performed several more songs, before performing Going To Hell and which began with Momsen demanding that the crowd scream “Going to Hell!” They obliged and each time, sang it louder and louder. Momsen thanked the crowd as Ben Phillips did a solo-outro, while strobe lights flashed throughout the darkly lit room. When the stage went black, everyone erupted into cheers and instantly began cheering for “one more song!” The band finally came back on stage, “Los Angeles! We have one more song for you tonight,” Momsen shouted into the microphone as the bass and drums began for Fucked Up World. Mid song, the fans were treated to an explosive, double bass filled drum solo by Jamie Perkins. Perkins began by showing his chops and double bass work, and then brought the tempo down, only to bring it back up. As he performed faster and faster, the screams in the room got louder and louder. He then went on to his drum pad which played a xylophone melody that he drummed over. He ended his solo by taking a photo of the cheering crowd. The rest of the band came back on stage and continued the song.
The night definitely ended on a high note, and although they had a short set, it was definitely packed with so much energy and excitement and pure rock n roll, that the short set didn’t really bother anyone. The Pretty Reckless continue to prove that rock and roll is still alive, so when they’re in your town, buy a ticket and go experience it for yourself.
Review by: Nicole Lemberg
