Riot Fest in Chicago is set to get even wilder, as 95-year-old acting legend William Shatner brings his own brand of metal mayhem to the festival stage. The man who once boldly went where no actor had gone before now wants to rock Riot Fest with his band, The F***ers, on September 20, 2026 – and he's made it clear what he expects from the city in return.
Among Shatner's eyebrow-raising demands are a boat renamed in his honour so he can relive his captaincy days on Lake Michigan. He also wants to warble 'Take Me Out To The Ball Game' at a Chicago baseball game and co-anchor the weather forecast on local TV. These antics hint at his flair for the dramatic and desire to immerse himself in the local experience.
For his Riot Fest performance, Shatner's gone big – or should we say, loud? He wants an intro video crafted by the notorious GWAR, a battalion of fire breathers, and a DeLorean (not a golf cart!) to transport him to the stage. And backstage, it gets even wilder – with promises of a truly unforgettable experience for both Shatner and the festival organisers.
His dressing room, dubbed 'Shatner's Shag Shack', is to be kitted out with some eccentric items, including four feet of Polish sausage, eight pallets of Faygo, an assortment of adoptable puppies, and a Montreal Canadiens jersey signed by John Stamos. These outlandish demands only add to the excitement for what promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Shatner's philosophy is clear: "Music is about exploration, just like space. Riot Fest is exactly the kind of place where anything can happen." Riot Fest co-founder Mike Petryshyn added, "After years of pestering him with letters, we're thrilled to finally have Shatner on board – but that rider... well, let's just say it was a surprise!"
Despite his advanced age, Shatner shows no signs of slowing down. He's still pushing the boundaries with new projects, including a metal album and even a stint in space aboard the Blue Origin rocket in 2021 – where he became the oldest person to blast off into orbit. This continued energy and enthusiasm demonstrate why he remains an entertainment icon.