You’ve seen the videos. A shirtless, muscular guy pacing a massive stage like a caged tiger, belting out "Radioactive" or "Believer" while thousands of people scream along. That’s Dan Reynolds. But if you think he’s just another arena rock star with a penchant for high-production anthems, you’re kinda missing the lead.
The guy is a walking contradiction. He’s a former Mormon missionary who became one of the LGBTQ+ community's loudest allies. He’s a world-class athlete-looking frontman who, behind the scenes, has spent years fighting a body that literally tries to fuse its own joints together.
Honestly, it’s a miracle he’s still standing on those stages at all.
The Battle You Can’t See: Ankylosing Spondylitis
Most people don't know that for a huge chunk of Imagine Dragons' rise to the top, Dan was in agonizing pain. We’re talking "can’t-get-out-of-bed" pain. It’s called Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). It’s a rare autoimmune disease where the body decides to attack the spine and pelvis.
It’s pretty scary stuff.
Back in 2015, Dan finally opened up about it during a concert. He described nights where he couldn't sleep because it felt like someone was drilling into his hips. There were shows where he stood perfectly still at the mic for two hours because moving even an inch was unbearable.
How does he do it now?
It's not just luck. It's a brutal regime. As of early 2026, Dan is still managing the disease through a mix of biologics (when things get bad), a "super boring" clean diet, and constant movement. If he stops moving, the inflammation settles in. That’s why he’s always at the gym or doing hot yoga. The "buff rock star" look isn't just vanity—it's literal survival.
He’s currently in a period of low disease activity, but as he’s told fans repeatedly, AS is unpredictable. A "bad year" could be right around the corner.
Leaving the Fold
Dan’s relationship with his upbringing is... complicated. He grew up the seventh of nine children in a strict Mormon household in Las Vegas. He did the whole thing: Eagle Scout, BYU, two-year mission in Nebraska.
But things changed.
By 2024, Dan confirmed he was no longer a practicing member of the LDS Church. It wasn't just a whim. It was a decade-long process of grappling with the church's stance on LGBTQ+ rights. He’s been very vocal about the "harmful" rhetoric that leads to high suicide rates among queer youth in religious communities.
He’s now raising his four kids—Arrow, twins Gia and Coco, and son Valentine—outside the church. He told People recently that his biggest goal is to "not manipulate" his kids. He wants them to choose their own path.
That’s a big deal when you come from a family where almost everyone else is still active in the faith. Remarkably, he still stays close with them. They even bought a 10-acre "communal compound" in Vegas where the whole extended family lives. Imagine that: a bunch of devout Mormons and one world-famous ex-Mormon rock star sharing a backyard. It sounds like a reality show, but it’s just his life.
Love, Loss, and Minka Kelly
The last few years have been a whirlwind for his personal life. After a decade of marriage and a very public "will-they-won't-they" reconciliation, Dan and Aja Volkman officially divorced in 2024.
Enter Minka Kelly.
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They’ve been "attached at the hip" since late 2022. Just a few days ago, in January 2026, they were spotted at the airport in Burbank sharing a pretty emotional goodbye before she headed off for work. They’re low-key. They take their dog for walks in Los Feliz. They go to Pilates together.
It seems healthy. Dan even credited their success to "really great therapists" in an interview last year. It’s refreshing to hear a guy in his position admit that fame doesn't fix a messy heart.
Imagine Dragons in 2026: The "Loom" Era
Musically, the band is in a weirdly experimental place. Their 2024 album, Loom, was their first as a trio after longtime drummer Daniel Platzman left. It was short—only nine tracks—but it hit hard.
They just wrapped up the massive Loom World Tour in late 2025, closing out with some huge shows in Brazil. If you missed it, there’s a concert film from the Hollywood Bowl (with a full orchestra) that’s been hitting streaming services lately.
Critics still love to hate them. They get compared to Nickelback all the time. But does it matter?
- 74 million albums sold.
- 160 billion streams.
- Four Diamond-certified singles.
The numbers are stupidly high. Dan calls the band "genre-less," which is basically code for "we do whatever we want." One day it’s a guitar-heavy rock track, the next it’s an electropop song with J Balvin.
What Actually Matters Now
If you’re following Dan Reynolds in 2026, you’re looking at a guy who has finally figured out who he is. He’s not the "Mormon rock star" anymore. He’s an activist, a dad, and a chronic illness warrior.
Actionable Insights for Fans & Followers:
- Support the Cause: If you care about Dan’s mission, check out the LOVELOUD Foundation. They do incredible work for LGBTQ+ youth, especially in conservative areas.
- Health Awareness: If you suffer from unexplained, chronic back or hip pain (especially if it’s worse in the morning), don't just "power through." See a rheumatologist and ask about Ankylosing Spondylitis. Early diagnosis is the only way to prevent permanent spinal fusion.
- The Music: Keep an eye out for the Live From The Hollywood Bowl stream. It’s arguably the best vocal performance Dan has ever put on record.
Dan Reynolds isn't going anywhere. Whether he's shirtless on a stage in Sao Paulo or walking his dog in LA, he's living proof that you can rebuild your life, your body, and your faith on your own terms.
To stay updated on the band's next moves, you can follow their official social channels or keep tabs on the LOVELOUD 2026 festival dates, which are expected to be announced soon.