95-Year-Old William Shatner to Play Riot Fest with Metal Backing Band

William Shatner is going where no 95-year-old man has gone before. The legendary Star Trek actor is playing Chicago’s Riot Fest with a metal backing band.

“I’ve always believed that music, like space, is about exploration,” stated Shatner in a press release. “Riot Fest is exactly the kind of place where anything can happen. We’re bringing volume, intensity, and a few surprises. With this incredible band behind me, I expect nothing less than lift-off. I can’t wait to share this experience with the fans.”

Get Riot Fest Tickets Here

Shatner will be backed by members of the Nuclear Messiah metal collective, including guitarist and musical director Marcus Nand (Mike Tramp, Candice Night), bassist Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol), guitarist Britt Lightning (Vixen, Cactus), and drummer Fred Aching (Kings of Thrash, Dead Groove, Fraxures).

The performance will come as Shatner continues to work on a heavy metal album for Cleopatra Records with a cast of all-star contributors. Among the songs announced for the LP are covers of Judas Priest classics “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” (featuring Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford) and “Living After Midnight” (featuring drummer Mikkey Dee of Motörhead and Scorpions).

Brian Perera, founder of Cleopatra Records, remarked, “William Shatner has spent a lifetime redefining expectations. This isn’t a novelty performance — it’s a real rock show featuring world-class musicians behind one of entertainment’s greatest icons. Riot Fest is the perfect stage for this next chapter, and we’re going to deliver a performance worthy of the festival’s incredible legacy.”

Riot Fest is set for September 18th-20th at Douglass Park in Chicago, with tickets available here. Among the other acts set to play the three-day fest are Tool, Twenty One Pilots, Pierce the Veil, Alanis Morissette, Morrissey, Iggy Pop, Pixies, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, and more.