William Shatner, 95, to debut heavy metal performance in surprising career move
By Sean O'Grady, Press Association Deputy Entertainment Editor
William Shatner has announced his first heavy metal performance later this year, with his newly formed band The *uckers at Riot Fest in Chicago.
The Star Trek actor, 95, will take to the stage at Douglass Park on September 20th, after the punk rock festival spent more than a decade trying to get him to perform.
Riot Fest posted that Chicago should rename a boat after Shatner so he could “captain a ship again”, referring to his role as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek.
The festival also posted a video of Shatner confirming the news.
He said: “Riot Fest fans, Shatner here.
“I’ve been thinking about all those letters you sent me, and I decided you’re such big fans of mine that I’m going to debut my heavy metal record at Riot Fest and I hope you’ll be there, I hope I’m there.
“I hope you have my rider and yes, don’t forget my bowl of sauerkraut, if you please.”
He posted a photo of himself brandishing a guitar to promote his performance.
He wrote: “I am going to be doing a live performance of my new live heavy metal spectacle to Douglas Park in Chicago on Sunday August 20, 2026.
“This is an event you definitely will be telling your grandchildren about! I hope to see you there.”
Riot Fest has a history of courting celebrities to perform, and actor John Stamos made his debut with The Beach Boys in 2025.
Festival founder Mike “Riot Mike” Petryshyn said: “After years of persistently, and perhaps annoyingly, writing letters to William Shatner about performing at Riot Fest, it appears that he was finally compelled.
“I for one cannot wait to see Shatner get heavy. But that Shatner Rider… wasn’t expecting that today.”
Shatner said he was looking forward to the show.
He said in a statement: “I’ve always believed that music, like space, is about exploration.
“Riot Fest is exactly the kind of place where anything can happen. We’re bringing volume, intensity, and a few surprises. I can’t wait to share this experience with the fans.”
