William Shatner Announces First-Ever Metal Show as Warm-Up for Riot Fest

William Shatner, the 95-year-old Star Trek icon, will make his debut in the metal music scene with his backing band The *uckers on September 19th. This performance is set to take place at Park West in Chicago, serving as a warm-up show for his previously announced set at Riot Fest on the very next day. The legendary actor's concert at Park West is one among several side shows happening during Riot Fest in the city.

Other performers slated for these events include Chat Pile, Thrice, Show Me The Body, Black Flag, Alkaline Trio, and more.

Shatner, who recently triumphed over Stage 4 melanoma, will be playing tracks from his upcoming debut metal album. The album includes covers of Judas Priest classics such as "You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’" (featuring the band's frontman Rob Halford) and "Living After Midnight" (featuring drummer Mikkey Dee of Motörhead and Scorpions). Each song on the album will feature a star-studded lineup of guest artists.

For both the Park West gig and Riot Fest, Shatner's backing band comprises guitar virtuoso Marcus Nand (formerly of Mike Tramp and Candice Night), bassist Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne and Billy Idol), guitarist Britt Lightning (Vixen and Cactus), and drummer Fred Aching (Kings of Thrash, Dead Groove, and Fraxures). Ahead of his September 20th appearance at Riot Fest, Shatner revealed a rather ambitious rider for his Park West performance.

It includes eight pallets of Faygo, a video intro created by GWAR, and a selection of adoptable puppies, among other peculiar requests.