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At 95, William Shatner is still reinventing himself. The Star Trek icon surprised fans by embracing heavy metal, talking about a new album and live shows while attending the premiere of a documentary he helped produce.
Shatner’s leap into heavy metal and the story behind it
The actor admitted he once had little knowledge of headbanging music. When producers suggested a metal record, he laughed and asked what the genre even was.
William Shatner, 95, reveals jaw-dropping heavy metal album details
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He then turned that moment into creative material. Shatner jokes that his bewildered reaction became part of the album’s identity, and he says the bold move helped him appreciate the genre’s raw energy.
From Riot Fest debut to international dates
Shatner introduced his rock project to a festival crowd earlier this year.
- Riot Fest 2026 in Chicago marked the band’s live debut.
- Plans include dates in Australia and performances in Florida.
- The group performs under a deliberately provocative, partially censored name.
How a TV legend learned to love heavy riffs
He says the music’s vitality won him over. What began as curiosity evolved into admiration for metal’s intensity and drive.
Shatner credits the musicians around him for bringing authenticity to the project and keeping the performances lively.
More music: collaborations and recent releases
Experimentation has marked Shatner’s recording life for decades.
- 1968: Debut album, dramatic spoken-word takes on popular songs.
- 2004: “Has Been,” produced with Ben Folds, showcased his playful side.
- Seeking Major Tom: A collection of space-themed covers, including iconic tracks.
- 2024: “So Fragile, So Blue,” inspired by his Blue Origin flight and recorded with the National Symphony Orchestra.
- He also has a new project with country star Brad Paisley, titled “Love & Other Mysteries.”
Documenting Star Trek’s cultural impact
Shatner was on the red carpet for The Sixty-Year Mission, a documentary he executive produced about the franchise’s long reach.
The film gathers interviews with present and past franchise members, including Jonathan Frakes and Simon Pegg.
What this phase says about Shatner’s legacy
At an age when many slow down, Shatner continues to take risks.
His embrace of metal and ongoing music work underline a lifetime of creative reinvention. From stage and screen to orchestras and rock stages, he keeps exploring new outlets.
