William Shatner, the legendary actor synonymous with Captain Kirk in "Star Trek," is embarking on an audacious new sonic journey with his forthcoming hard rock and heavy metal album, tentatively titled "What The F Is Heavy Metal?" Slated for a 2027 release via Cleopatra Records, this ambitious project sees the 95-year-old icon diving headfirst into a genre that has captivated millions worldwide. The album is being meticulously crafted by a formidable production team, spearheaded by Adam Hamilton, known for his work with L.A. GUNS and BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE, and Brian Perera, the president of Cleopatra Records. Further production contributions come from Derek Hughes (NUCLEAR MESSIAH), Marcus Nand, and Jürgen Engler of DIE KRUPPS, signaling a serious commitment to the album’s sonic authenticity and impact.
The star-studded roster of guest musicians is nothing short of breathtaking, featuring a veritable who’s who of hard rock and heavy metal royalty. Confirmed to lend their talents are Brian May of QUEEN, Rob Halford of JUDAS PRIEST, John Moyer of DISTURBED, and Dave Lombardo, the thunderous drummer famously associated with SLAYER. This convergence of iconic figures suggests an album that aims to bridge generations and genres, leveraging Shatner’s unique artistic vision with the formidable power of established metal artists. The sheer caliber of talent involved underscores the significant anticipation surrounding this project within the music industry.
Shatner recently offered a visceral preview of "What The F Is Heavy Metal?" by performing several tracks with his newly assembled heavy metal ensemble, THE *UCKERS, at Riot Fest. The festival, held on September 20th at Chicago’s Douglass Park, provided a dynamic stage for Shatner to test the waters of his heavy metal aspirations. During his set, Shatner delivered six songs, comprising three original compositions penned by himself and his long-time writing partner, Rob Sharenow, alongside powerful renditions of beloved metal anthems. Audiences were treated to his interpretations of METALLICA’s "Enter Sandman," Ozzy Osbourne’s "Crazy Train," and MOTÖRHEAD’s "Ace Of Spades." The reception at Riot Fest, described as a "huge success" by Shatner, indicated a palpable enthusiasm for his foray into the genre, proving the "viability" of the album concept.
Genesis of a Heavy Metal Endeavor
The genesis of "What The F Is Heavy Metal?" stems from a direct proposition from Cleopatra Records. Approximately six months prior to his Riot Fest performance, Shatner was approached by the label with the suggestion of creating a heavy metal album. His immediate, unfiltered reaction—"What the fuck heavy metal?"—became the album’s provocative and defining title. This raw, inquisitive response perfectly encapsulates Shatner’s approach to the project: a genuine exploration of a musical landscape he admittedly knows little about, driven by curiosity and a willingness to challenge conventions.
The album’s structure is envisioned to feature a balanced mix of original material and cover songs. "So we wrote six songs for the album, and I laid down my tracks," Shatner explained in an interview with BLABBERMOUTH.NET. "They said, ‘Let’s do six originals and six cover songs.’ So we wrote six songs for the album, and I laid down my tracks." This initial phase involved Shatner recording his vocal performances, serving as a foundational "scratch track" upon which the full production would be built. The album’s title track, "What The F Is Heavy Metal?", is slated for a winter release, serving as an early introduction to the project’s thematic and sonic direction.
An Unprecedented Gathering of Metal’s Elite
The scale of collaboration on "What The F Is Heavy Metal?" is unprecedented. Shatner revealed that an astonishing "50 heavy metal musicians all volunteered to be on this album." This extraordinary response highlights the respect and intrigue Shatner commands, even outside his established acting domain. The album’s core band, THE *UCKERS, was meticulously assembled by individuals with deep expertise in the heavy metal scene, tasked with creating a sound that would resonate with fans while supporting Shatner’s vocal contributions. "The band that was put together for me by much more knowledgeable — anybody with any knowledge [about heavy metal] is much more knowledgeable than I [am] — put together five musicians to go," Shatner elaborated. This collaborative spirit is central to the album’s identity, with Shatner embracing his role as a curious conductor guiding a symphony of established metal talent.
The invitation to perform at Riot Fest was a pivotal moment, necessitating the formation of THE *UCKERS. "I got an invitation from Riot Fest to do a concert, do a set. How do you do heavy metal? Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang," Shatner recounted. The band, whose name playfully riffs on the album title, comprises Marcus Nand (guitar and musical director), Phil Soussan (bass), Britt Lightning (guitar, of VIXEN fame), and Fred Aching (drums, known for his work with KINGS OF THRASH and DEAD GROOVE). Their performance at Riot Fest was met with an overwhelmingly positive audience response, a testament to their skill and Shatner’s captivating stage presence. "We went to Riot Fest last [month], and it was a huge success. Huge. I mean, they were cheering, and the reviews and people," Shatner expressed with evident satisfaction. This success served as validation for the entire "What The F Is Heavy Metal?" concept.
