Ozzy Osbourne band photo

William Shatner Rocks Riot Fest with Heavy Metal Debut

By Jason •
The Star Trek legend embarks on a sonic journey through distortion with his new band THE *UCKERS.

In a stunning display of audacity and metal spirit, 95-year-old William Shatner graced the stage for the inaugural performance of his newly formed outfit, THE *UCKERS, at the Riot Fest aftershow in Chicago last night. As the crowd roared, Shatner delivered a powerful prelude to his main act at Douglass Park, where he’s set to further unleash his heavy metal aspirations.

With a cheeky nod to his storied career, Shatner proclaimed on social media, “I have explored space. I have explored time. Now … I explore distortion.” This declaration was not merely a catchphrase; it was a battle cry for a man diving headfirst into the metal abyss.

The setlist unveiled a tantalizing glimpse into Shatner’s forthcoming heavy metal album, What The F Is Heavy Metal?, featuring audacious covers of classics like Ozzy Osbourne's “Crazy Train,” Motörhead's “Ace of Spades,” and Metallica's “Enter Sandman.” Each note echoed the urgency and intensity that Shatner has carried through his illustrious career.

Backing the Captain on this metal odyssey is a formidable lineup, including guitarist Marcus Nand, former Ozzy bassist Phil Soussan, VIXEN’s Britt Lightning, and drummer Fred Aching from KINGS OF THRASH. Together, they conjured a sound that bridged generations of hard rock and metal, infusing every riff with a unique blend of nostalgia and rebellion.

In an interview with The Moynihan Report, Shatner reflected on his impetus for this bold venture into metal. “Cleopatra, the label that I work with frequently, said to me, ‘Why don’t you do a heavy metal album?’ And I said, ‘What the F is heavy metal?’” This humorous yet poignant inquiry led to the creation of a song titled “Impatience,” which channels a raw, unfiltered rage—a fitting tribute to a man who refuses to be defined by age or genre.

As the album takes shape, it promises to feature collaborations with legends like Brian May of Queen and Rob Halford of Judas Priest, alongside iconic drummer Dave Lombardo, who has left an indelible mark on the metal scene. With heavyweight producers at the helm, this project is set to be a crossover event that could redefine Shatner's legacy in the world of heavy music.