Star Trek icon, William Shatner has announced that he will play his first heavy metal show later this year in a shock announcement.
The 95 year old actor, will play this live show as part of his newly formed band, The *uckers, taking place at Riot Fest in Chicago in September. The festival confirmed this news on social media, and made a clever reference to Shatner's role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek by suggesting that Chicago should rename a boat after Shatner, so he could "captain a ship again" (according to the Press Association).
They also shared a video of Shatner confirming the news, with the actor's new band to play live at Douglass Park on September 20.
"Riot Fest fans, Shatner here", the actor said. "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".
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Shatner also shared a photo of himself with a guitar, promoting the performance.
"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", he said. "This is an event you definitely will be telling your grandchildren about! I hope to see you there".
In a statement to the Press Association, Festival promoter, 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".
William Shatner also released a statement, saying he was excited about playing live at the festival. "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".
Riot Fest has a rich history of signing up celebrities to perform at their shows. Last year, actor John Stamos debuted at the festival with The Beach Boys.
Back in April, William Shatner dismissed fake news stories suggesting that he had been diagnosed with cancer, and also warned against the dangers of AI getting into the wrong hands. Find out more on this from Nova here.
