William Shatner, 95, To Take The Stage With Metal Band At Chicago’s Riot Fest

William Shatner is heading to Riot Fest — backed by a metal band. The legendary Star Trek actor will perform at Chicago’s Douglass Park festival, running September 18th-20th, alongside Tool, Alanis Morissette, Iggy Pop, Pixies, and more. Shatner will be supported by members of the Nuclear Messiah collective, including guitarist Marcus Nand, bassist Phil Soussan, guitarist Britt Lightning, and drummer Fred Aching. The appearance ties into a forthcoming heavy metal album for Cleopatra Records, featuring Rob Halford on a Judas Priest cover and Motörhead drummer Mikkey Dee. “This isn’t a novelty performance — it’s a real rock show featuring world-class musicians,” said Cleopatra founder Brian Perera. Shatner added, “Music, like space, is about exploration. I expect nothing less than lift-off.”