For Taylor Momsen, the frontwoman of The Pretty Reckless, the prestige of sharing a stage with rock legends AC/DC has arrive with a series of unexpected and hazardous biological encounters. Reports indicate that the singer was recently bitten by a venomous spider ahead of a scheduled performance in Mexico City, marking the second time the musician has dealt with wildlife-related injuries during her tenure on the road with the Australian rock icons.
The incident in Mexico City follows a documented pattern of “occupational hazards” for Momsen, who has spent the last two years supporting AC/DC on their massive stadium trek. Whereas the spider bite remains a recent development, it echoes a high-profile incident from 2024 that saw the singer requiring medical intervention after a bat encountered her during a performance.
These events highlight the unpredictable nature of large-scale international touring, where artists are exposed to diverse environments and local fauna across multiple continents. For a business analysis of the touring industry, such incidents represent the physical risks inherent in the “stadium-circuit” economy, where the scale of the production often intersects with the unpredictability of outdoor venues.
A History of Wildlife Encounters: From Bats to Spiders
The reported venomous spider bite in Mexico City is the latest in a string of unfortunate events for the singer. This follows a widely publicized incident during the European leg of the AC/DC Power Up Tour in 2024. During that period, Momsen was bitten by a bat while performing, an event that earned her the temporary nickname “Batgirl” among fans and crew.
The 2024 incident was not merely a novelty; it required immediate medical precautions. According to reports from GRAMMY.com, the encounter resulted in Momsen having to receive rabies shots to ensure her safety. The incident occurred during a tour that kicked off in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on May 17, 2024, and concluded its European phase in Dublin on Aug. 17, 2024.
The recurrence of such injuries—first a bat in Europe and now a venomous spider in North America—underscores the volatility of touring in open-air stadiums. For performers, these risks are often overlooked in the excitement of high-capacity shows, but they necessitate rigorous health and safety protocols, particularly when moving through regions known for diverse and potentially dangerous wildlife.
The Scale of the AC/DC Power Up Tour
The Pretty Reckless’ role as the primary support act for AC/DC’s Power Up Tour has been one of the most significant milestones of Taylor Momsen’s career. The tour, spanning 2024 and 2025, was a massive undertaking that saw the bands play to over three million people across Europe and North America, as reported by Blabbermouth.
The tour’s footprint included some of the most iconic venues in the world, including:
- Wembley Stadium in London, England
- The Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, California
- Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois
- Stade De France in Paris, France
Momsen has described the experience as a “schooling” in rock and roll, citing the influence of guitarist Angus Young and the sheer volume of the production. She noted that Young’s amplifiers often reach approximately 110 dB on stage before the public address system is even engaged, illustrating the intense sonic environment the performers inhabit.
Musical Evolution Amidst Touring Hazards
Despite the physical tolls of the road, the period spent with AC/DC has coincided with a prolific creative phase for The Pretty Reckless. In recent interviews, Momsen has discussed the release of their latest track, “For I Am Death,” describing the songwriting process as a personal and evolving journey.
Momsen has noted that while some songs “fall out of the sky,” others require extensive work over long periods. The intersection of this creative growth with the grueling demands of a stadium tour demonstrates the resilience required of modern rock artists. The ability to maintain a rigorous performance schedule while managing health scares—such as the rabies treatments in 2024 and the recent spider bite—is a testament to the professional discipline of the band.
Key Takeaways: Taylor Momsen’s Touring Challenges
- Recent Incident: Reported bite from a venomous spider ahead of a Mexico City performance.
- Previous Trauma: Bitten by a bat during the 2024 European tour, necessitating rabies vaccinations.
- Tour Scale: Supporting AC/DC’s Power Up Tour, playing to over 3 million fans in 2024 and 2025.
- Venue Exposure: High-risk environments including massive open-air stadiums across Europe and North America.
As The Pretty Reckless continues their trajectory in the global rock scene, the focus remains on their ability to navigate both the professional heights of stadium tours and the literal hazards of the environments they visit. There are currently no official reports indicating that the spider bite will lead to the cancellation of upcoming dates, but the health of the frontwoman remains a primary concern for the tour’s continuity.
The next confirmed checkpoint for fans and industry observers will be the official tour schedule updates and health statements from the band’s management regarding the Mexico City dates.
Do you think the risks of international stadium touring are adequately managed for performing artists? Share your thoughts in the comments below.