William Shatner Has Joined a Metal Band
The iconic actor performed as the frontman for a group called The *uckers at Riot Fest in Chicago.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Metal
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William Shatner has made his debut as the lead singer of a heavy metal band known as The *uckers. The group recently took the stage at Riot Fest in Chicago to perform covers of classic metal tracks.
Why it matters
Shatner, 95, continues to expand his unconventional musical legacy that has spanned decades. His latest pivot into heavy metal represents the latest chapter in a long-standing career that has consistently blurred the lines between acting and music.
Shatner is 95 years old and has been recording music since releasing his debut album in 1968. He previously released the album Seeking Major Tom in 2011.
The players
William Shatner
William Shatner is a veteran actor who has pursued an extensive music career alongside his iconic television roles.
The *uckers
The *uckers is a heavy metal band currently featuring William Shatner as the lead singer.
The details
The *uckers performed cover versions of songs by legendary heavy metal artists including Metallica, Motörhead, and Ozzy Osbourne. The band is currently touring to preview tracks from their upcoming project.
Timeline
1968: William Shatner released his debut music album.
2011: The album Seeking Major Tom was released.
Late 2026: The band is scheduled to release an album titled What the F is Heavy Metal.
2027: The band may perform at the Coachella music festival.
Industry Dynamics
The transition into metal follows a long-term trend of cross-genre experimentation in the music industry. By embracing heavy metal, Shatner joins a tradition of veteran entertainers leveraging established public personas to explore new sonic landscapes.
Fans can hear the band's current setlist during their ongoing tour as they preview new material. Information regarding future festival appearances, such as the potential 2027 Coachella show, will determine ticketing options for interested concertgoers.
The takeaway
Shatner proves that artistic reinvention is possible at any age by diving into the heavy metal scene. Fans of both the actor and the genre can expect more music ahead of the band's upcoming album release.
What happens next
The band is scheduled to release their debut album titled What the F is Heavy Metal in late 2026, with a possible appearance at the 2027 Coachella music festival.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the genre on the Metal section of our site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ScreenRant.
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