William Shatner, the 95-year-old actor known for Star Trek, is slated to perform at the Riot Fest in Chicago. The festival, which takes place September 18th-20th at Douglass Park, will feature the actor performing alongside a curated metal backing band as part of his ongoing musical endeavors.
Riot Fest Performance Details
Shatner’s appearance at Riot Fest marks a continuation of his pivot into the heavy metal genre. According to the official Riot Fest lineup, the actor is scheduled to perform during the three-day event. He will be backed by an ensemble of veteran musicians, including bassist Phil Soussan, known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and Billy Idol, and guitarist Marcus Nand. The band lineup also features guitarist Britt Lightning, who has performed with Vixen, and drummer Fred Aching, a member of Kings of Thrash.
Musical Background and Collaborations
This festival appearance coincides with Shatner’s broader recording project with Cleopatra Records. The actor has been actively working on a heavy metal album. Cleopatra Records founder Brian Perera stated that the project is intended to be a legitimate musical performance rather than a novelty act, emphasizing the caliber of the backing musicians involved.
The upcoming album includes high-profile collaborations within the metal community. Confirmed tracks include a cover of the Judas Priest song “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’,” featuring vocals from Rob Halford. Additionally, the project features contributions from drummer Mikkey Dee, known for his work with Motörhead and the Scorpions, on a cover of the Judas Priest track “Living After Midnight.”
Festival Context
Riot Fest is a multi-genre music festival. The edition features a diverse bill including headliners such as Tool, Twenty One Pilots, and Alanis Morissette. Other notable acts scheduled to perform include the Pixies, Iggy Pop, and Elvis Costello & The Imposters. The inclusion of Shatner serves as a notable addition to the festival’s eclectic programming.
Key Takeaways
- William Shatner will perform at the Riot Fest in Chicago, which runs from September 18th-20th.
- His backing band features industry veterans including Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne) and Britt Lightning (Vixen).
- The performance is linked to an upcoming heavy metal album produced by Cleopatra Records.
- The album project features guest appearances from metal icons including Rob Halford of Judas Priest and Mikkey Dee of Motörhead.
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