William Shatner Makes Heavy Metal Debut at Riot Fest 2026

William Shatner, the 95-year-old Star Trek icon, marked a new milestone in his eclectic musical career by making his heavy metal debut at Riot Fest in Chicago. Backed by his band The uckers, Shatner performed a set of metal classics and original tracks on September 19, 2026, ahead of his official festival appearance the following day. The performance included covers of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train,” Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” and Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades,”* delivered with his signature spoken-word style over crushing instrumentals.

The show at Chicago’s Park West served as a warmup for Shatner’s highly anticipated Riot Fest set, where he took the stage at 5:25 p.m. local time. Fans witnessed a six-song setlist that blended metal staples with three original tracks from his upcoming album, What the F Is Heavy Metal?, including “do not go gentle into that good night” and “damn old age.” The album, set for release on Cleopatra Records, boasts an impressive lineup of guest appearances, featuring legends like Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, Queen’s Brian May, Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, and Slayer’s Dave Lombardo.

A New Frontier for a Musical Chameleon

Shatner’s foray into heavy metal is the latest chapter in a decades-long career that has spanned acting, spoken word, and music. Known for his deep, dramatic voice, he has previously explored genres like country, blues, and even Christmas music. His transition to metal, however, has been framed as a natural evolution—one that aligns with his lifelong passion for experimentation. In a recent interview with Billboard, Shatner described the genre as “an energy that permeates your body and lifts you up,” adding that he feels “so enlivened” by the experience. His enthusiasm was palpable as he prepared for the performance, even donning custom earbuds designed for the band’s high-octane sound.

The Setlist: A Mix of Classics and Originals

Shatner’s debut metal performance featured a carefully curated setlist that balanced fan-favorite covers with tracks from his upcoming album. Here’s what the audience heard: - Crazy Train (Ozzy Osbourne cover) - do not go gentle into that good night (original) - Ace of Spades (Motörhead cover) - will we care when the sky turns black (original) - Enter Sandman (Metallica cover) - damn old age (original)

The covers were delivered with Shatner’s trademark theatricality, transforming the songs into dramatic spoken-word pieces while The *uckers provided the heavy instrumentation. The original tracks, meanwhile, showcased his ability to merge metal with his signature narrative style.

Why This Matters for Fans

For metal enthusiasts, Shatner’s debut is more than just a novelty—it’s a celebration of the genre’s enduring appeal and its ability to transcend generations. The involvement of rock and metal legends on his upcoming album underscores the project’s credibility, while his genuine passion for the music has resonated with fans. The performance also highlights Riot Fest’s reputation as a platform for boundary-pushing acts, where established artists and emerging talents alike can experiment with new sounds.

For those who missed the live show, the album What the F Is Heavy Metal? promises to deliver more of Shatner’s unique take on the genre. With guest appearances from some of rock’s most iconic figures, it’s poised to be a standout release in his already diverse discography. Whether this is the beginning of a longer metal journey or a one-time experiment, Shatner’s debut has already cemented its place as a memorable moment in music history.