William Shatner Will Debut His New Heavy Metal Band at Riot Fest
Shatner’s new rock show features Mikkey Dee on drums and a production team led by Cleopatra Records founder Brian Perera.
- Entertainment icon William Shatner will bring his newly conceived rock spectacle to Riot Fest 2026, performing September 18–20 at Douglass Park in Chicago alongside headliners Tool, Twenty-One Pilots, and Pierce The Veil.
- Shatner is developing a heavy metal album for Cleopatra Records described as having "Chaos with purpose." Founder Brian Perera said, "This isn't a novelty performance—it's a real rock show featuring world-class musicians."
- Drummer Mikkey Dee, who spent more than 35 years with Motörhead, completed tracks for "Living After Midnight." Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford will guest on "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."
- Backing Shatner live are members of the Nuclear Messiah collective: guitarist Marcus Nand, bassist Phil Soussan, and drummer Fred Aching. Production is led by Adam Hamilton and Perera.
- This appearance follows a 70-year career including his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk in "Star Trek." Shatner continues exploring new creative avenues through essays in "Boldly Go" reflecting on his life.
17 Articles
17 Articles
William Shatner Is Taking His Heavy Metal Project to the Stage, and His Rider Is Something to Behold
William Shatner has been added to a major music festival lineup. The news comes ahead of the Star Trek star releasing his highly anticipated heavy metal album. It’s been announced that Shatner will play Chicago’s Riot Fest. The three-day festival runs September 18-20, 2026, at Douglass Park in Chicago. Fans will get to see Shatner […] The post William Shatner Is Taking His Heavy Metal Project to the Stage, and His Rider Is Something to Behold ap…
Chicago Tribune
Update: William Shatner debuts new metal band at Riot Fest — DeLorean and puppies required
Joining the musical lineup at Riot Fest 2026 in September is the debut of William Shatner's new heavy metal band on the festival's final day.
William Shatner to perform metal set at 2026 Riot Fest - Regional Media News
William Shatner is set to bring his heavy metal project to the live stage. The 95-year-old Star Trek icon will be performing at the 2026 Riot Fest, taking place Sept. 18-20 in Chicago. His band will feature guitarist Marcus Nand, former Ozzy Osboure bassist Phil Soussan, Vixen guitarist Britt Lightning and drummer Fred Aching. "I've always believed that music, like space, is about exploration," Shatner says in a statement. "Riot Fest is exactly …
William Shatner, 95, to perform metal set at Riot Fest
William Shatner might be 95-years-old, but that isn’t going to stop him from bringing an extra dose of heavy metal to Chicago’s legendary Riot Fest this summer. The festival is set to take place between September 18th and September 20th, bringing some of the biggest names from the rock world and beyond to Douglass Park for a three-day extravaganza. In addition to headliners Tool, Twenty-One Pilots and Pierce The Veil, other acts set to appear in…
WILLIAM SHATNER To Bring His Heavy Metal Vision To Stage With All-Star Band At RIOT FEST 2026
Entertainment icon William Shatner is bringing his newly conceived rock spectacle to Riot Fest 2026, joining one of the festival's most celebrated lineups alongside Iggy Pop, PUBLIC IMAGE LTD., Morrissey, BLINK-182, WEEZER, SEX PISTOLS featuring Frank Carter, THE POGUES, THE DAMNED, JAWBREAKER and m...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
