William Shatner, 95, will debut heavy metal band Uckers at Riot Fest in Chicago. The booking places the Star Trek legend on Riot Fest’s 2025 lineup with a new heavy metal act.
Riot Fest has announced the premiere. Details on stage and set time remain unconfirmed.
Riot Fest Premiere Announcement and Key Facts
Uckers is set to premiere Saturday at Riot Fest in Chicago. The band is led by Shatner with bassist Phil Soussan.
A showcase preceded the festival debut. The Las Vegas pre-show was held at the Copa Room at Tuscany Suites on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Soussan was joined on stage by guitarists Zach Throne and Christian Brady and drummer Brent Fitz.
Riot Fest serves as the launchpad for the 95-year-old metal debut.
Meet Uckers: William Shatner’s Heavy Metal Band
Current members linked to the project are Phil Soussan on bass, Zach Throne on guitar, Christian Brady on guitar, and Brent Fitz on drums.
Confusion persists on role. Reports indicate Shatner is fronting the band. It is unclear if he will sing or narrate.
William Shatner Talks Going Metal for Riot Fest
Shatner has discussed the transition from Star Trek to heavy metal. He cited motivation for starting a heavy metal band at 95.
Media coverage from Yahoo and USA Today has focused on the Riot Fest appearance. The coverage includes Shatner’s comments on going metal.
Shatner has referenced an unusual interpretation of Metallica’s Enter Sandman. The interpretation is part of the band’s talking points ahead of Riot Fest.
What to Expect From Shatner’s Riot Fest Set
The slot fits within Riot Fest Chicago’s broader 2025 schedule. Fan reaction on social media has centered on the surprise booking.
Age and authenticity are the main discussion points. At 95, Shatner is starting a heavy metal band.
Hot Topics Around Shatner’s Metal Debut
Las Vegas is in the mix. The Dec. 6, 2025 Copa Room showcase provided the first public run-through before Riot Fest.
The debut follows Shatner’s previous musical projects and spoken word albums.
Riot Fest Planning Guide for Shatner Fans
Tickets for Riot Fest Chicago are sold through the festival’s official channels. Dates are set for the annual Chicago event.
Official stage and set time for Shatner have not been published. Fans are advised to monitor Riot Fest’s official lineup updates.
Merchandise and livestream options have not been confirmed for the Uckers set. Post-show interviews may follow the performance.
FAQ
Is William Shatner really playing Riot Fest 2025? Reports from Las Vegas Review-Journal and national outlets confirm a Saturday premiere at Riot Fest in Chicago.
What is the name of William Shatner’s heavy metal band? The band is identified as Uckers.
Who are the members of Uckers? Reported members include Phil Soussan, Zach Throne, Christian Brady, and Brent Fitz with William Shatner fronting.
Will Shatner sing or just narrate? Role has not been officially clarified.
How to get tickets for Riot Fest Chicago? Tickets are available via Riot Fest’s official ticketing partners.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Will William Shatner sing at Riot Fest?
- A: Reports say Shatner is fronting Uckers, but it remains unclear if he will sing or narrate during the debut.
- Q: When does Uckers debut at Riot Fest?
- A: Uckers is set to premiere Saturday at Riot Fest Chicago 2025; exact stage and set time are unconfirmed.
- Q: Who are the members of Uckers?
- A: The project is led by William Shatner with Phil Soussan on bass, Zach Throne on guitar, Christian Brady on guitar, and Brent Fitz on drums.
- Q: Did Uckers play before Riot Fest?
- A: Yes, a pre-show was held Dec 6, 2025 at Copa Room, Tuscany Suites in Las Vegas.
Extended Reading
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Reference material includes Yahoo Entertainment coverage on Shatner talking about going metal for Riot Fest and his interpretation of Metallica’s Enter Sandman. Las Vegas Review-Journal reporting details the Las Vegas showcase at Copa Room Tuscany Suites on Dec. 6, 2025, and the Riot Fest premiere with bassist Phil Soussan and band members.