William Shatner is still going strong at 95 years old, and he's just started a heavy metal band that's about to play its first gig.

William Shatner, the legendary actor best known for his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek, has surprised fans once again with a bold new venture into the world of heavy metal. At the age of 95, the Canadian icon announced plans to perform with his newly formed band, The uckers, during the Riot Fest music festival in Chicago on September 20, 2026. This announcement came just weeks after he revealed his intention to become a heavy metal musician, marking a dramatic shift from his long-standing career in television and film. The news was first reported by RTV Slovenia’s MMC outlet, which noted that Shatner, who turned 95 in March 2026, had already begun preparations for this ambitious project. According to the report, Shatner shared a photo from the Comic-Con event in Chicago earlier that year, where he appeared wearing a leather jacket and strumming a guitar. Accompanying the image was a message that hinted at the significance of the upcoming performance: “It's an event you'll definitely tell your grandchildren about.” The lineup for the Riot Fest appearance includes some of the biggest names in alternative and rock music, such as Alanis Morissette, Morrissey, Iggy Pop, and Patti Smith. Shatner will reportedly perform a set from his upcoming heavy metal album, though the exact tracklist has yet to be disclosed. His band, The uckers, consists of two guitarists, a bassist, and a drummer, details confirmed by the German press agency DPA. Shatner, who has always been known for his charismatic personality and sense of humor, took to social media to announce his plans with characteristic flair. He listed specific requirements for his performance, including the renaming of a ship in Chicago in honor of his legacy as a captain. “I want to be the captain of some kind of boat again,” he joked, adding that he expects special perks from the festival organizers, such as jerseys from the Montreal Canadiens signed by actor John Stamos, and other unique items like “lovingly made knickknacks” from a local shelter. The festival itself, Riot Fest, is one of the largest independent music festivals in North America, featuring a mix of punk, rock, and alternative acts. It typically draws thousands of attendees each year, making it a fitting stage for Shatner’s unexpected return to the spotlight. While the festival’s official schedule has not yet been updated to include Shatner’s performance, the buzz around his participation has already generated considerable excitement among fans. Organizers have not commented directly on Shatner’s involvement, but they have expressed enthusiasm about the potential draw of having a celebrity of his stature join the lineup. Fans are eagerly awaiting further details about the nature of his set, the structure of the band, and whether he will be performing solo or with the full ensemble. Given his history of embracing new challenges, many believe this latest endeavor is another example of Shatner’s enduring spirit and willingness to push boundaries.