Taylor Momsen’s Emotional Tribute To Kato Khandwala Ahead Of AC/DC Concert
The Pretty Reckless singer honors late producer's memory in heartfelt Instagram message

Image: Instagram
Taylor Momsen, frontwoman of rock band The Pretty Reckless, shared a heartfelt tribute to her late friend and producer Kato Khandwala on Instagram, just before her band’s performance at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The emotional post reflects on the seven-year anniversary of Khandwala’s passing while noting her upcoming show with legendary rock band AC/DC.
In her Instagram post, Momsen wrote: “Tomorrow at @allegiantstadium your footsteps will ring across the stage of your favorite band #ACDC…in my heart I hope you are seeing it, every moment I miss you. Seven years feels like a second. My love. #katokhandwala @rockkato 💔💔💔”
The video accompanying the post shows the bad recording a song, highlighting the significant emotional connection between Momsen, her upcoming AC/DC show, and her memories of Khandwala.
The Loss Behind The Tribute
Kato Khandwala was a respected producer and engineer who worked extensively with The Pretty Reckless on their albums. His collaboration with the band was instrumental in shaping their sound. Khandwala tragically passed away in 2018 following a motorcycle accident, leaving a profound impact on Momsen and the band.
The timing of Momsen’s post is particularly poignant as The Pretty Reckless is currently on tour as a supporting act for AC/DC’s Power Up Tour, which includes the upcoming show at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Her message suggests that AC/DC was Khandwala’s favorite band, making this performance especially meaningful for the singer.
The Pretty Reckless On Tour With Ac/dc
Momsen and her band The Pretty Reckless have been documenting their journey on the AC/DC tour through various social media posts. Just days before her tribute to Khandwala, she shared her excitement about the upcoming Las Vegas show.
The band has been busy on this tour, with recent performances in Vancouver at BC Place Stadium and at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
Taylor Momsen’s Career Journey
Taylor Momsen first gained public recognition as a child actress, notably playing Cindy Lou Who in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) and later as Jenny Humphrey in the popular TV series “Gossip Girl.” However, she eventually stepped away from acting to focus on her music career with The Pretty Reckless, which she formed in 2009.
The band has released several successful albums, including “Light Me Up” (2010), “Going to Hell” (2014), “Who You Selling For” (2016), and “Death by Rock and Roll” (2021). Many of these albums were produced by Kato Khandwala, highlighting the significant professional and personal relationship between Momsen and the late producer.
The tribute to Khandwala comes at a time when Momsen and The Pretty Reckless are experiencing a career high point, touring with one of rock’s most iconic bands. This tour with AC/DC holds special significance as it connects to Khandwala’s musical preferences and legacy.
Continuing The Musical Legacy
Momsen’s career transition from acting to music has been marked by dedication to authentic rock music, a path that Khandwala helped guide. The Pretty Reckless has established themselves as one of the leading female-fronted rock bands in the industry, with Momsen’s powerful vocals and the band’s hard rock sound earning them a dedicated fanbase.
The band’s most recent album, “Death by Rock and Roll,” was dedicated to Khandwala and also to Chris Cornell, another significant figure in their musical journey who passed away in 2017. The title track from that album reached #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, continuing the legacy of the work Momsen created with Khandwala’s guidance.
As The Pretty Reckless continues their tour with AC/DC, Momsen’s tribute serves as a reminder of the lasting impact that mentors and collaborators can have on artists’ careers and lives. For Momsen, performing at Allegiant Stadium represents not just a professional milestone but also a deeply personal moment of connection to someone who helped shape her musical journey.

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