At 94 years old, William Shatner isn’t slowing down. The legendary actor and entertainer is launching a full heavy metal music career with his new band The *uckers, and he’s making his debut at Riot Fest in Chicago on September 20, 2026. This isn’t a nostalgia tour or a one-off appearance, it’s a genuine musical evolution. Shatner will be performing reimagined versions of his classic catalog alongside brand new heavy metal material from his forthcoming album, all backed by an all-star lineup of acclaimed rock musicians. The whole thing feels like exactly the kind of bold move that defines his career.
Riot Fest is capitalizing on this moment with a creative fan contest that’s worth paying attention to. Fans can photoshop themselves onto a provided billboard design featuring Shatner, then upload their entry to RiotFest.org and share it on social media while tagging both Riot Fest and William Shatner. The grand prize is significant, the winner gets their face displayed on an actual billboard in Chicago plus lifetime VIP access to Riot Fest. This kind of interactive fan engagement is what separates festivals that just book artists from festivals that build communities. You can enter through the festival’s website, and entries are accepted through the festival dates of September 18-20.
The Riot Fest lineup itself is stacked with over 100 artists performing across three days, including Twenty One Pilots, Tool, Sex Pistols, Alanis Morissette, and many more. Whether you’re there specifically for Shatner’s metal debut or you’re planning to catch multiple performers, this festival represents something special in the music landscape. It’s the kind of event where unexpected pairings and bold performances become the stories you’re talking about for years to come. Are you thinking about entering the contest or heading to Chicago for the festival?
About the Author
Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
