In Review: The Pretty Reckless at Manchester Academy

There’s no hiding the fact that I’m a The Pretty Reckless fan – I have been since the outset. In fact I first saw them play live at Manchester Academy back in December 2010. Since then further gigs at Manchester Arena (supporting Fall Out Boy), the O2 Ritz and back at Manchester Academy cemented my view that they are an outstanding band, with star quality and great material.

Now, I’m back at Manchester Academy to see them for the first time in a few years. The Manchester gig comes amidst the band’s first run of dates since 2016–2017’s Who You Selling For Tour, with The Pretty Reckless now having racked up four studio albums, a couple of EPs not including a soon-to-be-released album. With several years now since their last run of dates on this these shores, can they match up to my memories of them?

In a set which runs to 90 minutes, The Pretty Reckless make sure to include material from each album. In fact, twelve years on from that first show, four of the set from that night still make the set list now in a nod to the tracks which set them on their way.

They set the tone early on, opening with Death By Rock’N’Roll at the start of what will be a riff-heavy, high pace set of rock and the sold out venue voices its approval. The screams from the crowd continue throughout with constant cheers, screams and singing back to Taylor Momsen, who is no doubt in her element. She struts around the stage, owning the venue and the attention of everybody in there, full of charisma and energy, with her vocals spot on.

They pull out all the hits during the evening with particularly loud shouts from the fans for Make Me Wanna Die, Going To Hell and Take Me Down.

From the outset through to the end there’s very little ‘down-time’ as the riffs and thunderous drums keep coming. The band are tight and precise, but retain authenticity and an edge. Heaven Knows, which the fans sing every word back to drops in an outstanding extended riff; whilst Fucked Up World features an epic drum solo which the band has become renowned for. The only momentary respite from the almost frenetic energy of the gig comes in the form of Sweet Things, which the band turn in to a most theatrical performance which each member taking on a different persona in the track – it’s a brave moment, but works particularly well.

The fourteen track set is filled with excellent material and when you consider some of their outstanding tracks which didn’t make the cut on this tour, it only emphasis just how good The Pretty Reckless’ discography has already become.

By the end of the set, the fans are sweaty yet delighted; the merch stand has certainly taken a beating; and the band have shown just why the continue to delight and why fans will be hoping for many more nights like this – I certainly am.