The Pretty Reckless Ignite Nashville With AC/DC’s Power Up Tour
Rock veterans rally Music City crowds at Nissan Stadium under Brian Johnson's iconic riff
Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.
Read full bio of Sakshi
Image: Instagram
Opening Night Sparks In Music City
When AC/DC’s long-awaited Power Up tour descended on Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, rock fans got more than Brian Johnson’s signature roar—they were treated to an incendiary opening set from The Pretty Reckless. Frontwoman Taylor Momsen and her bandmates wasted no time staking their claim on Music City’s stage. “Ok Nashville…this time we mean it!” the group declared in an Instagram post, complete with the hashtags #thunderstrucktherightway #acdc #powerup #theprettyreckless.
Barely a week before, The Pretty Reckless had teased their debut at this iconic venue with another Instagram shout-out: “NASHVILLE! See you tonight with #ACDC @NissanStadium.” That promise became reality as they launched into a tight, high-octane five-song set that mixed cuts from their latest album with breakthrough anthems from earlier in their career.
Rock Titans Meet Rising Stars
Formed in New York City in 2009, The Pretty Reckless have steadily climbed the rock charts. They made history when lead single “Make Me Wanna Die” topped Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs chart—the first time a female-fronted band achieved that feat. Their 2021 release, Death by Rock and Roll, also hit No. 1 on the same chart, cementing their status in modern hard rock.
On Friday night in Nashville, Momsen, guitarist Ben Phillips, bassist Mark Damon and drummer Jamie Perone showed exactly why they’ve been tapped by one of rock’s greatest acts. With stadium lights cutting through the humid Tennessee air, the band ripped into the title track of Death by Rock and Roll before diving into fan favorites like “Going to Hell.” Each song landed with precision, and Momsen’s stage presence—equal parts sultry and fierce—kept the crowd locked in until AC/DC took over.
AC/DC’s Brian Johnson and Angus Young returned the compliment, pointing out their support act during a mid-show banter: “Give it up for The Pretty Reckless—real rock ’n’ roll right here!” It was a rare moment of mutual respect between generations of rock royalty.
Following The Tour Trail
This Power Up tour marks AC/DC’s first major North American stadium run since 2016. Kicking off in Tampa, the trek hit Washington, D.C., and now Nashville, with more than 20 dates still on deck. The Pretty Reckless have been along for the ride, moving seamlessly from city to city—and sharing snapshots of life on the road via Instagram.
In Tampa Bay, the band posted: “Hello Tampa Bay!!! Looking forward to tonight with @acdc at @rjstadium! #acdc #theprettyreckless #pwrup.” Ahead of Washington, D.C., they wrote, “Getting ready for DC!!!! This place is massive!!!! #acdc #theprettyreckless #pwrup #washingtoncommanders.” Those behind-the-scenes glimpses offer fans a front-row seat to the camaraderie between rock veterans and their protégés.
Back in Nashville, the atmosphere was electric long before showtime. Fans lined up outside Nissan Stadium hours in advance, donning AC/DC T-shirts and emblazoned leather jackets. Inside, the collective roar of approval greeted The Pretty Reckless as they strode onstage, guitars ablaze.
Taylor Momsen later told local press she grew up on classic rock, citing AC/DC as a formative influence. “Opening for them is surreal,” she said. “We’ve been thunderstruck by their camaraderie and energy—every night feels like a masterclass in rock heritage.”
From Music City, the Power Up tour now moves on to Chicago, Detroit and beyond. The Pretty Reckless will remain in tow, primed to rev up stadiums across the continent.
Fans can follow both bands for tour updates and ticket info on Instagram handles @theprettyreckless and @acdc.
The blend of AC/DC’s storied riffs and The Pretty Reckless’s modern firepower made Nashville’s show stand out as a true celebration of rock ’n’ roll’s past and future. With more dates ahead, the tour promises to keep that energy—and those amps—cranked all the way to its grand finale.
Read full bio of Sakshi
