William Shatner, the 95-year-old Canadian actor known for his iconic role as Captain Kirk in the original Star Trek series, is venturing into the world of heavy metal music with a new band. The band, named The *uckers, will be debuting their album at the upcoming Riot Fest music festival in Chicago this summer.
Despite his well-established acting career, Shatner has also dabbled in music over the years, having released multiple albums starting back in 1968 with The Transformed Man. Critics and fans initially ridiculed his musical endeavors, but Shatner persisted, collaborating on albums like Has Been with Ben Folds and Seeking Major Tom with various musicians.
The decision to unveil the heavy metal album at Riot Fest, known for its diverse lineup including punk, rock, hip-hop, and alternative acts, has raised eyebrows. Organizers of the festival reportedly made multiple attempts to persuade Shatner to perform, finally succeeding this year.
The band comprises accomplished musicians such as Phil Soussan, Marcus Nand, Britt Lightning, and Fred Aching, who will reinterpret Shatner’s previous works and showcase new material from their upcoming album.
In anticipation of the festival, Shatner has outlined a series of demands that must be met, including unique requests like fire breathers, a signed Montreal Canadiens hockey sweater, and themed dressing rooms. Moreover, he has also requested special honors from the city of Chicago, such as singing at a baseball game and co-anchoring the weather forecast.
Among his audacious requests is the proposal to have a boat named in his honor, allowing him to once again take the helm as captain. Shatner’s enthusiasm for exploring new frontiers, whether in music or other ventures, remains undiminished as he prepares for this unexpected musical journey at Riot Fest.
