Complete List Of The Pretty Reckless Band Members

Feature Photo: Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com

The band has released four 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, and Death by Rock and Roll in February 2021. Originally called The Reckless, the band had to change the name due to trademark problems. Throughout their career, the band has experienced two distinct lineups, with the current four-member configuration solidifying in 2010.

The Pretty Reckless achieved unprecedented success on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Charts, becoming the first female-fronted band to achieve multiple number-one hits in the chart’s history. 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. The Pretty Reckless became the first female-fronted band to have five number one singles when “Death by Rock and Roll” rose to the top of the Mainstream Rock Chart. As of May 2023, the band has 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. The band’s most recent achievement came with their fourth album, which earned them recognition for having the most number-one hits by any female-fronted act in the chart’s history.

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 recorded the song “Where Are You Christmas?” for the soundtrack to How the Grinch Stole Christmas. 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 four studio albums include co-writing and producing their most recent release, Death by Rock and Roll, alongside guitarist Ben Phillips and producer Jonathan Wyman.

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.

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. Khandwala introduced Momsen to Ben Phillips and the three began to write 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 NYC-based band Famous, which also featured his future TPR bandmates Mark Damon and Jamie Perkins. This prior musical relationship proved instrumental in forming the stable lineup that would define The Pretty Reckless’ sound. Ben Phillips had a few bands before he was recruited by Momsen/TPR producer Kato Khandwala, most notably, The Ben Phillips Band. 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 all 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), and Death by Rock and Roll (2021). 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 to tour extensively with the band, performing at major festivals and supporting renowned acts throughout their career.

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. Jamie Perkins had already played in a band with Mark Damon, and then Mark had actually quit that band, and Ben was one of the guys he started working with.

Taylor Momsen had heard the Famous album that the trio had made with producer Kato Khandwala and said, “Well that’s kind of what I want to sound like, why don’t you guys just become my band?” And they did. 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), and Death by Rock and Roll (2021). Producer Kato Khandwala was essentially the fifth member of the band, completed by bassist Mark Damon and drummer Jamie Perkins, and was Taylor Momsen’s best friend on the planet. 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 continues to tour and record with The Pretty Reckless, 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.

“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.” The connection between the musicians was not immediately smooth, as Perkins admits he was initially hesitant about working with Phillips due to personality differences. “I was hesitant because I didn’t know what to think of Ben at first. 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!” laughs Perkins 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 seamless for Perkins, who brought his drumming expertise and musical sensibility to the new project.

Perkins has contributed to all The Pretty Reckless studio albums since 2010, including Light Me Up, Hit Me Like a Man EP, Going to Hell, Who You Selling For, and Death by Rock and Roll. “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, providing the rhythmic foundation for their 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 from 2009 to 2010, playing a crucial role during the band’s formative period. The original lineup of the band consisted of Momsen with John Secolo (guitar), Matt Chiarelli (bass), and Nick Carbone (drums). Secolo joined the band after an initial lineup change from the very first incarnation of the group. The band played its first concert on May 5, 2009 at The Annex in New York. After seven concerts the lineup of the band was changed. The new lineup of the band consisted of Momsen with John Secolo (guitar), Matt Chiarelli (bass) and Nick Carbone (drums).

During his tenure with the band, Secolo helped establish The Pretty Reckless’ early sound and direction. They recorded some demos in early 2009 and they 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 post-Pretty Reckless career are limited, 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’ original bassist during their initial formation period from 2009 to 2010. The original lineup of the band consisted of Momsen with John Secolo (guitar), Matt Chiarelli (bass), and Nick Carbone (drums). Chiarelli was part of the second iteration of the band’s lineup after the initial unnamed musicians were replaced. After seven concerts the lineup of the band was changed. The new lineup of the band consisted of Momsen with John Secolo (guitar), Matt Chiarelli (bass) and Nick Carbone (drums).

As bassist during this formative period, Chiarelli contributed to the band’s early development and sound exploration. The second line-up of the band also played its first concert at The Annex on June 3, 2009. They recorded some demos in early 2009 and they 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’ original drummer from 2009 to 2010, playing during the band’s crucial developmental period. The original lineup of the band consisted of Momsen with John Secolo (guitar), Matt Chiarelli (bass), and Nick Carbone (drums). Carbone was brought in during the second phase of the band’s formation after initial lineup changes were made to better suit Taylor Momsen’s musical vision. After seven concerts the lineup of the band was changed. The new lineup of the band consisted of Momsen with John Secolo (guitar), Matt Chiarelli (bass) and Nick Carbone (drums).

During his tenure with The Pretty Reckless, Carbone provided the rhythmic foundation for the band’s early material and live performances. They recorded some demos in early 2009 and they 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.