William Shatner, 95, premieres a heavy metal band at Riot Fest in Chicago. The debut is scheduled for a Saturday slot at the festival. Coverage from USA Today, Yahoo Entertainment and Las Vegas Review-Journal confirms the booking and the viral media response.
What Is Riot Fest and Why Shatner Fits the 2025 Hot Topic
Riot Fest Chicago is an annual multi-day rock festival known for legacy acts and surprise bookings. The festival draws a mixed audience of longtime punk and metal fans.
Shatner’s booking aligns with Riot Fest’s strategy for eclectic and legacy acts. The festival regularly platforms veteran performers with unconventional projects.
Inside Shatner’s New Heavy Metal Band and Las Vegas Connection
The band is *uckers. Members are bassist Phil Soussan, guitarists Zach Throne and Christian Brady, and drummer Brent Fitz.
The group rehearsed at the Copa Room at Tuscany Suites in Las Vegas on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Photos from the session were published by Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Reporting from the Review-Journal identifies Las Vegas as part of the band’s formation and rehearsal base.
William Shatner Talks Going Metal for Riot Fest
Shatner discussed going metal at 95 with Yahoo Entertainment. He addressed the decision to launch a heavy metal project ahead of the Riot Fest debut.
He spoke about an unusual interpretation of Metallica’s Enter Sandman. The comments were made in the context of the Riot Fest premiere.
Motivation cited by Shatner centers on performance energy and a new musical pivot beyond acting.
Core Audience Pain Points and Search Intent
Is William Shatner actually performing live metal at Riot Fest 2025. Yes. The festival lineup includes the debut.
Setlist expectations include Enter Sandman. Shatner has publicly discussed the song.
Riot Fest schedule, stage and ticket availability for Shatner’s set are managed through the festival’s official channels.
Band credibility concerns are addressed by member backgrounds. Soussan has prior major label credits. Fitz and the guitarists have touring experience.
Fan Reaction and Media Coverage
Social media posts circulated clips and photos from the Las Vegas rehearsal. Reaction ranges from surprise to support.
USA Today covered the heavy metal band launch and Riot Fest booking on Sep 17, 2026.
Yahoo Entertainment published Shatner’s comments on going metal and Enter Sandman.
Las Vegas Review-Journal documented the band formation and rehearsal.
The appearance compares to other legacy celebrity Riot Fest bookings.
How to Watch and Attend
Riot Fest 2025 takes place in Chicago. The festival lineup and stage times are published on the official site.
Ticket tips include official resale platforms and festival alerts for set time changes.
Streaming options for Riot Fest vary by year. Check the official Riot Fest broadcast partners.
Shatner’s performance length and format are expected to be a festival set.
FAQ
How old is William Shatner at Riot Fest. 95.
What band is William Shatner playing with at Riot Fest. *uckers with Phil Soussan, Zach Throne, Christian Brady and Brent Fitz.
Will William Shatner sing Enter Sandman at Riot Fest. He has discussed an unusual interpretation of the song with Yahoo Entertainment.
Where was Shatner’s band rehearsing before Riot Fest. Copa Room at Tuscany Suites, Las Vegas, on Dec. 6, 2025.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is Riot Fest and why is William Shatner performing there?
- A: Riot Fest Chicago is an annual multi-day rock festival known for legacy acts and surprise bookings. Shatner’s heavy metal debut fits the festival’s strategy for eclectic veteran performers with unconventional projects.
- Q: When and where will Shatner’s heavy metal band debut at Riot Fest?
- A: The debut is scheduled for a Saturday slot at Riot Fest in Chicago, with coverage confirming the booking for the 2025 festival.
- Q: What is the name of Shatner’s new heavy metal band and who are its members?
- A: The band is *uckers, featuring bassist Phil Soussan, guitarists Zach Throne and Christian Brady, and drummer Brent Fitz.
- Q: Where did the band rehearse before the Riot Fest premiere?
- A: The group rehearsed at the Copa Room at Tuscany Suites in Las Vegas on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, with photos published by Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Extended Reading
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Sources: Yahoo Entertainment interview on Shatner going metal and Enter Sandman; USA Today coverage of Shatner’s heavy metal band and Riot Fest booking; Las Vegas Review-Journal report on band launch and Dec. 6, 2025 rehearsal at Copa Room Tuscany Suites.