Complete List Of The Pretty Reckless Band Members

Feature Photo: Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com

The band has released five studio albums, beginning with their debut Light Me Up in August 2010, followed by Going to Hell in March 2014, Who You Selling For in October 2016, Death by Rock and Roll in February 2021, and Dear God in June 2026. Originally called The Reckless, the band had to change its name due to trademark problems. Throughout its career, the band has experienced early lineup changes, with the current four-member configuration solidifying in 2010.

The Pretty Reckless achieved unprecedented success on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart, setting records for female-fronted rock acts. When the singles “Heaven Knows” and “Messed Up World (F’d Up World)” topped the US Mainstream Rock chart, The Pretty Reckless became the second female-fronted band to achieve two number ones in a row on the chart, following The Pretenders.

By the time “Death by Rock and Roll” topped the Mainstream Rock chart, the band had extended that record to seven number-one singles. As of May 2023, the band had sold over 1,090,000 album copies in their home country.

Their debut album Light Me Up had sold over one million units in combined singles and albums sales as of January 2014. Going to Hell was released on March 18, 2014, and marked the band’s largest sales week to date, landing at number five on the Billboard 200 with over 35,000 copies sold in its first week. In October 2016, the band released a follow-up album, Who You Selling For, which peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200.

Their fifth studio album, Dear God, arrived on June 26, 2026, following the 2025 single “For I Am Death,” which became their eighth number-one song at rock radio.

Beyond the five studio albums, the group released Other Worlds in November 2022, a collection of acoustic versions, covers, and alternate recordings. The Pretty Reckless followed it with Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas in October 2025, revisiting music connected to Momsen’s childhood performance in How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Taylor Momsen

Taylor Michel Momsen was born on July 26, 1993, in St. Louis, Missouri, to parents Michael and Collette Momsen, with a younger sister named Sloane Momsen, who is also an actress. She was raised Catholic, attending Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School for elementary school and later Herbert Hoover Middle School in Potomac, Maryland, but is now non-religious.

Momsen’s path to The Pretty Reckless began in the entertainment industry, where she built an extensive acting career before transitioning to music full-time. Prior to her retirement from acting, she portrayed the character of Cindy Lou Who in the film How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), Alexandra Anami in Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams (2002), Molly in Underdog (2007), and Jenny Humphrey on The CW’s teen drama series Gossip Girl (2007-2010; 2012).

Momsen’s introduction to music came early through her acting work. At seven years old, Momsen sang “Christmas, Why Can’t I Find You?” in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, while Faith Hill recorded “Where Are You Christmas?” for the film soundtrack. In 2002, she recorded the songs “One Small Voice” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” for the compilation album School’s Out! Christmas.

Her modeling career began even earlier, as she was signed with Ford Models at a very young age, with her parents signing her up at the age of two. The demanding schedule of her childhood career created challenges, as she later reflected that she didn’t have friends and was constantly working without experiencing a normal childhood.

In March 2009, Momsen stated in an interview with OK! magazine that her band the Pretty Reckless had signed a deal with Interscope Records. Her commitment to music became increasingly evident during her time on Gossip Girl, where her appearances became sporadic as she focused on her band. On August 16, 2011, Momsen told Elle magazine that she had quit acting to focus on her music career.

She has been the frontwoman of The Pretty Reckless since their inception in 2009, serving as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. Her contributions to the band’s five studio albums include co-writing and producing Death by Rock and Roll with guitarist Ben Phillips and producer Jonathan Wyman. She continued in those songwriting and production roles on Dear God (2026).

Beyond her work with The Pretty Reckless, Momsen has maintained her modeling career, becoming the face of Madonna’s 2010 “Material Girl” fashion line. Momsen cites Kurt Cobain, Chris Cornell, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, the Who, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, Marilyn Manson, Oasis, and Shirley Manson of Garbage as some of her personal influences.

Her dedication to music has remained unwavering, with Momsen stating that music is where she can truly be herself, as opposed to acting where she was playing characters rather than expressing her authentic self.

Her return to the holiday music she performed as a child came with Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas in 2025. The following year, her writing and vocals remained central to Dear God, the band’s fifth studio album.

Ben Phillips

Ben Phillips, a Brooklyn native, came to music at an early age, singing and playing guitar well before his teenage years. Phillips joined The Pretty Reckless in 2010 as lead guitarist and backing vocalist, replacing original guitarist John Secolo in the band’s lineup overhaul. Producer Kato Khandwala introduced Momsen to Phillips, and the three began writing songs together.

He has played in numerous rock bands over the course of his career, including The Ben Phillips Band, which released their only album Freak Like Me in 2001. His musical background provided the perfect foundation for his role in The Pretty Reckless.

Phillips previously played in the New York-based band Famous, whose members included his future Pretty Reckless bandmates Mark Damon and Jamie Perkins. This prior musical relationship proved instrumental in forming the stable lineup that would define The Pretty Reckless’ sound. The earlier group gave Phillips experience working with fellow musicians before producer Kato Khandwala brought the group into Momsen’s orbit.

