William Shatner will debut his heavy-metal band, The *uckers, at Riot Fest in Chicago, Illinois, on Sept. 20 [2, 3].
The performance marks a significant expansion of the actor's musical portfolio into the metal genre. By debuting the group at a major festival, Shatner is positioning his new project to reach a broader, younger audience while leveraging his status as a cultural icon.
Shatner, who is 95 years old [1], is fronting the band to launch and promote a forthcoming album released through Cleopatra Records [4]. The set list for the Chicago appearance will include songs from his existing catalog, as well as previews of new material [1, 2].
The appearance is scheduled for the final day of the festival [2]. The event serves as the official live introduction for the group, which combines Shatner's distinct performance style with the aggressive sound of heavy metal [2, 3].
While some reports suggest further bookings, the Riot Fest debut remains the only corroborated live appearance for the band. Conflicting reports regarding a potential booking for Coachella in 2027 have not been verified by primary festival sources or major news outlets [5].
Shatner has a history of experimental music projects, but this venture represents a shift toward a more intense sonic direction. The partnership with Cleopatra Records indicates a strategic move to align the project with a label known for gothic and industrial music [4].
“William Shatner will debut his heavy-metal band, The *uckers, at Riot Fest”
Shatner's move into heavy metal at age 95 reflects a broader trend of legacy entertainers diversifying their brands through unexpected genre shifts. By choosing Riot Fest—a festival rooted in punk and metal—Shatner is seeking authenticity within a subculture rather than relying on a traditional pop crossover, signaling that the project is intended as a serious musical endeavor rather than a novelty act.
