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William Shatner to Debut Heavy-Metal Band The *uckers at Chicagos Riot Fest 2026
When the lights dim on Chicago’s Douglass Park, a 95‑year‑old Star Trek captain will take the stage, not as a commander, but as a front‑man for a heavy‑metal band. On Sunday, September 20 2026, William Shatner will perform with his newly formed group, The *uckers, at Riot Fest.
Shatner first announced the event on his Instagram in mid‑July, calling it a “live performance of my new heavy‑metal spectacle.” He noted that the festival had been trying to book him for more than a decade and that he had supplied a rider with performance and hospitality requests. Riot Fest later shared the rider on its own social‑media channels, confirming that it was fully accommodated.
Riot Fest, a three‑day punk‑and‑rock festival held annually in Chicago’s Douglass Park, is known for reunions, surprise guests and full‑album sets. The 2026 lineup already boasts headliners Tool, Iggy Pop, Morrissey, Pixies, Nas and Patti Smith. Shatner’s appearance marks the first time the festival has booked a performer whose primary fame comes from acting.
Shatner’s musical journey began in the late 1960s with the album The Transformed Man. Over the decades he has released several spoken‑word projects, most notably Seeking Major Tom (2011). In 2021 he became the oldest person to fly in space aboard Blue Origin’s NS‑18 sub‑orbital mission, a milestone he has referenced in interviews about his creative work.
The *uckers are billed by Riot Fest as a “heavy‑metal rock god” act that will reinterpret songs from Shatner’s catalog and showcase new material. The festival’s website describes the set as a mix of original compositions and re‑imagined covers.
The rider included standard requests for a veteran performer: a private dressing room, a dedicated sound engineer and a specific set of lighting cues. The festival’s social‑media team confirmed that the rider was “fully accommodated.”
Industry observers note that Shatner’s participation is unusual for a festival that typically focuses on contemporary acts. The inclusion of a 95‑year‑old actor in a heavy‑metal lineup underscores Riot Fest’s willingness to feature eclectic programming and to attract a broad audience.
The performance will take place on the main stage, which holds roughly 30,000 attendees. Riot Fest’s 2026 schedule places the Shatner set after that day’s headliner, giving the band a prime slot for audience attention.
While the exact setlist has not been released, the festival’s description indicates that Shatner will perform a selection of tracks from the forthcoming untitled album, as well as re‑imagined versions of songs from his earlier releases. The band’s name, The *uckers, has been highlighted in promotional materials and is intended to reflect the group’s aggressive musical style.
Shatner’s appearance is part of a broader trend of established performers exploring new genres. Riot Fest’s lineup, which also includes acts from punk, hip‑hop and alternative rock, reflects a cross‑generational approach to programming.
Tickets for Riot Fest 2026 are on sale through the festival’s official website. The event runs from September 18 to 20, with Shatner’s performance on the final day. Fans of Shatner’s acting career, his earlier musical work, or heavy‑metal music will find the set a unique addition to the festival’s diverse offerings.
The event is expected to generate media coverage beyond the festival’s usual audience. Industry analysts anticipate that Shatner’s participation may influence ticket sales for the final day and could spark interest in the band’s upcoming album.
In summary, William Shatner will debut his heavy‑metal band The *uckers at Riot Fest 2026 in Chicago. The performance will feature songs from an untitled album, re‑imagined tracks from Shatner’s catalog, and will take place on September 20 at Douglass Park. The festival’s lineup, rider accommodations and Shatner’s musical and spaceflight background provide context for the event’s significance within the broader music industry.
Shatner first announced the event on his Instagram in mid‑July, calling it a “live performance of my new heavy‑metal spectacle.” He noted that the festival had been trying to book him for more than a decade and that he had supplied a rider with performance and hospitality requests. Riot Fest later shared the rider on its own social‑media channels, confirming that it was fully accommodated.
Riot Fest, a three‑day punk‑and‑rock festival held annually in Chicago’s Douglass Park, is known for reunions, surprise guests and full‑album sets. The 2026 lineup already boasts headliners Tool, Iggy Pop, Morrissey, Pixies, Nas and Patti Smith. Shatner’s appearance marks the first time the festival has booked a performer whose primary fame comes from acting.
Shatner’s musical journey began in the late 1960s with the album The Transformed Man. Over the decades he has released several spoken‑word projects, most notably Seeking Major Tom (2011). In 2021 he became the oldest person to fly in space aboard Blue Origin’s NS‑18 sub‑orbital mission, a milestone he has referenced in interviews about his creative work.
The *uckers are billed by Riot Fest as a “heavy‑metal rock god” act that will reinterpret songs from Shatner’s catalog and showcase new material. The festival’s website describes the set as a mix of original compositions and re‑imagined covers.
The rider included standard requests for a veteran performer: a private dressing room, a dedicated sound engineer and a specific set of lighting cues. The festival’s social‑media team confirmed that the rider was “fully accommodated.”
Industry observers note that Shatner’s participation is unusual for a festival that typically focuses on contemporary acts. The inclusion of a 95‑year‑old actor in a heavy‑metal lineup underscores Riot Fest’s willingness to feature eclectic programming and to attract a broad audience.
The performance will take place on the main stage, which holds roughly 30,000 attendees. Riot Fest’s 2026 schedule places the Shatner set after that day’s headliner, giving the band a prime slot for audience attention.
While the exact setlist has not been released, the festival’s description indicates that Shatner will perform a selection of tracks from the forthcoming untitled album, as well as re‑imagined versions of songs from his earlier releases. The band’s name, The *uckers, has been highlighted in promotional materials and is intended to reflect the group’s aggressive musical style.
Shatner’s appearance is part of a broader trend of established performers exploring new genres. Riot Fest’s lineup, which also includes acts from punk, hip‑hop and alternative rock, reflects a cross‑generational approach to programming.
Tickets for Riot Fest 2026 are on sale through the festival’s official website. The event runs from September 18 to 20, with Shatner’s performance on the final day. Fans of Shatner’s acting career, his earlier musical work, or heavy‑metal music will find the set a unique addition to the festival’s diverse offerings.
The event is expected to generate media coverage beyond the festival’s usual audience. Industry analysts anticipate that Shatner’s participation may influence ticket sales for the final day and could spark interest in the band’s upcoming album.
In summary, William Shatner will debut his heavy‑metal band The *uckers at Riot Fest 2026 in Chicago. The performance will feature songs from an untitled album, re‑imagined tracks from Shatner’s catalog, and will take place on September 20 at Douglass Park. The festival’s lineup, rider accommodations and Shatner’s musical and spaceflight background provide context for the event’s significance within the broader music industry.
