Why does Orville Peck wear a black mask? Unpacking the singer’s look

On By Littum

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“Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry,” brought the Christmas spirit to Nashville with performances from both established names and up-and-comers.

The country music supergroup, known for hits like “Girl Crush” and “Boondocks,” brought together singers like Dan + Shay, Sheryl Crow and Kate Hudson for the holiday spectacular, which aired on NBC Monday night. But one artist in particular, a masked country crooner, left many wondering: who is it?

Orville Peck, whose costume has now become a signature, donned a mask to do “Christmas All Over Again.” Here’s a look at the South African country singer and why he always wears a disguise.

Who is Orville Peck?

Peck, whose real name is Daniel Pitout, is a country singer from Johannesburg, South Africa. Originally drummer for the Canadian punk band Now SensaeAccording to several media outlets, his punk days often surprise even his friends.

The 36-year-old, who is openly gay, has been a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in the country music scene, and has collaborated with big names such as Willie Nelson, Tanya Tucker, Noah Cyrus and Beck. But it hasn’t always been easy.

“It was a lot of people who almost laughed in my face and told me that being an openly gay man in the country would never work.” he told People magazine in 2023. “I’ve faced very discouraging moments in my career. But I just kept my chin up and I refused to let anyone tell me I couldn’t do what I wanted,” he said.

In addition to advocacy, he has also worked to bring new artists onto the scene with his annual Rodeo, which travels to various cities to bring newer talent to light.

Peck has also served as inspiration for some of the biggest names in the music industry right now.

“I went to see him and his show changed my whole life. It changed how I do shows,” Chappell Roan said during an interview on Nardwuar the Human Napkin. “He was performing at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, and he had local drag queens open up for him. Meatball was one of them. I said to myself from that show, ‘If I ever do my own headline act, I’ll have local drag queens open up for me too.’ So he changed my life and now we’re friends.” Roan told the show’s host.

In the ‘Carpool Karaoke’ holiday episode, Chappell Roan’s parents jump in the back seat

Who is the masked country singer?

While his mask has changed and gotten smaller over the years, Peck has kept his face hidden from the public. And while it may seem like an obstacle, it hasn’t stopped him from being his true self on stage.

“The misconception is that it’s a character or I’m cultivating some persona or whatever. But I grew up loving country, where there was a cross between theatricality and very honest songwriting. DollyIt’s a perfect example – the big wigs, the crazy outfits, but it’s her. For me, I was obsessed with the Lone Ranger, cowboys hiding their faces, so that’s what I wanted to do, Peck told People.

Who performed at the ‘Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry’ special?

“We’ve invited some of our dearest friends to join us on stage, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience the magic of the holidays in such an incredible venue,” the band said in a statement ahead of the show.

  • Small big city
  • Dan + Shay
  • Kelsea Ballerini
  • Sheryl Crow
  • Kirk Franklin
  • Josh Groban
  • Kate Hudson
  • Orville Peck