WILLIAM SHATNER Says His RIOT FEST Performance ‘Proved’ To Him The ‘Viability’ Of His Upcoming Heavy Metal Album: ‘This Is Gonna Be A Major Thing’
William Shatner says his performance at Riot Fest convinced him that his forthcoming heavy metal album has potential. The 95-year-old actor previewed material with his newly formed band, THE *UCKERS, and says the crowd’s response and reviews showed him the project could make a significant impact.
The album, titled “What The F Is Heavy Metal?”, is tentatively due in 2027 through Cleopatra Records. Shatner and longtime writing partner Rob Sharenow wrote six original songs, alongside six covers; his Riot Fest set included Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne and Motörhead songs. The recording features around 50 guest musicians, including Queen’s Brian May, Judas Priest’s Rob Halford and Slayer’s Dave Lombardo, and Shatner plans to review his vocal performances before final adjustments.
- Riot Fest’s response boosted Shatner’s confidence in his heavy metal album.
- “What The F Is Heavy Metal?” is tentatively due in 2027.
- Around 50 musicians, including Brian May, are involved.