William Shatner Riot Fest 2026

17 July 2026 Andrew Ellis

**William Shatner Riot Fest 2026 – Icon Confirms Debut with New Metal Band The *uckers**

William Shatner Riot Fest 2026 has been officially confirmed, and it’s one of the most unexpected bookings of the year.

The 95-year-old icon will make his Riot Fest debut during the weekend of September 18–20 2026, performing with his brand-new heavy metal band *The uckers. Backed by an all-star lineup of rock musicians, Shatner will reimagine songs from across his musical catalogue while previewing material from his forthcoming heavy metal album.

Shatner said: “I’ve always believed that music, like space, is about exploration. 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.”

Riot Fest founder Mike “Riot Mike” Petryshyn added: “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.”

The Infamous Rider for William Shatner Riot Fest 2026

Alongside the performance confirmation, Shatner has issued one of the most outrageous riders in recent festival history. Demands include:

A dressing room themed as “Shatner’s Shag Shack”
Four feet of Polish sausage and a bowl of sauerkraut
An assortment of playful puppies
His golf cart replaced by a DeLorean
A Montreal Canadiens hockey sweater signed by John Stamos
A billboard featuring his face and the face of one lucky fan
A boat renamed in his honour
A classic Chicago food item named after him
An invitation to sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at a Chicago baseball game

Riot Fest 2026 Context

William Shatner Riot Fest 2026 forms part of a massive three-day line-up that already includes Twenty One Pilots, Tool, Pierce The Veil, Alanis Morissette, Morrissey, Iggy Pop, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, Pixies, Rise Against, Public Image Ltd., Sex Pistols, Patti Smith & Her Band, Nas, Bad Religion, Taking Back Sunday and many more.

Single-day and two-day tickets are on sale now at riotfest.org.

Rock News final word: William Shatner Riot Fest 2026 is pure chaos in the best possible way. A 95-year-old legend debuting a heavy metal band called The *uckers, complete with one of the most unhinged riders ever written, is exactly the kind of left-field booking that makes Riot Fest special. This is going to be unmissable.

FAQs – William Shatner Riot Fest 2026

When is William Shatner playing Riot Fest 2026? During the weekend of September 18–20 2026 in Chicago.

What is the name of William Shatner’s new band? The *uckers — his new heavy metal project.

Is the rider for William Shatner Riot Fest 2026 real? Yes — the full list of demands has been confirmed by the festival.

Will William Shatner perform new material? Yes — he will preview songs from his forthcoming heavy metal album alongside reimagined tracks from his catalogue.

Where can I buy tickets for William Shatner Riot Fest 2026? Tickets are on sale now at riotfest.org.