William Shatner, the iconic Canadian actor known for his role as Captain Kirk in “Star Trek,” is making headlines once again in 2026. This time, the 95-year-old star is venturing into the world of heavy metal music with a new band. The band, named The *uckers, includes talented musicians such as Phil Soussan on bass, Marcus Nand on guitar, Britt Lightning on guitar, and Fred Aching on drums.
Despite being primarily recognized for his acting career, Shatner has a long history of musical endeavors, having released multiple albums over the years. His musical journey began in 1968 with the album “The Transformed Man,” where he covered popular songs in a unique spoken voice style. Despite facing criticism, Shatner continued to explore his musical talents, collaborating with artists like Ben Folds and Sheryl Crow on subsequent albums.
The upcoming album from The *uckers will feature reimagined versions of Shatner’s classic songs and introduce new heavy metal material. The band is set to debut their album at the Riot Fest music festival in Chicago this summer. Riot Fest, known for its diverse lineup of punk, rock, hip-hop, metal, and alternative acts, has been eagerly anticipating Shatner’s performance, with festival organizers making efforts to bring the star to the stage.
In a video message shared on the Riot Fest website, Shatner expressed his excitement about the upcoming performance and invited fans to join him at the festival. While details about additional tour dates remain unclear, Shatner’s bold entry into the heavy metal scene has sparked curiosity and excitement among fans and music enthusiasts alike.
As Shatner prepares for his musical exploration at Riot Fest, he has laid out a series of demands for the event organizers. From fire breathers to themed dressing rooms, Shatner’s rider includes unique requests like a signed Montreal Canadiens hockey sweater and a personalized Chicago experience. Amidst the buzz surrounding his musical venture, Shatner’s unconventional journey into heavy metal promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable experience for fans and festival-goers alike.
