William Shatner to appear at Riot Fest with metal band
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William Shatner, aged 95, is set to perform at Chicago's Riot Fest in September 2026 with a metal backing band, continuing the Star Trek actor's unlikely late-career pivot into heavy music. The performance ties in with an ongoing heavy metal album he is recording for Cleopatra Records, and organisers have framed the show as a genuine live set rather than a novelty appearance.
Shatner will be backed by musicians from the Nuclear Messiah collective, including guitarist Marcus Nand, bassist Phil Soussan (known for work with Ozzy Osbourne and Billy Idol), guitarist Britt Lightning and drummer Fred Aching. His forthcoming album features covers of Judas Priest songs "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" and "Living After Midnight", with guest appearances from Rob Halford and Mikkey Dee. Riot Fest runs from 18–20 September at Douglass Park, Chicago, alongside acts including Tool, Twenty One Pilots and Alanis Morissette.
- William Shatner, 95, to play Riot Fest with a metal band
- Show ties into his forthcoming heavy metal album for Cleopatra Records
- Riot Fest runs 18–20 September in Chicago
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William Shatner is best known as the actor who played Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek television series and films. He has also had a long career in television, film, books and music, often using a spoken-word style rather than conventional singing.
Heavy metal is a style of rock music known for amplified guitars, prominent drums and forceful vocals. Shatner has previously recorded versions of rock songs with established musicians, making his work an unusual crossover between an actor’s spoken performance and metal music.
Riot Fest is a Chicago music festival that brings together artists from punk, rock, alternative and metal scenes. A live appearance by Shatner with a specialist backing band places him on a programme otherwise led by touring music acts.
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Originally published by Consequence as “95-Year-Old William Shatner to Play Riot Fest with Metal Backing Band”.