William Shatners Surprising Career Shift at 95

The announcement that Star Trek icon would be playing at this year's Riot Fest music festival threw fans for a loop.

The 95-year-old actor was announced by the festival as a performer for the festival, as he will be fronting his band The *uckers during a show slated for September 20 at Douglass Park in .

The Montreal native was seen in a clip in which he confirmed his foray into the new musical venture in the Windy City.

'Riot fest fans, Shatner here, I've been dinking around, found all those letters you sent me, ' Shatner said. 'And I've decided, you're such big fans of mine, that I'm gonna debut my heavy metal record at Riot Fest.

'And I hope you're there, and I hope I'm there. And I hope that you have my rider, and yes, don't forget, my bowl of sauerkraut, if you please.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Shatner for further comment on the story. 

The festival confirmed Shatner's involvement on its Instagram on Thursday with what appeared to be an AI photo of Shatner in a black rock outfit making a horns signal with a guitar in hand.

'After years of writing letters… Riot Fest 2026: Now with 100% more williamshatner, with his heavy metal band The *uckers,' the festival said. 'Appearing Sunday. Tickets on sale now.'

A number of fans commented on the actor's foray onto the stage, with one writing, 'A 95 year old man doing heavy metal at Riot Fest, damn lol.'

Another commenter referenced other actors who have gotten into music, saying, 'Stamos in 25, Shatner in 26…Johnny Depp and Hollywood Vampires in 27?'

One person referenced some of Shatner's past musical work, in a cover of the Pulp classic Common People.

'His version of Common People is amazing,' the user said. 'Very cool Riot Fest.'

Other comments included, 'Aye Aye Captain,' 'This is everything,' and 'U got the best agent WS.'