The connection between Phillips and the other musicians created a cohesive unit that could support Momsen’s transition from actress to rock frontwoman.

Phillips has been an integral part of The Pretty Reckless studio releases since joining the band. He contributed to Light Me Up (2010), Hit Me Like a Man EP (2012), Going to Hell (2014), Who You Selling For (2016), Death by Rock and Roll (2021), and Dear God (2026). His guitar work has been described as providing gritty riffs that serve as a platform for Momsen’s powerful vocals.

The album Death by Rock and Roll was produced by Jonathan Wyman, vocalist Taylor Momsen, and guitarist Ben Phillips, along with additional production done by Nate Yacchichino. Phillips’ role extends beyond performing to include songwriting and production responsibilities, making him a key creative force in the band’s musical evolution.

Outside of The Pretty Reckless, Phillips’ career highlights include his early work with The Ben Phillips Band and his time in Famous, which prepared him for his current role. His professional relationship with Mark Damon and Jamie Perkins predates their work in The Pretty Reckless, creating a strong musical foundation that has contributed to the band’s success. Phillips continues touring extensively with the band, performing at major festivals and supporting renowned acts, including AC/DC.

His partnership with Momsen remained at the heart of the band’s 2026 album Dear God, with both receiving songwriting and production credits. Their collaboration has connected the band’s earliest hit singles with its more recent work.

Mark Damon

Mark Damon joined The Pretty Reckless as bassist in 2010, becoming part of the lineup that would define the band’s signature sound. Damon previously played in the band Famous in the early 2000s alongside Ben Phillips and Jamie Perkins. This pre-existing musical relationship created an immediate chemistry that would prove essential to The Pretty Reckless’ development as a cohesive unit.

As Jamie Perkins later recalled, Damon had left an earlier band in which they played together, while Ben Phillips became one of the musicians Damon worked with.

Taylor Momsen heard the Famous album the musicians had made with producer Kato Khandwala and suggested that its sound was what she wanted for her own project. The musicians joined forces with her. This organic transition from Famous to The Pretty Reckless allowed Damon to bring his established musical partnership with Phillips and Perkins into the new project.

The trio’s prior experience performing together provided the stable foundation that Momsen needed to transition from acting to music.

Damon has been a consistent presence on all Pretty Reckless releases since joining the band. His bass work appears on Light Me Up (2010), Hit Me Like a Man EP (2012), Going to Hell (2014), Who You Selling For (2016), Death by Rock and Roll (2021), and Dear God (2026). Producer Kato Khandwala became an essential creative partner to Momsen and the band, working closely with Damon, Perkins, and Phillips before his death in 2018.

Damon’s contributions to the band extend beyond just bass playing, as he has been part of the creative process that has yielded multiple number-one rock hits.

His career outside The Pretty Reckless centers primarily on his work with Famous, where he developed the musical relationships and skills that would later serve the band well. Damon’s professional journey demonstrates the importance of musical chemistry and long-term collaboration in creating successful rock music. He continued to tour and record with The Pretty Reckless through Dear God in 2026, contributing to their ongoing success and evolution as one of the most successful female-fronted rock bands of their generation.

Jamie Perkins

Jamie Perkins serves as drummer for The Pretty Reckless, joining the band in 2010 during their complete lineup overhaul. Jamie’s love of music from an early age led him to dissect the songs he was hearing, developing a musician’s ear and eye that would serve him well later on. Perkins, bass player Mark Damon and guitarist Ben Phillips had previously played music together as the band Famous in the early 2000s.

This foundation proved crucial when the three musicians were approached to become The Pretty Reckless’ backing band.

Perkins recalled how he came to play with Phillips: “I had already played in a band with Mark [Damon, bass player] and then Mark had actually quit that band, and Ben was one of the guys he started working with. Things weren’t working out with their drummer at the time so I got a call from Ben asking me to fill in.” Their connection was not immediately smooth.

Perkins admitted he was initially hesitant about working with Phillips because of their differing personalities. “Ben was very outspoken, and very critical… I was very used to being one of the leaders of the band, and with Ben he was the leader and it was the first time I had to listen to someone else.”

“She basically just joined our band and became the singer and took over!” Perkins laughed when describing how Taylor Momsen became part of their musical unit.

“Taylor heard the Famous album we’d made with Kato and said, ‘Well that’s kind of what I want to sound like, why don’t you guys just become my band?’ And we did. It was a very random but fortunate turn of events.” The transition proved successful for Perkins, who brought his drumming expertise and musical sensibility to the project.

Perkins has contributed to all The Pretty Reckless studio albums since 2010, including Light Me Up, the Hit Me Like a Man EP, Going to Hell, Who You Selling For, Death by Rock and Roll, and Dear God (2026).

“The first and foremost thing is we’re a really loud band so I have to hit them hard, to keep up with mostly the guitarist! Actually it’s a pretty demanding job drum-wise, everybody’s very focused on the drums whether it be live or recording.” His drumming style and approach have been integral to the band’s hard rock sound.

He provides the rhythmic foundation for the group’s multiple chart-topping hits. Perkins is known for incorporating extended drum solos into the band’s live performances, showcasing his technical abilities and adding theatrical elements to their concerts.

