How Dan Reynolds Turns Going Shirtless Into A Statement Against Toxic Masculinity

Las Vegas pop-rock band Imagine Dragons’ front man Dan Reynolds is known for performing shirtless, and he claims he does it to show off his imperfections.

A publication recently reported the 38-year-old getting together with fans for a heart-to-heart on topics like self-image and masculinity. There, he talked about how men were pressured into appearing “tough,” “flawless,” and “unbreakable.” 

His remarks come in the wake of previous revelations about his health battles and a troubled childhood.

The comment came nearly a decade after he transformed himself 

Dan Reynolds performing on stage in a patterned suit, highlighting themes related to toxic masculinity in music.

Image credits: Lester Cohen/Getty

“Men are told we have to be strong, hide our feelings, and never show weakness.

“But I’ve struggled with uncertainty, scars, pain–just like everyone else,” Dnews reported him saying.

“I want people to see the real me. Not some perfect image.”

Dan Reynolds shirtless on stage singing into a microphone, wearing sunglasses, linking to toxic masculinity discussion.

Image credits: imaginedragons

This reported statement comes seven years after the Radioactive hitmaker documented himself transforming from slightly built to a brawny hulk with a chiseled upper torso.

He claimed to have rid himself of two diseases over a couple of months 

“I’ve spent a decade fighting an autoimmune disease that inflamed my joints (AS). I now live pain-free, am in full remission & am the healthiest I’ve ever been. I owe it to Brad Feinberg,” Reynolds captioned the now-deleted X post.

@iddragonwagon 😂😂😂 #imaginedragons#danreynolds#livemusic#concert♬ original sound – dragonwagon

“Correct diet, vitamins & exercise. I’ll share it all w u soon. It’s been life changing for me.”

He claimed that at the time of the post, in 2018, it took just a few months to bring about the change and supported his reason for the photo dump with: 

“When you live in pain for a decade and someone fixes your body it’s nothing short of a miracle.”

Dan Reynolds shirtless on stage holding microphone stand, performing with red background related to toxic masculinity.

Image credits: Wagner Meier/Getty

Notably, the update, per E! News, came just two months after he had announced his split from his wife of seven years, Anna Volkman.

He made a documentary about Mormons mistreating their LGBTQ members in 2018

The separation came shortly after Reynolds was cast as a central figure in the HBO documentary Believer, where he delved into the Mormon faith and how it treated its LGBTQ members.

Dan Reynolds shirtless on stage during a live performance, highlighting themes of toxic masculinity and self-expression.

Image credits: andi.elloway/imaginedragons

@itsme_ingrid_ The moment, so many people were waiting for… Dan Reynolds took his shirt off at the Imagine Dragons concert in Toronto. August 9, 2024 Credits to thekillersshows_ on IG #LOOM#imaginedragons#danreynolds#concert#shirtless♬ Originalton – itsme_ingrid_

“Last year,” The Hollywood Reporter wrote in January 2018, “Reynolds decided to turn his focus to the dramatic spike in teen s***ides in Utah, an epidemic many have tied to the Mormon church’s harsh official positions on same-s*x relationships and the impact that has had on LGBTQ youth.”

The outlet acknowledged his work but harshly criticized the angle the production took. 

It claimed the production centered on a “straight, rich rock star saving the world” when it could have been “20 percent more” focused on “the stories he’s trying to amplify.”

Dan Reynolds shirtless on stage, holding a microphone, highlighting issues around toxic masculinity in performance.

Image credits: imaginedragons

And even then, it surmised, “you’d still have come away thinking the documentary was about this great thing the Imagine Dragons guy decided to do.”

He claims he was depressed and bullied in his teen years 

Despite the criticisms, Reynolds, who claims to have been bullied as a child, has been postured as a role model for men.

Australian Mentoring Men Aus posted a snippet of an interview with the man in December 2024, during which he discussed his depression as a scholar. 

“I didn’t have a name for it in my teenage years, but I knew I was different from the kids around me,” he said.

Dan Reynolds shirtless on stage, holding microphone stand with confetti and lights celebrating toxic masculinity topic.

Image credits: imaginedragons

“It’s not sad,” he asserted. “Anybody who’s been depressed knows it’s not [sadness].

“I didn’t wanna go out, I felt numb. People would speak to me and it would go in one ear and out the other,” he recalled.

Fans are in favor of his dressed-down look on stage

“Dan’s story is a testament to the strength in vulnerability and the importance of prioritizing mental health. His words encourage us all to break the silence and seek the support we need,” Mentoring Men Aus captioned the video.

@maaykegiesen Dan without shirt 🫠😮‍💨🤍 @Imagine Dragons #imaginedragons#imaginedragonslive#imaginedragonsconcert#imaginedragonsloom#loomtour#followyou#imaginedragonsfollowyou#imaginedragonsamsterdam#danreynolds#danreynoldslive♬ Follow You – Imagine Dragons

Social media, it appears, cannot see as far as Reynold’s motivations—in fact, they cannot see past the topless performances.

“Don’t need a reason, no one’s complaining!” confirmed a netizen.

For one fan, it is the reason they attend his concerts. “I’d want my money back if he didn’t,” they quipped. 

“He does it because the world would be just a little sadder for all of us if he wouldn’t,” echoed another.

Screenshot of a social media comment discussing toxic masculinity in relation to Dan Reynolds going shirtless every show.

Comment from Warren Miller about Dan Reynolds going shirtless every show, discussing toxic masculinity online.

A social media comment by Stephen Wallace stating his support related to Dan Reynolds going shirtless and toxic masculinity.

Comment by Jan Cross about a show being more appealing, featuring emojis expressing happiness and gratitude for the discussion on toxic masculinity.

Comment by Marilia T Hagen discussing breaking down barriers and showing true strength related to toxic masculinity and Dan Reynolds shirtless shows.

Comment by Clyde Gaspard saying We don’t care why just keep doing it, related to Dan Reynolds shirtless shows and toxic masculinity.

Comment by Emma Jenkinson saying she’s glad Dan Reynolds goes shirtless every show with fire and heart-eyes emojis, relating to toxic masculinity.

Andreea Mihalcea shares a comment on Dan Reynolds going shirtless and its relation to toxic masculinity in a social media post.

Comment by Eli Willey praising appearance, related to discussion of Dan Reynolds going shirtless and toxic masculinity.

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User comment by Samantha Bowker about Dan Reynolds going shirtless every show related to toxic masculinity.

Comment from Jodi Thacker expressing enjoyment of the view and mentioning Dan Reynolds going shirtless.

Comment by Cathy May Walker questioning why people wouldn't want to see Dan Reynolds shirtless, relating to toxic masculinity discussion.

Comment by Paula Kirwan reacting humorously about Dan Reynolds going shirtless every show related to toxic masculinity.

Comment by Marie Alben saying he goes shirtless every show because he’s fit, related to Dan Reynolds and toxic masculinity discussion.

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