William Shatner, the 95-year-old actor widely known for his role as Captain Kirk in "Star Trek," is set to debut his heavy metal record at this year's Riot Fest. Shatner announced his performance in a video clip, stating he will front his band, The �*uckers, on September 20 at Douglass Park in Chicago.
"Riot fest fans, Shatner here, I've been dinking around, found all those letters you sent me," Shatner said in the clip. "And I've decided, you're such big fans of mine, that I'm gonna debut my heavy metal record at Riot Fest. And I hope you're there, and I hope I'm there. And I hope that you have my rider, and yes, don't forget, my bowl of sauerkraut, if you please."
The festival confirmed Shatner's participation on Instagram, sharing what appeared to be an AI-generated image of Shatner in a rock outfit with a guitar, making a horns signal. The post read, "After years of writing letters… Riot Fest 2026: Now with 100% more williamshatner, with his heavy metal band The �*uckers. Appearing Sunday. Tickets on sale now."
Fans reacted with surprise and enthusiasm to the news. One commenter noted, "A 95 year old man doing heavy metal at Riot Fest, damn lol." Another referenced other actors venturing into music, and one user praised Shatner's past musical work, including a cover of Pulp's "Common People."
Riot Fest also shared a humorous note about Shatner's tour rider, which included specific requests for the veteran actor. Among the stipulations were renaming a boat in his honor, a "classic Chicago food item to be named in tribute to William Shatner," four feet of Polish sausage, a bouquet of flowers, and a Montreal Canadiens hockey sweater signed by actor John Stamos.
Shatner expressed his excitement about the performance, stating, "I've always believed that music, like space, is about exploration. Riot Fest is exactly the kind of place where anything can happen. We're bringing volume, intensity, and a few surprises. I can't wait to share this experience with the fans."
His bandmates include guitarist-musical director Marcus Nand, bassist Phil Soussan, guitarist Britt Lightning, and drummer Fred Aching. The setlist will feature songs Shatner has previously performed, as well as tracks from an upcoming album titled "What the F Is Heavy Metal."
The 2026 Riot Fest is scheduled to take place from September 18–20 and will feature over 100 artists, including Twenty One Pilots, Iggy Pop, Morrissey, and The Pixies.