John Secolo

John Secolo served as The Pretty Reckless’ original lead guitarist during their early period from 2009 to 2010, playing a crucial role in the band’s formative years. The 2009 performing lineup included Momsen with Secolo on guitar, Matt Chiarelli on bass, and Nick Carbone on drums. Secolo joined following the earliest performances by the group, which first played at The Annex in New York on May 5, 2009.

After seven concerts, the initial supporting lineup changed, bringing in Secolo, Chiarelli, and Carbone for the next phase.

During his tenure with the band, Secolo helped establish The Pretty Reckless’ early sound and direction. The band recorded early demos and opened for The Veronicas on their North American tour. These early performances and recordings were essential in helping the band secure their record deal with Interscope Records.

The experience gained from touring with The Veronicas provided valuable exposure and performance experience that would benefit the band’s development.

In 2010, Secolo, Chiarelli, and Carbone left the band, marking a significant transition point in The Pretty Reckless’ history. This departure coincided with producer Kato Khandwala’s introduction of Ben Phillips, Mark Damon, and Jamie Perkins to Taylor Momsen. Secolo’s time with the band represented the exploratory phase where Momsen was still developing her vision for the group’s musical direction.

While his contributions to the band’s recorded output were limited to early demos, his participation during this crucial developmental period helped establish the groundwork for what The Pretty Reckless would eventually become.

The transition away from Secolo and the original lineup marked the beginning of The Pretty Reckless’ most successful era. Though specific details about Secolo’s later musical work are not widely documented, his role in the band’s early development remains an important part of their origin story. His departure, along with the other original members, allowed for the formation of the more cohesive unit that would go on to achieve multiple chart-topping successes.

Matt Chiarelli

Matt Chiarelli served as The Pretty Reckless’ early bassist from 2009 to 2010. He played with John Secolo on guitar and Nick Carbone on drums in the lineup that followed the band’s initial seven concerts. After the first New York shows, the three joined Taylor Momsen in a reconfigured band.

Their first performance together at The Annex took place on June 3, 2009.

As bassist during this formative period, Chiarelli contributed to the band’s early development and sound exploration. They recorded early demos and opened for The Veronicas on their North American tour. These early performances and recording sessions were crucial in helping Taylor Momsen develop her musical vision and provided the band with valuable experience that would inform their future direction.

The touring experience with The Veronicas represented a significant milestone for Chiarelli and the band, as it was their first major tour opportunity. This exposure helped the band gain recognition within the music industry and contributed to their eventual signing with Interscope Records. During this period, Chiarelli’s bass work helped establish the rhythmic foundation for songs that would later be refined and re-recorded with the band’s subsequent lineup.

In 2010, Secolo, Chiarelli, and Carbone left the band, marking the end of Chiarelli’s time with The Pretty Reckless. This departure coincided with producer Kato Khandwala’s introduction of the Famous trio (Ben Phillips, Mark Damon, and Jamie Perkins) to Taylor Momsen. While Chiarelli’s recorded contributions to the band were limited to the early demo sessions, his participation during the band’s developmental phase helped establish the foundation for their eventual success.

Information about Chiarelli’s subsequent musical career is limited, but his role in The Pretty Reckless’ early history remains part of their origin story and development as a band.

Nick Carbone

Nick Carbone served as The Pretty Reckless’ drummer during the band’s early period from 2009 to 2010. He performed alongside Taylor Momsen, guitarist John Secolo, and bassist Matt Chiarelli. Carbone was brought in during the next phase of the band’s formation after its first seven concerts, joining a lineup intended to develop Momsen’s vision for the group.

The three instrumentalists began performing together with Momsen during the summer of 2009.

During his tenure with The Pretty Reckless, Carbone provided the rhythmic foundation for the band’s early material and live performances. They recorded early demos and opened for The Veronicas on their North American tour. These demo recordings represented some of the earliest documented material from The Pretty Reckless and helped establish the band’s initial sound direction.

The touring experience with The Veronicas was particularly significant, as it provided Carbone and the band with valuable performance experience and industry exposure.

The opportunity to tour with The Veronicas marked a major milestone for the young band and helped them gain recognition that would eventually lead to their record deal with Interscope Records. Carbone’s drumming during this period contributed to the band’s developing stage presence and helped them refine their live performance approach. These early shows were essential in building the foundation for The Pretty Reckless’ future success as a touring act.

In 2010, Secolo, Chiarelli, and Carbone left the band, ending Carbone’s involvement with The Pretty Reckless. This departure was part of a complete lineup overhaul that occurred when producer Kato Khandwala introduced Taylor Momsen to the members of Famous (Ben Phillips, Mark Damon, and Jamie Perkins). While Carbone’s contributions to The Pretty Reckless’ recorded catalog were limited to the early demo sessions, his participation during the band’s formative period helped establish the groundwork for their eventual breakthrough.

Details about Carbone’s subsequent musical activities are not widely documented, but his role in The Pretty Reckless’ early history represents an important chapter in the band’s development from aspiring musicians to chart-topping rock stars.