William Shatner to make heavy metal debut at Chicago’s Riot Fest

William Shatner is boldly going where few 95-year-olds have gone before: the heavy metal stage. The legendary actor, best known for portraying Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek franchise, will make his live debut with his new heavy metal band, The *uckers, at Riot Fest this September in Chicago. The one-of-a-kind performance is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, at Douglass Park as part of the festival’s 2026 lineup. 

Known for its eclectic mix of punk, rock and alternative music, Riot Fest has long embraced unexpected collaborations and surprise bookings. Shatner’s appearance continues that tradition, marking the culmination of what organizers say has been a more than decade-long effort to bring the iconic performer to the festival. 

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The performance will introduce fans to The *uckers, a powerhouse group featuring veteran rock musicians including guitarists Marcus Nand and Britt Lightning, bassist Phil Soussan and drummer Fred Achin. The band will perform reimagined versions of songs from Shatner’s musical catalog while previewing material from his upcoming heavy metal album. 

“I’ve always believed that music, like space, is about exploration,” Shatner said in announcing the performance, adding that Riot Fest is the kind of place where “anything can happen." As reported by iHeart. 

The actor’s musical journey has always been unconventional. Over the years, Shatner has released spoken-word interpretations of classic songs and collaborated with musicians across genres, creating a distinctive style that blends theatrical storytelling with music. His latest venture takes that creativity into heavier territory, with a full-scale rock production designed for a festival crowd. 

True to Shatner’s famously playful personality, the announcement came with an over-the-top festival rider featuring tongue-in-cheek requests, including a boat renamed in his honor, a special introduction from metal band GWAR, adoptable puppies and other humorous demands aimed at Chicago. 

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Riot Fest 2026 will run September 18-20 at Douglass Park and feature a wide-ranging lineup that includes acts such as Iggy Pop, Alanis Morissette, Tool, Twenty One Pilots and more. For tickets, more info, click here. 

For Chicago music fans, Shatner’s Riot Fest appearance promises to be one of the most unexpected performances of the year: part rock concert, part science-fiction spectacle and entirely Captain Kirk.