Tool Headlined Riot Fest After Recent Surgery
Maynard James Keenan performed in Chicago just three weeks after undergoing hip replacement surgery.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Metal
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The band Tool headlined the Saturday night slot at Chicago's Riot Fest. Lead singer Maynard James Keenan returned to the stage only three weeks after his late August 2026 hip replacement surgery.
Why it matters
The set was moved up in the schedule due to potential weather hazards and a flight delay, marking a notable moment in the band's touring history. Keenan adjusted his performance by staying in the back quadrants of the stage during the set.
Tool has not released a new studio album since 2019. The band has been active for more than 30 years and famously released the hit song Ænema in 1996.
The players
Tool
Tool is an American rock band formed in 1990 that is known for its complex musical arrangements and visual performances.
Maynard James Keenan
Maynard James Keenan is the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for the rock bands Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer.
Adam Jones
Adam Jones is the guitarist and visual artist for Tool who is credited with creating the band's distinctive sound and music videos.
Riot Fest
Riot Fest is an annual multi-day music festival held in Chicago that focuses primarily on punk, rock, and metal music.
The details
During the performance of Stinkfist, the band utilized large screens to display the song's original music video. Guitarist Adam Jones, who grew up in the nearby Illinois town of Libertyville, joined the band for the Saturday headline slot.
Timeline
Tool performed at Riot Fest on September 19, 2026.
Maynard James Keenan underwent hip replacement surgery in late August 2026.
The band released the album Fear Inoculum in 2019.
Tool released the hit song Ænema in 1996.
Industry Dynamics
The festival circuit remains a crucial landscape for veteran rock acts to maintain their footprint between long gaps in studio output. This performance follows the band's established pattern of relying on legacy catalog hits like those found on the 1996 release of Ænema.
Festival attendees experienced a condensed setlist because organizers moved the band's time slot forward to avoid incoming storms and flight delays. Fans who purchased tickets for the three-day event saw Tool headline Saturday while other headliners like Twenty One Pilots and Pierce the Veil took the stage on Friday and Sunday.
The takeaway
Even after major surgery, veteran performers often adapt their stage presence to continue touring for their fan base. Maintaining a career spanning three decades requires navigating physical challenges while balancing demanding festival schedules.
Further reading
For more on the heavy music scene, visit Metal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
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