Maynard James Keenan Performs in Drag Onstage With Tool
UPDATE (May 23, 2023): Keenan has responded to reports, saying his recent onstage look with Tool in Florida had "nothing to do with Florida." Read Loudwire’s original report about it below.
Tool's Maynard James Keenan appeared to be challenging Florida's new "anti-drag" bills when he performed in drag, donning prosthetic breasts, exaggerated lipstick and a blonde wig for Tool's Welcome to Rockville set Sunday (May 21) in Daytona Beach, Florida, according to Consequence.
See photos from the Tool performance below.
Earlier this month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed bills that prohibit gender-affirming care for minors, restrict drag shows, limit discussion of personal pronouns in schools and force people to use certain bathrooms, as the Associated Press reported. Similar proposed bills have been working their way through other GOP-led state legislatures.
READ MORE: Twisted Sister's Dee Snider Warns He'll Wear Makeup Again to Oppose Drag Bans
However, Keenan, Tool's lead singer, frequently wears suggestive costumes that alter his appearance onstage with the prog-rock band. He's even worn crossdressing looks before. So it's currently unclear if he meant for his appearance onstage at Welcome to Rockville to be a protest.
Tool Singer Maynard James Keenan Onstage at Florida Festival - May 21, 2023
Drag Show Bans in the U.S.
In February, Tennessee became the first U.S. state to enact such a law. Senate Bill 3, also called the Tennessee drag ban, sharply restricts public "adult cabaret performance" in the entire state.
"My band would not be allowed to perform," Twisted Sister singer Dee Snider told Yahoo! about his group's classic made-up look. "We would fall under that heading, the new rule, if they pass these rules — men wearing lipstick, nail polish and makeup."
READ MORE: Country Star Destroys Bud Light Can to Queen Cover Song, Doesn't See the Irony
Snider illustrated, "I was heterosexual, and I still had a lot of issues with a lot of people because I wore the things I wore in the '70s and even into the '80s. So I've been on the receiving end."
More Tool Photos - May 21
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Tool 2023 Tour Dates
May 25 – Columbus, Ohio @ Sonic Temple
Sept. 22 – Louisville, Ky. @ Louder Than Life
Oct. 6 – Sacramento, Calif. @ Aftershock
Oct. 8 – Indio, Calif. @ Power Trip