The Pretty Reckless

Fronted by former actress Taylor Momsen, New York City band The Pretty Reckless formed in 2009 and soon became rock radio favorites known for their mix of grunge and heavy metal. ∙ Before she retired from acting, Momsen starred as Cindy Lou Who in 2000’s Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas and as Jenny Humphrey in the TV series Gossip Girl. ∙ Light Me Up, their 2010 debut, went Gold and shot to No. 1 in the UK with the help of lead single “Make Me Wanna Die,” which played over the end credits of the blockbuster Kick-Ass. ∙ Boosted by a trio of radio smashes, including the Platinum-certified “Heaven Knows,” Going to Hell was named one of The 20 Best Albums of 2014 by Revolver. ∙ Their hit “Take Me Down”—inspired by Robert Johnson’s mythical exchange with the Devil—earned them Best Hard Rock Band honors at the 2017 Alternative Press Music Awards. ∙ When the 2020 single “Death by Rock and Roll” became their fifth No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs chart, it marked the first time a female-fronted band achieved that feat.