Rocking out on stage with AC/DC for their Power Up tour, Taylor Momsen recently faced a harrowing encounter that echoed a previous alarming incident: a poisonous spider bite. This latest brush with danger occurred almost exactly two years after she was infamously bitten by a bat mid-concert. The dual encounters highlight the unpredictable and often perilous nature of life on the road for touring musicians, even those who have transitioned from beloved acting roles.
A Tour Interrupted: Spider Bite and the Show Must Go On
On April 14th, Momsen shared a stark update with her followers on Instagram, posting a photo of a "gnarly" spider bite that had spread a rash up her calf. "Hospital today, show tomorrow," she captioned the image, adding, "Poisonous spiders are NO BUENO but the show must go on, see you tomorrow Mexico City!" The bite, which she described as being from a "massive spider" that took "a chunk out of" her leg, had clearly taken a toll on her system. Despite the venom’s effects, Momsen maintained a resilient and even humorous outlook, quipping, "It wouldn’t be an AC/DC tour if I didn’t get bit. Add it to the list! Spider woman? Batgirl?" This lighthearted acknowledgment of her bizarre streak of luck underscores her dedication to her craft and her fans.
Fans were quick to recall her prior encounter with a bat during a concert in Spain. Momsen’s response to a fan pointing this out was a succinct and incredulous, "I know. WTF." The sheer improbability of these two distinct animal encounters, both occurring during high-profile musical engagements, has become a talking point among her fanbase.
The Bat Incident: A "Rock and Roll Moment"
The initial bat bite occurred nearly two years prior to the spider incident, during a performance. Videos from the May 2024 concert captured the moment a bat landed on Momsen’s leg. "There’s a f–king flying bat on my leg right now," she was heard saying into the microphone, audibly seeking assistance. "Can someone help me please?"
Remarkably, after the bat was removed by a stagehand, Momsen was able to continue her performance without significant interruption. Her immediate reaction was one of gratitude and a touch of whimsy. "Gracias!" she told the staff member, adding, "It’s alright. And the bat’s fine. He’s gonna be my new friend."
However, the encounter proved to have more serious repercussions. In a subsequent, now-deleted Instagram post, Momsen revealed that the "cute" bat had indeed bitten her. "He was cute, but yes he bit me," she wrote, explaining that she would need to undergo rabies shots for the next two weeks. Despite the medical necessity and the unsettling nature of the bite, Momsen framed the experience as a quintessential "ROCK AND ROLL MOMENT." The ordeal even earned her a new nickname, "#batgirl," from hospital staff who saw it on the local news.
From Acting to Rock Stardom: The Taylor Momsen Transition
Taylor Momsen’s journey to the stage with a legendary rock band is as fascinating as her recent wildlife encounters. Many first knew her as the precocious and stylish Jenny Humphrey on The CW’s hit teen drama Gossip Girl. From 2007 to 2012, Momsen portrayed the younger sister of Dan Humphrey, navigating the treacherous social landscape of Manhattan’s elite. Her character’s arc saw Jenny evolve from an innocent observer to a participant in the very drama that defined the show.
However, even during her Gossip Girl tenure, Momsen was cultivating a parallel passion for music. She fronted the rock band The Pretty Reckless, whose sound was a stark contrast to the polished world of Constance Billard. The band gained traction with hits like "Make Me Wanna Die" and "Heaven Knows." By the time Gossip Girl concluded, Momsen had largely stepped away from acting to focus entirely on her music career, a decision she has often spoken about with conviction.
In a candid reflection, Momsen has indicated that her time on Gossip Girl was not without its challenges. She has stated that the demanding schedule and the nature of the show were, in her words, "killing" her, leading to her eventual departure. This suggests that her transition to full-time musician was not merely a career shift but a necessary step for her well-being and artistic fulfillment. The grueling demands of a long-running television series, particularly one with such a devoted and demanding fanbase, can take a significant toll on young actors. Momsen’s subsequent success with The Pretty Reckless, marked by critical acclaim and a dedicated following, validates her decision to prioritize her musical aspirations.
The Perils of Touring: A Broader Context
Momsen’s experiences, while unusual in their specific animalistic nature, are emblematic of the broader challenges faced by touring musicians. The life of a touring artist involves constant travel, often in demanding conditions, and exposure to various environments. Beyond the potential for bites from wildlife, musicians are susceptible to a range of health issues, from exhaustion and the spread of illness in close quarters to injuries sustained during performances or travel.
For example, other artists have shared their own health scares on the road or during intense periods of work:
- Hailey Bieber experienced a terrifying health emergency in March 2022 when she suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA), commonly known as a mini-stroke, due to a blood clot in her brain. This was later linked to a hole in her heart, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), which required a surgical procedure to close. The incident underscored the often-unseen health risks associated with stress and underlying medical conditions, even for seemingly healthy individuals.
- Justin Bieber, Hailey’s husband, was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome in June 2022, a viral condition that caused partial facial paralysis. This forced him to cancel the remaining dates of his Justice World Tour, highlighting the severe impact such medical issues can have on a performer’s ability to work and their overall well-being.
- Jamie Foxx revealed in his 2024 Netflix special that he suffered a brain bleed that led to a stroke in April 2023, an experience he described as losing 20 days of his memory. His recovery involved extensive rehabilitation, emphasizing the long-term impact and commitment required to regain health after serious medical complications.
- Emilia Clarke, known for her role in Game of Thrones, bravely shared her experiences with two brain aneurysms that required life-saving surgeries. Her accounts underscore the fragility of health, even for individuals in peak physical condition, and the immense courage required to navigate such life-threatening situations.
These instances, alongside Momsen’s own encounters, paint a picture of the physical and mental fortitude required to sustain a career in the demanding world of professional music and entertainment. The dedication to performing, even in the face of significant health challenges, speaks volumes about the passion artists have for their work and their connection with their audience.
Analysis and Implications
Taylor Momsen’s dual encounters with venomous creatures on tour serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable elements that can disrupt even the most meticulously planned professional endeavors. Her ability to continue performing after both incidents speaks to her resilience and commitment. However, these events also raise questions about the safety protocols and preparedness for touring artists, particularly in remote or less controlled environments.
The public’s fascination with these incidents, while perhaps tinged with morbid curiosity, also reflects a broader interest in the realities of celebrity life beyond the glitz and glamour. Momsen’s candid sharing of her experiences, even the humorous framing of her "rock and roll" misfortunes, fosters a sense of connection with her audience. It humanizes her and underscores the shared vulnerability that even the most famous individuals experience.
Furthermore, Momsen’s past statements about Gossip Girl "killing" her, juxtaposed with her current high-octane musical career, illustrate a significant personal and professional evolution. Her embrace of the demanding, and at times dangerous, life of a touring rock musician suggests a profound alignment of her true passions with her daily reality. The challenges she faces now, while significant, appear to be challenges she has willingly embraced for the sake of her artistic expression.
As Taylor Momsen continues her tour with AC/DC, her fans will undoubtedly be watching with a mixture of admiration for her tenacity and a touch of trepidation, hoping that her list of unusual tour incidents doesn’t include any further wildlife encounters. Her journey from a teen TV star to a formidable frontwoman of a legendary rock band is a testament to her evolving identity and her unwavering dedication to her musical calling, even when it throws a few venomous surprises her way.
