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SEE: Tool frontman performs in drag during Central Florida show following new state legislation

Welcome to Rockville in Daytona Beach predicted to draw 170K people over weekend

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The frontman of an iconic metal band made a big statement during a performance in Central Florida this weekend.

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Maynard James Keenan, vocalist for Tool, performed on stage in what appeared to be a form-fitting spaghetti strap shirt, blonde hair, fake breasts and red makeup smeared over his lips as one of the headlining acts Sunday at Welcome to Rockville.

The gesture was in apparent protest to recent Florida legislature that critics say target drag shows and the LGBTQ+ community.

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“We couldn’t think of a better way to close out our biggest day in Rockville history with @Tool,” Welcome to Rockville tweeted along with video of the performance.

See the video in the tweet below:

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This month, DeSantis signed bills Wednesday that ban gender-affirming care for minors, target drag shows, restrict discussion of personal pronouns in schools and force people to use certain bathrooms.

The Florida House panel approved the bill some believe is aimed at blocking venues from letting kids into drag shows, while others believe the bill is unconstitutional.

READ: DeSantis signs bills targeting drag shows, transgender kids and the use of bathrooms and pronouns

Republicans said the bill will protect children and make it illegal for businesses to allow parents to bring their kids to “adult live performances.”

The measure would allow state regulators to suspend the liquor license of businesses that violate the law.

Welcome to Rockville, an annual rock music festival in Daytona Beach, was expected to draw 170,000 people over the weekend.


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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.

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