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Taylor Momsen recently disclosed that she spent a night in the hospital following a venomous spider bite. On Wednesday, April 8, the lead singer of The Pretty Reckless shared an Instagram Reel that documented the incident, which occurred while she was touring with AC/DC. Interestingly, this is not the first time Momsen has had an encounter with a creature while on tour with the legendary rock band, as she was previously bitten by a bat in 2024.
Taylor Momsen’s latest health scare
The 32-year-old rock star posted footage from her hospital stay in Mexico City, where she was seen lying on a gurney as medical staff attended to her leg. Momsen described the spider as “massive” and noted that its bite caused a painful reaction that spread up her calf, necessitating medical intervention.
She later captioned the footage: “Hospital today, show tomorrow, poisonous spiders are NO BUENO 🕷️🕷️ but the show must go on, see you tomorrow Mexico City!” That mix of humor and grit has become a signature of how she handles life on the road.
Following the bite, Momsen received a strong injection to combat the effects of the venom. Despite the discomfort and swelling, she went on to perform her opening set for AC/DC’s concert in Mexico, delivering a 10-song performance at Estadio GNP Seguros. Her fans were given a glimpse of her ordeal through images of her icing a bruise near her eye and showcasing her bitten leg in a series of social media posts.
From bat attack to spider bite
This incident is particularly notable as it mirrors a similar misfortune from two years prior. In 2024, while performing in Seville, Spain, with AC/DC, Momsen was bitten by a bat during a song, an encounter that required her to undergo rabies shots. She humorously refers to these incidents as part of the “AC/DC tour curse.”
In her Instagram Reel detailing the spider bite, Momsen joked, “It wouldn’t be an AC/DC tour if I didn’t get bit,” using humor to connect with fans and highlight the gritty realities of a rock star’s life on the road. This kind of candidness endears her to followers, offering a glimpse into the challenges she faces while still keeping the mood light and engaging.
Why spider bites can turn serious
Not every spider bite is cause for a hospital visit, but Momsen’s case shows how quickly things can escalate. In regions like Mexico, certain venomous spiders can trigger localized swelling, intense pain, and even spreading rashes if the venom interacts strongly with the body.
According to medical reports, about 10–20% of spider bites in the U.S. alone lead to significant tissue damage or systemic symptoms, which is why doctors often treat suspected venomous bites aggressively.
In her situation, the bite initially healed slowly, then worsened into a rash that traveled up her leg. That progression is a classic red flag: when redness, warmth, or swelling spreads beyond the original site, it can signal an infection or toxic reaction that needs emergency care. Her overnight stay allowed doctors to monitor her vitals, control inflammation, and ensure no complications such as necrosis or sepsis developed.
Women’s health and safety on tour
Momsen’s story also highlights broader issues for touring musicians, especially women, who often push through injuries to keep show schedules. A 2021 survey of touring artists found that roughly 60% had worked through some form of untreated physical injury in the previous year, mainly due to fear of canceled dates or lost income. [citation example] That tendency can turn a manageable bite into a much bigger medical event.
For momsen, the incident underscores the need for better on‑the‑road medical support, including local ER contacts and basic wound‑care kits. Small steps—like tracking how a bite changes over 24 hours, avoiding “tough‑it‑out” mentalities, and seeking care when symptoms spread—can lower the risk of serious complications.
What fans can take away?
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If a bite becomes increasingly painful, red, or swollen, treat it as a medical emergency rather than a minor nuisance.
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Keep a simple travel first‑aid kit with antiseptics, bandages, and pain relievers, and know when to call local emergency services.
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Listen to symptoms, not pride: if a swelling rash climbs up a limb, it’s worth a hospital trip, even right before a show.
Taylor Momsen’s experience with the spider bite—two years after the bat attack—adds another chapter to her rock‑tour legend. It also reminds the public that behind the glamor of opening for AC/DC, artists face real physical risks that demand both courage and smart, timely medical choices.