The Pretty Reckless Plays Manchester Academy
BY RIANNA RAM
Since 2009, The Pretty Reckless have been paving the way for female-fronted rock music, and we were lucky enough to catch the charismatic four-piece at their sold-out show at Manchester Academy in the end of October. Originally known from her lifetime of acting, the band is fronted by the mesmerising Taylor Momsen, who quickly switched her reputation from the innocent characters seen on televisions, to the rebellious vocalist that we see hitting the stage every night of tour.
The Death By Rock N’ Roll tour celebrated the band’s fourth and most recent record, which was released in February 2021, and holds some of the most well-known songs (which unfortunately were not included on the set list), such as “25” and “Got So High.” Nevertheless, the concert was high-energy and fun from start to finish.
Shortly after the time reached 8pm, support act The Cruel Knives arrived on stage to a welcoming crowd of cheers and arms raised in the air. It was clear to see that the fans were ready for a memorable night from the feeling of the increasing energy spreading throughout the room.
The gradual build-up of excitement was only getting bigger, and the anticipation for the headlining band to walk out onto stage was finally here. Launching straight into the set, the crowd did not calm down as the band opened with “Death By Rock n’ Roll.” The catchy lyrics could be heard filling the 2,600-capacity venue, led by Taylor. The grunge goddess continued to strut across the stage wearing a leather jacket and a pale blue dress, leaving fans in awe.
A mixture of songs kept the pace high throughout the well-crafted 14 song setlist, occasionally taking a breather with slower songs such as “Heaven Knows,” proving to the venue that their decade of experience has paid off. These song choices alongside Taylors’s enchanting stage presence and raspy vocals had caught the attention of every fan.
Continuing to dominate the stage, Taylor carried on the rock n’ roll sing-along one last time by playing “Take Me Down'“ as their ‘last song,’ allowing thousands to sing their hearts out. The lights dropped once more and the night appeared to be over. We managed to weave our way through the crowd towards the front just before the band returned for their highly anticipated encore, met with roars of approval.
“Fucked Up World” was the final song that was performed by The Pretty Reckless. They are a band that have proved their worth to be taken seriously in the rock scene, and that set was one that will definitely provide memories for everybody lucky enough to attend.
K E E P U P W I T H
