William Shatner, 95, set to debut his new heavy metal band this fall

William Shatner is preparing to take the stage in a way few would expect. At 95, the veteran actor is set to debut his heavy metal band, The *uckers, at the Riot Fest music festival in Chicago this September. This performance marks a new chapter for an artist who has released fifteen albums over his career and continues to look for unconventional creative outlets.

The project is billed as a live heavy metal spectacle and will showcase tracks from his upcoming album, titled What the F is Heavy Metal. Shatner will be joined by a band that includes guitarists Marcus Nand and Britt Lightning, bassist Phil Soussan, and drummer Fred Aching. He frames the venture as a form of exploration, drawing parallels between the intensity of music and his previous experiences with space travel.

Shatner has leaned into the playful nature of the event, even issuing a list of requests for his tour rider. His requirements include a specific hockey sweater signed by John Stamos and large quantities of Polish sausage, along with crates of soda. The mention of Stamos is a nod to the long-standing friendly rapport between the actor and the festival organizers, who courted Stamos for years before his own appearance last year.

The actor remains committed to the performance, urging fans to attend an event he claims will be a memorable experience. His decision to pivot into heavy metal at this stage in his life highlights an unconventional approach to his public persona. Fans can expect a mix of reimagined songs from his back catalog alongside the new material when he hits the stage on September 20 at Douglas Park.