Death By Rock And Roll

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a wild ride with The Pretty Reckless as we spin "Death By Rock And Roll" from their compilation album Other Worlds here at THE ZOO! This track, originally the lead single from their 2021 album of the same name, is a gritty, outlaw-styled rock anthem that serves as a heartfelt tribute to the band’s longtime producer and friend, Kato Khandwala, who tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident in 2018. The song opens with the sound of Khandwala’s footsteps recorded at the House of Loud studio, where the band cut their debut album, Light Me Up. In an interview with Kerrang! Magazine, frontwoman Taylor Momsen shared that the phrase "Death By Rock And Roll" was Khandwala’s motto, embodying the band’s ethos of living and breathing rock ‘n’ roll. She described the song as a “battle cry for life and hope,” a sentiment that resonates through its soaring chorus and vibrant guitar riffs.

The song’s lyrics also pay homage to rock legends lost to the notorious “27 Club,” with references to artists like Amy Winehouse and Kurt Cobain. Momsen, who turned 27 shortly after the single’s release in May 2020, spoke to Blabbermouth.net about the track’s deeper meaning, calling it an anthem of freedom and living life on your own terms. “Rock is freedom,” she said, emphasizing that the song invites listeners to embrace that spirit. Fun fact: the track hit number one on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, marking the band’s fifth chart-topping single and setting a record for female-fronted rock groups. The music video, shot in New York just before the COVID-19 quarantine, was directed by Danny Hastings, who also worked on the band’s Going To Hell album cover, adding a bold visual to match the song’s raw energy.

The Pretty Reckless formed in New York City in 2009, led by Taylor Momsen, who was already a familiar face as Jenny Humphrey on the TV show Gossip Girl. Momsen, born in St. Louis, Missouri, started her career as a child actress, appearing in films like How the Grinch Stole Christmas before shifting her focus to music. Her passion for rock was sparked early, influenced by bands like The Beatles and Soundgarden, the latter of which she later toured with. In 2011, she left acting to dedicate herself fully to the band, a decision she reflected on in “Death By Rock And Roll,” where she sings about choosing music over her acting career. Joined by guitarist Ben Phillips, bassist Mark Damon, and drummer Jamie Perkins, Momsen and the band honed their hard rock sound, blending grunge, blues, and alternative rock elements.

The band’s early days were marked by relentless gigging and a breakthrough with their 2010 debut album, Light Me Up, which spawned the hit single “Make Me Wanna Die.” Their raw energy and Momsen’s powerhouse vocals quickly drew comparisons to ‘90s grunge acts, earning them opening slots for heavyweights like Guns N’ Roses and Evanescence. Over the years, they’ve racked up seven number-one singles on the Mainstream Rock chart, a feat that made them the first female-fronted band to achieve this, as noted on their Facebook page, which boasts over 1.8 million followers. Their journey hasn’t been without hardship—beyond Khandwala’s loss, the band was deeply affected by the 2017 death of Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell, a mentor to Momsen, which sent her into a period of grief and reflection.

Stay connected with The Pretty Reckless through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates on tours, like their current stint opening for AC/DC, and new music teases. Fans can dive deeper into the Zoo Freak vibe by joining communities like the The Pretty Reckless Fans Facebook group, a hub for diehards sharing concert pics and trading vinyl. While no official fan websites stand out, the band’s official site offers merch, tour dates, and more to keep the rock ‘n’ roll spirit alive. So, crank up “Death By Rock And Roll” and let’s keep the Zoo Crew grooving!