William Shatner is going where no man has gone before, or at least where he has never gone before, with his upcoming heavy metal album. That was announced back in February and details on that still haven’t been shared, but his metal band The *uckers will make their live debut at Riot Fest on Sunday, September 20.
“I’ve always believed that music, like space, is about exploration,” says Shatner in a statement heavy on sci-fi references. “Riot Fest is exactly the kind of place where anything can happen. We’re bringing volume, intensity, and a few surprises. With this incredible band behind me, I expect nothing less than lift-off. I can’t wait to share this experience with the fans.”
The *uckers are made up of hard rock vets: guitarist/musical director Marcus Nand (Mike Tramp, Candice Night), bassist Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol), guitarist Britt Lightning (Vixen, Cactus), and drummer Fred Aching (Kings of Thrash, Dead Groove).
William Shatner & The *uckers will play the final day of Riot Fest alongside Insane Clown Posse, Haywire, Alanis Morissette, Elvis Costello, Patti Smith, Pennywise, Taking Back Sunday and more. Check out the decidedly, internationally cheesy poster for his Riot Fest appearance below.
Shatner’s upcoming metal album is a 35-song “heavy metal extravaganza powered a veritable army of metal stars—each one personally selected and hand-picked by Shatner to help deliver a project that’s equal parts thunder, theater, and fearless experimentation.” Stay tuned.
