William Shatner is set to bring his new rock-based live production to Riot Fest 2026, joining a lineup packed with heavy hitters including Iggy Pop, Public Image Ltd., Morrissey, Blink-182, Weezer, Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, The Pogues, The Damned, Jawbreaker and many more.
Known for constantly taking his career in unexpected directions, Shatner will present a live show that reworks material from across his recording career into a full-scale rock performance.
Backing him on stage will be members of Nuclear Messiah alongside a group of musicians connected to Cleopatra Records. The lineup includes guitarist and musical director Marcus Nand (Mike Tramp, Candice Night), bassist Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, and songwriter of Ozzy Osbourne‘s “Shot In The Dark”), guitarist Britt Lightning (Vixen) and drummer Fred Aching (Kings Of Thrash, Dead Groove, Fraxures). Together, they’ll combine Shatner’s spoken-word delivery with a hard rock backing built around cinematic arrangements.
“I’ve always believed that music, like space, is about exploration,” says Shatner. “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.”
The Riot Fest appearance follows a string of releases through Cleopatra Records that paired Shatner with well-known names from rock and metal. The festival performance also serves as the launch point for his upcoming heavy metal album, which promises an extensive list of guest musicians from across the genre.
Cleopatra Records founder Brian Perera believes the show will prove that this project stands on its own as a serious rock production.
“William Shatner has spent a lifetime redefining expectations,” says Brian Perera. “This isn’t a novelty performance — it’s a real rock show featuring world-class musicians behind one of entertainment’s greatest icons. Riot Fest is the perfect stage for this next chapter, and we’re going to deliver a performance worthy of the festival’s incredible legacy.”
One of the latest additions to the record is drummer Mikkey Dee, whose work with Motörhead and later Scorpions made him one of hard rock’s most recognizable drummers. Dee recently recorded drums for Shatner’s take on Judas Priest‘s “Living After Midnight.”
“I needed pounding beats to make the music feel the way I feel it,” says William Shatner. “The drums drive the emotion. They create the urgency, the excitement, the danger. Heavy metal should hit you in the chest and move your soul at the same time.”
The album also features an impressive collection of drummers, including Dave Lombardo (Slayer, Misfits), Chris Adler (Megadeth), Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath), Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus), Kenny Aronoff (Steve Vai), Simon Wright (AC/DC, UFO), Bobby Rondinelli (Blue Öyster Cult, Quiet Riot), Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Joe Lynn Turner), Steve Zing (Danzig, Samhain, Mourning Noise) and Fred Aching (Kings Of Thrash, Nuclear Messiah, Fraxures).
Production is being handled by Adam Hamilton (L.A. Guns, Brian Jonestown Massacre) and Brian Perera, with Derek Hughes, Marcus Nand and Jürgen Engler of Die Krupps also contributing behind the scenes.
At 95, Shatner is fully embracing heavy music through a project built around powerful performances, experienced musicians, and a large-scale production. The album aims to capture the impact and energy that made metal such a lasting force while pairing Shatner’s unmistakable voice with an all-star cast from the hard rock and metal world.
Additional guest appearances remain under wraps, while the album title, release date and the rest of the featured lineup are expected to be announced in the near future.
