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William Shatner to make heavy metal debut at Riot Fest

From FBC News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • William Shatner will make his live heavy metal debut with the band The *uckers at Riot Fest in Chicago on September 20.
  • Shatner expressed excitement about exploring music and the festival's potential for surprises, while the festival founder noted years of effort to book him.
  • The performance will feature reimagined songs from Shatner's past and new tracks from The *uckers' heavy metal album.

William Shatner, the iconic Star Trek actor, is set to make his live heavy metal debut with the band The *uckers at Riot Fest in Chicago on September 20. The 95-year-old will take the stage at Douglass Park, marking a bold new exploration into music for the legendary performer.

I’ve always believed that music, like space, is about exploration. Riot Fest is exactly the kind of place where anything can happen. We’re bringing volume, intensity, and a few surprises. I can’t wait to share this experience with the fans.

— William ShatnerShatner's statement about his upcoming performance at Riot Fest.

Shatner shared his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, "I’ve always believed that music, like space, is about exploration. Riot Fest is exactly the kind of place where anything can happen. We’re bringing volume, intensity, and a few surprises. I can’t wait to share this experience with the fans." He further hyped the event on Instagram, telling fans it's something they'll "definitely be telling your grandchildren about!"

This is an event you definitely will be telling your grandchildren about!

— William ShatnerShatner shared his excitement on his Instagram page.

Riot Fest founder Mike “Riot Mike” Petryshyn revealed that he had pursued Shatner for years. "After years of persistently – and perhaps annoyingly – writing letters to William Shatner about performing at Riot Fest, it appears that he was finally compelled," Petryshyn quipped. "I for one cannot wait to see Shatner get heavy."

After years of persistently – and perhaps annoyingly – writing letters to William Shatner about performing at Riot Fest, it appears that he was finally compelled.

— Mike “Riot Mike” PetryshynRiot Fest founder Mike “Riot Mike” Petryshyn quipped about his efforts to get Shatner to perform.

The band The *uckers includes Marcus Nand on guitar, Fred Aching on drums, Britt Lightning on guitar, and Phil Soussan on bass. Their performance will reportedly "reimagine songs" from Shatner’s back catalogue and debut tracks from their heavy metal album, "What the F Is Heavy Metal." Shatner commented on the album's title, explaining, "That’s the name of the album because I know nothing or didn’t know anything until I found out how little I do know!" Shatner's appearance follows his historic flight into space in October 2021, when he became the oldest person to travel beyond Earth.

I for one cannot wait to see Shatner get heavy.

— Mike “Riot Mike” PetryshynRiot Fest founder Mike “Riot Mike” Petryshyn's anticipation for Shatner's performance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by FBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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