William Shatner’s metal band debuts at Riot Fest

There are some journeys you simply have to take, and for William Shatner, that journey is heading straight into the stratosphere of heavy metal. The space pioneer is gearing up for a musical expedition with his forthcoming album, signaling an exploration that promises to be anything but ordinary.

The music behind this cosmic quest comes from his band, The *uckers, a collective assembled from some of the heaviest hitters in rock history. This isn’t just a band; it’s a veritable constellation of hard rock veterans, each member bringing a pedigree that hints at thunderous sound and theatrical flair.

The lineup alone is enough to raise an eyebrow: guitarist/musical director Marcus Nand (known for playing with Mike Tramp and Candice Night), bassist Phil Soussan (a lineage tracing back to Ozzy Osbourne and Billy Idol), guitarist Britt Lightning (reminiscent of Vixen and Cactus), and drummer Fred Aching (with ties to the Kings of Thrash and Dead Groove).

Shatner has framed this endeavor as an act of pure exploration, stating that music, much like space itself, is about venturing into the unknown. He sees events like Riot Fest as the perfect launchpad for intense experiences.

“I’ve always believed that music, like space, is about exploration,” Shatner explained in a recent statement. “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.”

The forthcoming album itself is positioned as a massive undertaking—a 35-song “heavy metal extravaganza.” Shatner hand-picked each star to contribute, resulting in a project that aims to deliver an experience equal parts thunder, theater, and fearless experimentation.

The group is set to make their live debut at Riot Fest on Sunday, September 20th, where they will join other titans of rock, including Insane Clown Posse, Haywire, Alanis Morissette, and Patti Smith.

It’s clear that The *uckers are ready to ignite the stage, promising fans a ride as epic and explosive as any interstellar voyage.