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William Shatner Released Heavy Metal Album

The 95-year-old actor debuted his new band, The *uckers, at Riot Fest 2026.

Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Metal

Abstract graphic illustration of rusted guitar strings over jagged obsidian, representing a dark, modern heavy metal music release.
William Shatner has entered the heavy metal genre with his new album and the debut of his band, The *uckers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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William Shatner has ventured into heavy metal with the release of his new album, What the F is heavy metal. He also debuted his band, The *uckers, at the 2026 Riot Fest in Chicago.

Why it matters

The album title stems from a question Shatner asked when the heavy metal project was first proposed to him. This release continues a long-standing musical career that spans nearly six decades.

Shatner has released multiple albums since his 1968 debut, The Transformed Man, including 2004s Has Been and his 2024 collaboration with the National Symphony Orchestra.

The players

William Shatner

William Shatner is a 95-year-old actor and musician who has maintained a decades-long career in television and music.

The details

At 95 years old, Shatner is shifting his musical focus to heavy metal following his previous work inspired by space travel. The *uckers has already scheduled upcoming tour dates in Australia and Florida.

Timeline

  1. 1968 marked the release of Shatner's debut album, The Transformed Man.

  2. The album Has Been was released in 2004.

  3. Shatner released the album So Fragile, So Blue in 2024.

  4. The *uckers debuted at Riot Fest in 2026.

  5. Shatner attended his documentary premiere in New York on October 8, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This venture marks a significant departure from his orchestral collaboration, the 2024 release of So Fragile, So Blue. The move reflects an evolving career trajectory that increasingly defies genre boundaries.

Fans can look forward to upcoming live performances as The *uckers plans tour dates in Australia and Florida. The release of his latest project adds a new, unconventional entry to his extensive discography.

The takeaway

Shatner continues to explore diverse musical territories well into his nineties, proving that creative experimentation is not limited by age or genre. His transition to heavy metal highlights a willingness to pursue unexpected projects long after his initial debut.

Further reading

For more on the latest developments in the scene, visit the Metal section.

Live Poll

Do you enjoy it when veteran performers pivot to unfamiliar genres of music?