Shatner’s Transformative Interpretations
A key element of Shatner’s heavy metal project lies in his unique approach to vocal delivery and lyrical interpretation. Rather than simply mimicking existing vocal styles, Shatner, leveraging his extensive acting background, imbues the songs with his own dramatic readings. This is particularly evident in his reinterpretation of classic metal tracks. Regarding METALLICA’s "Enter Sandman," Shatner shared a provocative analysis: "So ‘Sandman’ is a weird lyric. The words are, ‘Never mind the noise you heard.’ ‘It’s under your bed, in your head.’ ‘Be a nice little child. Say your prayers.’ It’s bizarre… If you were an actor, as I am, you’re looking at the words you’ve gotta say. Who says this? I said, ‘Well, who would say this?’ A child molester would talk like this."
This interpretation, while controversial, highlights Shatner’s intention to delve into the darker, more psychological undercurrents of the lyrics, transforming familiar songs into dramatic monologues. He elaborated on this during an interview on SiriusXM’s "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk," stating, "So I gave my interpretation, not only of the lyrics of songs that we wrote, but the cover songs." His reinterpretation of "Enter Sandman" frames it as a narrative from the perspective of someone who might exploit a child’s fears, adding a layer of unsettling drama. "Imagine doing it like a nasty man who’s got this child in the closet in your head. Touch my hand and we’re off to never neverland," he described. This approach extends to other cover songs as well, promising a listening experience that is both familiar and profoundly new.
Navigating the Unknown: An Actor’s Fear and Excitement
Shatner openly acknowledged the trepidation that accompanies this venture. Prior to his Riot Fest performance, he admitted to Billboard his nerves about stepping onto the heavy metal stage. "Imagine the fear of the actor," he said. "The actor’s nightmare is being naked and not remembering your lines. Well, I’m going to be dressed and I’ll have help with the lines in the equipment. But the other part of that nightmare is being laughed offstage. ‘Oh, what is he doing?’ I’m poised between being laughed off the stage and being lauded." This candid admission underscores the immense risk and potential reward Shatner is embracing.
His motivation, however, is clearly rooted in a desire for artistic exploration and reinvention. "This is new, this is exciting, this is heavy metal like it’s never been heard before because I’m reinterpreting," he stated. This drive to push boundaries and offer a fresh perspective is a hallmark of his long and storied career. The album, he believes, will be a "major thing in heavy metal," not just for its star power, but for its innovative approach. "I’m going in in a week or so to listen to all the songs that — now all the tracks, including my scratch track, is down. So, in effect, the album has been made, but I’m going in in a week or two to listen to it to see how much of an adjustment in my performance I need to do with these musicians who are playing in an area that I really don’t know," he explained, highlighting his commitment to refining his performance to perfectly align with the music.
A Legacy of Artistic Exploration and Resilience
William Shatner’s foray into heavy metal is not an isolated artistic whim but rather a continuation of a lifelong pattern of creative exploration. His discography, dating back to 1968, includes a diverse range of projects, from spoken-word albums and dramatic readings to explorations of blues, rock, and children’s music, featuring collaborations with artists like Ben Folds, Brad Paisley, and Iggy Pop. His enduring connection to the "Star Trek" universe, where he portrayed Captain Kirk in the original series and seven feature films, including one he directed, has cemented his place in pop culture history.
Adding another layer of profound personal context to Shatner’s current endeavors is his recent battle with cancer. In 2023, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 malignant melanoma that had spread to his lungs and brain. After two years of intensive immunotherapy and surgery, he is now cancer-free. This victory over a life-threatening illness likely imbues his current artistic pursuits with an even greater sense of urgency and purpose, a testament to his resilience and enduring spirit.
Future Horizons: Beyond the Studio
The ambition of "What The F Is Heavy Metal?" extends beyond the recording studio. In July, Shatner revealed to CNN anchor Elex Michaelson that he is scheduled to perform a half-hour set at a music festival in the desert in spring 2027. Michaelson confirmed this engagement to be Coachella, one of the world’s most prominent music festivals. While Coachella has yet to officially release its lineup for the April 2027 event, Shatner’s planned performance suggests a significant live component to his heavy metal project, further solidifying its presence on the mainstream music landscape. This planned appearance at a festival of Coachella’s magnitude indicates a strategic push to introduce his unique brand of heavy metal to a global audience, potentially drawing in both his established fanbase and a new legion of metal enthusiasts. The implications of this venture are multifaceted, promising to spark conversations about age, artistic evolution, and the enduring power of creative passion in the face of formidable challenges.
