William Shatner to perform with his heavy metal band at Riot Fest
In a surprising turn of events, 95-year-old actor William Shatner, known for his iconic role as Captain James Tiberius Kirk in the original Star Trek series, has announced a new venture into the world of heavy metal music. Shatner is set to debut his latest album with his heavy metal band, The *uckers, at the upcoming Riot Fest music festival in Chicago.
For those who may only know Shatner for his role as the fearless starship captain, this musical endeavor may come as a shock. However, Shatner is no stranger to the music scene, having released a number of albums over the years, starting back in 1968 with “The Transformed Man.” Although his unique style of covering popular songs with dramatic spoken word performances accompanied by music was met with criticism, it did not deter Shatner from exploring new musical horizons.
His upcoming album debut at Riot Fest raises the question of why this particular venue. Riot Fest, an independent music festival known for featuring a diverse range of musical acts, from punk to hip-hop to rock ‘n’ roll, has a reputation for hosting band reunions and unexpected surprises. The festival organizers reportedly made multiple attempts to persuade Shatner to perform over the years, culminating in the announcement of his heavy metal band’s debut at this year’s event.
Shatner’s band, The *uckers, includes seasoned musicians such as Phil Soussan on bass (formerly of Ozzy Osbourne and Billy Idol’s band), Marcus Nand on guitar (a flamenco guitarist serving as musical director), Britt Lightning on guitar (from glam-metal band Vixen), and Fred Aching on drums (a touring musician and member of Powerflo). Together, they plan to reinterpret Shatner’s classic songs and introduce new material from their upcoming heavy metal album.
In preparation for his performance, Shatner has laid out a list of demands that must be met by Riot Fest organizers. These requests, disclosed in his rider, range from fire breathers to personalized dressing rooms, including quirky items like a signed Montreal Canadiens hockey sweater from John Stamos and a themed dressing room known as “Shatner’s Shag Shack.” Additionally, Shatner has made requests to the city of Chicago, such as singing at a baseball game and co-anchoring the weather with a local meteorologist, showcasing his playful and adventurous spirit.
Despite his advanced age, Shatner’s enthusiasm for exploring new creative avenues remains unwavering. His decision to unveil his heavy metal album at Riot Fest demonstrates his willingness to embrace the unexpected and push boundaries. As Shatner puts it, “Riot Fest is exactly the kind of place where anything can happen,” reflecting his adventurous spirit and enduring passion for music as a form of exploration.