William Shatner’s metal band is set for its debut in September

Riot Fest is a fantastic rock and metal event that’s scheduled for September 18-20 this year at Douglass Park in Chicago. This year’s lineup will feature Tool, Morrissey, Iggy Pop, Twenty One Pilots, The Pixies, Elvis Costello, Bad Religion, Angine de Poitrine, Afroman, Alanis Morissette, and many more.

Oh, and William Shatner and the Nuclear Messiah metal collective will make their live debut.

The Shat may be 95, but he refuses to slow down. The man is always busy with…something. And his next goal is to be the oldest person to release a metal album. The current record holder is horror actor Christopher Lee, who released four metal albums before he died in 2015 at the age of 93.

Shatner’s band will include guitarist and music director Marcus Nand, Phil Soussan (who has played with Ozzy and Billy Idol), guitarist Britt Lightning (remember her from Vixen and Cactus?), and Fred Aching on drums (Kings of Thrash, Dead Grrove, Fraxures).

Here’s what he said in the press release:

“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. With this incredible band behind me, I expect nothing less than lift-off. I can’t wait to share this experience with the fans.”

Shatner’s long-in-the-planning metal album (title TBA) should be out by then on Cleopatra Records. We know that the record will feature two Judas Priest classics, “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'”and “Livin’ After Midnight.” The latter will feature drummer Micky Dee of Motorhead.

I can’t wait.