Tool’s Maynard James Keenan Performs in Drag Onstage in Florida

UPDATE (May 23, 2023): Keenan has responded to reports, saying his recent costume onstage with Tool in Florida had "nothing to do with Florida."

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 wig for Tool's Welcome to Rockville set on Sunday (May 21) in Daytona Beach, Florida, as Consequence conjectured.

See photos of Tool's 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 band. He's even worn crossdressing looks before. So it's currently unclear if he meant his appearance onstage at Welcome to Rockville to be a protest.

Maynard James Keenan Crossdresses at Florida Festival

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."

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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

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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

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