Announcing that he’ll be performing at Riot Fest in September, 95-year-old William Shatner unveiled an outrageous list of rider demands that puts classic-era Van Halen to shame.
Shatner is ready to bring metal to the three-day festival in Chicago as he confirmed he will perform on Sunday, September 20 with his metal backing band The *uckers.
His outrageous requests include having the boat renamed after him so he can once again become captain of the ship; I was invited to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at a Chicago Cubs game; presence of an introductory video created by GWAR; and it’s being transported in a DeLorean rather than a golf cart.
Tickets for Riot Fest can be purchased here.
But that’s not all. His backstage demands are also pretty wild, including calling his dressing room the “Shatner Shack”; four feet of Polish sausage; Montreal Canadiens hockey jersey autographed by John Stamos; eight Faygo pallets (cannot be shared with Insane Clown Posse); and an assortment of foster puppies.
Related videos
Shatner stated about his upcoming performance: “I have always believed that music, like space, is about exploration,” says William Shatner. “Riot Fest is the 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 co-founder Mike “Riot Mike” Petryshyn added: “After years of insistently – and perhaps annoyingly – writing letters to William Shatner about performing at Riot Fest, it looks like he’s finally been forced to. I for one can’t wait to see Shatner get heavy. But this Shatner Ryder… wasn’t expecting it today.”
Shatner will be supported by members of the metal band Nuclear Messiah, including guitarist and musical director Marcus Nand (Mike Trump, Candice Knight), bassist Phil Soussan (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol), guitarist Britt Lightning (Vixen, Cactus) and drummer Fred Eiching (Kings of Thrash, Dead Groove, Fraxures).
Star Trek star continues to work on a heavy metal album for Cleopatra Records featuring a stellar cast. Among the tracks announced for the compilation are covers of the Judas Priest classic “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin'” (featuring Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford) and “Living After Midnight” (featuring drummer Mickey Dee of Motorhead and Scorpions).
Riot Fest takes place September 18-20 at Douglas Park in Chicago and tickets can be purchased here. Other acts set to perform at the three-day festival include Tool, Twenty One Pilots, Pierce the Veil, Alanis Morissette, Morrissey, Iggy Pop, the Pixies, Elvis Costello and The Imposters, among others.
See William Shatner’s Riot Fest video announcement and full list of rider demands below.
