William Shatner, 95, will debut heavy metal band *uckers at Riot Fest Chicago. The premiere ties the Star Trek actor to the Riot Fest lineup in 2025.
The debut is scheduled for Riot Fest Chicago. The festival is the launch platform for *uckers. The story is trending in 2025-2026 due to Shatner’s age, genre shift, and Riot Fest’s high-profile bill.
What Is William Shatner’s New Heavy Metal Band?
The band is named *uckers. Formation began in Las Vegas.
Rehearsals were held at the Copa Room at Tuscany Suites on December 6, 2025. Las Vegas is central to the band’s origin.
Members are Phil Soussan on bass, Zach Throne and Christian Brady on guitars, and Brent Fitz on drums. Soussan previously worked with Ozzy Osbourne.
William Shatner Talks Going Metal for Riot Fest
Shatner said the project is about creative freedom at 95. He described metal as raw expression.
In interviews ahead of Riot Fest, Shatner discussed an unusual interpretation of Metallica’s Enter Sandman. He framed the cover as personal, not theatrical.
He contrasted metal with his classic acting persona. The distinction is energy versus performance.
Riot Fest Debut Details and Set Expectations
Riot Fest Chicago hosts the premiere. The set is scheduled on the festival’s main stage.
The setlist is expected to mix originals with covers. Enter Sandman is rumored.
Media coverage notes Shatner’s age and stamina. Fan concerns focus on live vocals and set length.
Star Trek Legend Launches Heavy Metal Band: Fan and Media Reaction
Social media reaction includes memes and surprise. The age factor drives shares.
Shatner has prior music experiments, including spoken word albums and singles. This is his first heavy metal band.
Coverage appears in Yahoo Entertainment, USA Today, and Las Vegas Review-Journal. The Review-Journal reported on Las Vegas rehearsals and the Riot Fest premiere.
How to Watch and Follow the Riot Fest Performance
Tickets for Riot Fest Chicago are sold via the official Riot Fest site. Streaming options have not been confirmed.
Official lineup and schedule are posted on riotfest.org. Post-show interviews are expected from Yahoo Entertainment and local press.
FAQ
Is Shatner singing live? Reports indicate he will perform vocals live at Riot Fest with band support.
Are future tour plans confirmed? No tour dates beyond Riot Fest have been announced.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is William Shatner’s new heavy metal band?
- A: The band is named *uckers. It formed in Las Vegas with Phil Soussan on bass, Zach Throne and Christian Brady on guitars, and Brent Fitz on drums.
- Q: When and where will Shatner debut with *uckers?
- A: The debut is scheduled at Riot Fest Chicago on the festival’s main stage as the band’s launch platform in 2025.
- Q: What songs are expected at the Riot Fest set?
- A: The setlist is expected to mix originals with covers, with a rumored personal interpretation of Metallica’s Enter Sandman.
- Q: Why is the debut trending?
- A: It trends due to Shatner’s age at 95, his genre shift from Star Trek acting to raw metal expression, and Riot Fest’s high-profile 2025 bill.
Extended Reading
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Reference material includes Yahoo Entertainment coverage of Shatner’s Riot Fest motivation and Metallica cover interpretation, USA Today reporting on the heavy metal band launch at Riot Fest on September 17, 2026, and Las Vegas Review-Journal reporting on formation and rehearsals in Las Vegas with Phil Soussan, Zach Throne, Christian Brady and Brent Fitz.