Get ready to rock, Trekkies! William Shatner is set to unleash his inner headbanger at Riot Fest in Chicago on 20 September 2026, as the 95-year-old Star Trek legend makes a shock heavy metal debut with his new band, The *uckers.
The news is the culmination of over a decade's worth of campaigning by Riot Fest organisers, who've been trying to persuade Shatner to join their eclectic line-up. And what an entrant he'll be! With a history of attracting unexpected celebrity performers – think John Stamos jamming with The Beach Boys in 2025 – this year's festival promises to be one for the books.
Shatner himself confirmed the news, poking fun at the years-long efforts to secure his appearance. "I've been asked nicely, not so nicely, and even begged to join the Riot Fest family," he quipped in a video message to fans. And judging by the photo of him strumming a guitar, he's clearly itching to get on stage and unleash some serious sonic fury.
So what can festival-goers expect from Shatner's heavy metal spectacle? Well, according to his rider, there'll be plenty of sauerkraut to go around – because even at 95, the actor still knows how to bring a bit of wit and charm to proceedings. And as Riot Fest founder Mike "Riot Mike" Petryshyn put it: "After years of pestering William Shatner, we're finally about to see him get heavy. Bring on the mosh pits!"
Shatner will be joining a star-studded line-up at Riot Fest, which includes Twenty One Pilots, Iggy Pop, Tool, Morrissey, Alanis Morissette, Pixies, and Rise Against, among others. But let's be honest – this is the one to watch. Who knew that Captain Kirk had such a hidden talent for thrashing out power chords?