The Pretty Reckless’ Taylor Momsen Opens Up on Depression, Grief, and Substance Abuse Recovery

Taylor Momsen shares her journey through grief and depression, revealing how she found the strength to move forward with music as her anchor.

A Raw and Real Look at Taylor Momsen's Toughest Battles

Sometimes, the hardest struggles happen behind the scenes—away from the stage lights and screaming fans. Taylor Momsen, the fiery frontwoman of The Pretty Reckless and former Gossip Girl star, recently peeled back the curtain on her battles with depression, grief, and substance abuse. It’s a story of heartbreak, resilience, and ultimately, choosing life.

Taylor Momsen performing, exuding powerful rock energy.

The Crushing Blow of Loss and Its Aftermath

Taylor’s journey through darkness began with monumental losses that shook her world. The passing of Chris Cornell, the iconic Soundgarden frontman, in 2017 was a devastating blow—not just to music but personally for Momsen. Then, just a year later, she lost her close friend and producer Kato Khandwala. The double hit was overwhelming.

“It was a giant one-two punch because they were not that far apart from each other,” Taylor confessed during a candid chat on the Call Her Daddy podcast. “I just went off the rails, I didn’t handle that well. I got very heavy into substance abuse and this cloud of depression that I couldn’t shake.”

This kind of grief isn't just emotional; it seeps into every breath, every decision, making even the simplest day a mountain to climb.

The Turning Point: Choosing to Move Forward

What struck me most about Taylor’s story was the moment she realized she had a choice: to continue down a dark path or fight for the light. It’s a crossroads many face, and her honesty here is breathtaking.

“I had to make a very conscious choice at a point where I was either going to live or I was going to die,” she shared. “I had to either stop everything I was doing and get my life together, or this was going to kill me. I luckily chose to move forward but it was that serious.”

It’s raw, it’s real, and incredibly inspiring.

Music as a Lifeline: Rediscovering Herself Through Sound

What helped Taylor find her footing again? Music. Not just any music, but a deliberate journey back to what first inspired and comforted her.

“Eventually I got to a place where I could start listening to records again. I very calculatedly went, ‘Where did I fall in love with this? How do I find myself again?’ So I started at the very beginning, which was The Beatles.”

There’s something beautifully cyclical about this—returning to the roots that shaped you to heal your soul. It reminds me of how music can be a friend when no one else seems to be around.

Channelling Pain Into Art: ‘Death By Rock And Roll’

Following these trials, Taylor and The Pretty Reckless poured their energy into their 2021 album Death By Rock And Roll. The record is steeped in emotion and features contributions from legendary guitarist Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine—a testament to the band’s raw power and resilience.

The album became a statement not just of survival, but of triumph.

New Music and Future Festivals: The Reckless Ride On

Fast-forward to August, The Pretty Reckless dropped their first new song in four years, the haunting single ‘For I Am Death’. Fans can expect more new tracks soon, and the band’s presence at major festivals like Download and Rock For People in 2026 is already confirmed.

It’s thrilling to see how Taylor and her band continue to channel their pain into powerful performances that connect with so many.

A Heartfelt Reunion: Taylor Momsen and Jim Carrey

In a touching throwback, Taylor reunited with Jim Carrey, her co-star from How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony for Soundgarden. It’s a reminder of the full circle moments life throws at us, blending past joys with present healing.

Mental Health Resources for Those Who Need Them

Taylor’s openness shines a spotlight on the importance of mental health support in the music industry and beyond. If you or someone you know is struggling, these resources offer guidance and care:

• “Am I Depressed?” – Help and advice on mental health
• MITC – Music Industry Therapists Collective
• TONIC Rider – Training and support for music pros
• Help Musicians UK – Mental health support for musicians
• Music Support Org – Support for musicians battling addiction and mental health
• Young Minds – Voice for young people's health
• CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably
• The Samaritans – 24/7 confidential support

Final Thoughts: The Strength in Moving Forward

Taylor Momsen’s story is a compelling reminder of how grief and depression can shadow even the brightest stars, yet with courage and music, healing is possible. Her journey feels like a lifeline to anyone wrestling with their own battles—proof that moving forward, even when it seems impossible, is a victory worth fighting for.

FAQ

• How did Taylor Momsen cope with her depression and grief?
  She made a conscious decision to choose life and recovery, turning to music and support to help her heal.
• What events triggered Taylor’s struggles with substance abuse?
  The deaths of Chris Cornell and her friend and producer Kato Khandwala deeply affected her, leading to heavy substance abuse and depression.
• What role does music play in Taylor’s recovery?
  Music served as a therapeutic anchor, helping her reconnect with herself by revisiting the artists she loved, like The Beatles.
• What is the significance of the album Death By Rock And Roll?
  It represents Taylor’s channeling of pain and resilience into art, featuring collaborations with notable musicians like Tom Morello.
• Where can musicians or fans find mental health support?
  Several organizations offer resources, including Help Musicians UK, Music Support Org, and CALM, among others listed above.

If you want to bring the spirit of Taylor Momsen’s journey and The Pretty Reckless into your space, consider shopping your favorite album cover posters at Architeg Prints. It’s a subtle way to keep the power of music and resilience close to you.