Hellfest 2026. Clisson, France. The Pretty Reckless must be ‘Going To Hell’ Fest. The Pretty Reckless are flanked by the largest high definition screens you can imagine, which never let up showing fiery act after fiery act. The band are all in black except for Taylor Momsen, who slinks with puma confidence to the front. They are roared onto the stage, a clearly loved act.
Taylor is a rock ‘n’ roll female lead to match AC/DC’s Bon Scott. The packed audience is powerless to do anything but worship Taylor’s leather-jacketed and black-cowboy-booted figure. After the first song, she peels away the leather to a silver silky slip dress. Stalking the stage, spinning top style, this is the rock goddess personified.
The crowd’s eyes rarely leave her, a high raunchy, grinding, frisky, playful, charismatic, front woman of the first rank. One minute, Louisiana American cool, the next a late-night Gauloise and whiskey seductress.
In between the high-quality roaring rasp of Taylor’s vocals, sung head swung back into the sun, beating with every drum beat is her wonderful band playing crisp, modern, heavy rock ‘n’ roll.
Amongst their back catalogue classics, two destined-to-be-classics from their new album, called Dear God, are played. Both songs are heavy and make strong use of their trademark silences, giving the audience a breather before the songs roar back into life.
When I Wake Up played the silence trick three times on the crowd, who roared their appreciation each time before clapping and punching the air as the next riffs crisply struck across the heat wave air.
Before the final song, a long guitar solo from the lead guitarist, Ben Philips, which is note perfect over the crystal clear sound systems. Going To Hell is titled like a homage to AC/DC’s Hells Bells, but it is their own sound, and the fans punch, clap and sing along at one with the band.
Taylor Momsen leaves everyone in the crowd feeling a little French indiscretion has occurred, or, judging by the Marry Me, Taylor T-shirt, a fan tries to thrust into her hand, a love that will last a musical lifetime.
HELLFEST 2026
Prepare to be consumed by the relentless energy of the most influential bands in Heavy Metal as they ignite the Hellfest stages with blistering performances. The immersive atmosphere of Clisson will immerse you in a dark, captivating experience like no other.
With its unparalleled lineup and unwavering commitment to the spirit of metal, Hellfest 2026 promises an unforgettable journey into the depths of sonic mayhem.
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MetalTalk Hellfest 2026 coverage can be found at https://www.metaltalk.net/tag/hellfest-2026.
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For Hellfest 2022, visit https://www.metaltalk.net/tag/hellfest-2022.
