William Shatner, 95, to preview heavy metal album at Riot Fest
At 95, William Shatner is fronting a heavy metal band.
The actor and recording artist will preview six songs from his forthcoming album, What the F Is Heavy Metal?, at Riot Fest in Chicago, he told Billboard. The performance will introduce his live band, billed as the *uckers.
The six-song set is split evenly. Three are originals written with Rob Sharenow. Three are covers. One of the covers is Metallica's "Enter Sandman".
Shatner was 95 at the time of the interview, published on 18 September 2026. He offered a blunt reading of "Enter Sandman", saying his interpretation is that the lyrics were written by a child molester. He presented that as his own characterisation of the song.
The metal record will be his 13th album. His debut, The Transformed Man, was released in 1968. The music tracks for the new album have been recorded, and Shatner plans to record his vocals in winter.
The idea came from Brian Perera, founder of Shatner's label Cleopatra, who suggested he make a heavy metal album. The sessions involve 50 musicians. An earlier report in February said the project would include Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden covers, according to Billboard.
Riot Fest has scheduled Shatner's festival appearance for Sunday, 20 September 2026 at Douglass Park, according to CBS News. A separate Riot Fest listing advertises a late-night show, Riot Fest Presents William Shatner, on 19 September at 10:00PM at House of Heavy at Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave in Chicago.
Shatner appeared as a guest speaker on 9 August at the annual Star Trek convention in Las Vegas. His festival rider, reported in July, includes requests for fire breathers and a DeLorean.
What makes this stand out is the working method. The band beds are finished first. The voice comes last. For fans in Chicago, it means two chances to hear the material live before the album is complete.
