William Shatner, the legendary actor known for his role in “Star Trek,” is embarking on an unexpected musical journey as he fronts a heavy metal band at the age of 95. Shatner has long been involved in the music industry, releasing 11 studio albums spanning genres from spoken word to rock, and even country. Now, he’s turning his attention to heavy metal.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Shatner discussed his new project and collaboration with author Robert Sharenow. This partnership led to six original songs for his upcoming heavy metal album, titled “What the F is Heavy Metal”.
Shatner’s new album features contributions from over 50 musicians, including Brian May of Queen, who performed a guitar solo on the track “Rage.” This song incorporates the famous line “Rage, rage against the dying of the light” from Dylan Thomas’s poem “Do not go gentle into that good night.”
Shatner made his live debut at Chicago’s Riot Fest with his band, The *uckers. The group performed original songs such as “Rage,” “Sky,” and “One Fear,” alongside classic covers like Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train,” Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades,” and Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.”
The actor was approached by Cleopatra Records for this heavy metal project. Despite initial skepticism, Shatner quickly embraced the energetic and loud sound of the genre. He described the invigorating nature of performing heavy metal music, noting that it brings an undeniable liveliness.
While Shatner faces personal challenges with hearing loss and tinnitus from his time on “Star Trek,” he remains undeterred. Partnering with Audien Hearing, Shatner works on a campaign about hearing health, drawing from his experiences. He acknowledges that performing live with a band can temporarily worsen his tinnitus, but he continues to adapt by using hearing aids and protective equipment.
As Shatner progresses with “What the F is Heavy Metal,” he plans to review the recorded tracks for final adjustments. He intends to ensure that his performance aligns with the tempo and power of the heavy metal style.
The upcoming album, featuring prominent musicians and Shatner’s reinterpretations of iconic metal songs, promises to be a noteworthy entry in the heavy metal scene.