Full Breakdown
William Shatner’s Heavy-Metal Debut at Riot Fest 2026 and the Outlandish Rider
7/17/2026, 4:01:07 AM
Core Event
On Sunday, September 20 2026, 95-year-old actor William Shatner will take the stage at Chicago’s Douglass Park for Riot Fest’s final day, performing with his newly formed heavy-metal band The *uckers. The three-day festival runs September 18-20 and features more than 100 acts across multiple stages.
Background & Context
Riot Fest has a long-standing tradition of courting high-profile celebrities with tongue-in-cheek rider requests. After a decade of letters to Shatner, the festival finally secured his appearance, coinciding with the release of his forthcoming metal album on Cleopatra Records. The album, teased as *What the F Is Heavy Metal*, will include covers of Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and original material.
Key Figures & Groups
- William Shatner – “Star TreK” icon, now fronting The *uckers.
- **The *uckers** – guitarists Marcus Nand (Mike Tramp, Candice Night) and Britt Lightning (Vixen, Cactus), bassist Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol), drummer Fred Aching (Kings of Thrash, Dead Groove, Fraxures).
- Mike “Riot Mike” Petryshyn – co-founder of Riot Fest, the primary festival spokesperson.
- Chicago community partners – local animal-rescue nonprofit (puppy provision) and city venues referenced in the rider.
Data & Statistics
- Festival dates: September 18-20, 2026.
- Venue: Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Drive, Chicago.
- General-admission three-day passes start at $339.98; single-day tickets begin at $99.98.
- Shatner’s rider lists eight pallets of Faygo, four feet of Polish sausage, a bowl of sauerkraut, a DeLorean for transport, and an “adoptable puppy” assortment.
Official Statements & Responses
Riot Fest’s press release highlighted Shatner’s enthusiasm, noting his belief that “music, like space, is about exploration.” Festival founder Petryshyn expressed long-standing admiration, saying the letters finally compelled Shatner to join and that the rider “wasn’t expecting that today.” Shatner’s own statement echoed the festival’s sentiment, promising “volume, intensity, and a few surprises” for fans.
Criticism & Opposition
No substantive criticism of the rider has been reported in the coverage. Media outlets treat the demands as a playful extension of Riot Fest’s celebrity-booking style rather than a serious logistical issue.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve always believed that music, like space, is about exploration,” — William Shatner, statement
- “Riot Fest is exactly the kind of place where anything can happen. We’re bringing volume, intensity, and a few surprises. I can’t wait to share this experience with the fans.” — William Shatner, statement
- “After years of persistently — and perhaps annoyingly — writing letters to William Shatner about performing at Riot Fest, it appears that he was finally compelled. I for one cannot wait to see Shatner get heavy. But that Shatner Rider… wasn’t expecting that today.” — Mike “Riot Mike” Petryshyn, press release
- “That’s the name of the album because I know nothing or didn’t know anything until I found out how little I do know,” — William Shatner, exclusive interview with PEOPLE
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some outlets describe the rider as “supposed” or “alleged,” while others present it as an official document released by Riot Fest. No independent verification of the feasibility of the listed demands (e.g., a boat rename or city-wide billboard) has been provided.
What’s Next
Shatner’s performance is scheduled for September 20, 2026, after which his metal album is expected to be released on Cleopatra Records. Riot Fest will continue its three-day run, concluding with headliners Tool, Twenty One Pilots and Pierce the Veil.
