William Shatner, the iconic 95-year-old Canadian actor best known for his role as James Tiberius Kirk in the original Star Trek series, is stepping into the world of heavy metal music with a new band. This unexpected venture will see him releasing an album that is set to debut at the upcoming Riot Fest in Chicago this summer.
Despite primarily being recognized for his acting, Shatner has a history of musical endeavors, having released multiple albums over the years. Starting with his 1968 album The Transformed Man, where he delivered spoken-word covers of popular songs, Shatner has continued to explore music throughout his career. Collaborations with artists like Ben Folds in Has Been (2004) and a star-studded lineup in Seeking Major Tom (2011) have showcased his diverse musical interests.
The decision to unveil his heavy metal project at Riot Fest comes as a surprise to some, given the festival’s reputation for hosting punk, rock, hip-hop, and alternative acts. Organizers of the festival have long pursued Shatner to perform, even initiating a persistent letter-writing campaign to secure his presence.
Shatner’s new band, The *uckers, comprises renowned musicians such as Phil Soussan, Marcus Nand, Britt Lightning, and Fred Aching. Together, they will reinterpret Shatner’s classic tracks and offer a preview of their upcoming heavy metal album.
Expressing his excitement for this musical exploration, Shatner emphasized the unpredictable nature of Riot Fest as the perfect setting for such an endeavor. However, before taking the stage, Shatner has laid out a series of unique demands for the festival organizers, including extravagant requests like fire breathers, a signed Montreal Canadiens hockey sweater, and a themed dressing room dubbed “Shatner’s Shag Shack.” Additionally, he has put forth requests for the city of Chicago, such as singing Take Me out to the Ball Game at a baseball game and co-anchoring the weather with a local meteorologist. One of his most audacious demands involves renaming a boat in his honor to fulfill his dream of captaining a ship once more.