William Shatner, 95, Say He’s Playing at Coachella in 2027

William Shatner, widely recognized for his iconic acting career, is making headlines not only for his longevity but also for his unexpected foray into heavy metal music. At 95 years old, Shatner has formed a new band, The *uckers, and is preparing to make his live debut at Riot Fest in Chicago this September. In a recent interview on CNN, Shatner and his daughter Melanie Shatner Gretsch publicly hinted that their band is also scheduled to perform at Coachella in 2027, a move that would make Shatner one of the festival’s most unconventional acts.

The conversation took place during a segment where Shatner and Gretsch discussed their podcast, No Time But Now, which focuses on their personal experiences with cancer and the renewed perspective it has given them. When asked about his current passions, Shatner eagerly spotlighted his heavy metal project. The discussion naturally shifted to the band’s upcoming performances, including their confirmed appearance at Riot Fest on September 20th. Shatner then casually mentioned playing “the one in the desert,” a clear nod to Coachella. Both he and his daughter confirmed the reference when prompted, revealing a booking that has yet to be officially announced by the festival.

The *uckers came together earlier this year, assembling a lineup that includes guitarist and musical director Marcus Nand, bassist Phil Soussan—known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and Billy Idol—guitarist Britt Lightning, and drummer Fred Aching. Their set is expected to feature reinterpretations of Shatner’s past musical works alongside new material from their forthcoming album, titled What the F Is Heavy Metal.

Shatner’s approach to the music is passionate and intuitive; he describes his performance style as feeling the music deeply before delivering his lyrics, emphasizing emotion over technical precision. This new venture continues a long-standing, if unconventional, musical journey for Shatner, who first ventured into music with his 1968 spoken-word release The Transformed Man. Over the decades, he has produced numerous albums and worked with a diverse range of artists across genres, from Ben Folds to Iggy Pop.

Adding to his musical output, Shatner is also preparing to release a new spoken-word project slated for August. Meanwhile, the heavy metal album with The *uckers represents a bold and somewhat surprising expansion of his artistic expression.

The revelation of Shatner’s Coachella booking emerged in the wake of Riot Fest’s announcement, which highlighted the actor’s participation as one of the festival’s most unusual and anticipated acts. Riot Fest organizers humorously detailed a rider for Shatner’s performance that included extravagant elements such as fire breathers, a DeLorean replacing the usual golf cart, a large supply of Polish sausage, and even adoptable puppies backstage—underscoring the playful and theatrical nature of Shatner’s involvement.

Although Coachella’s 2027 lineup has yet to be publicly disclosed, the indication that Shatner’s band will be part of the festival’s roster promises a unique addition to the desert event’s diverse musical offerings. Should this booking be confirmed, Shatner will transition from his Riot Fest debut in September directly to the Coachella stage the following April.

This development not only highlights Shatner’s enduring creative vitality but also reflects a broader trend of established artists crossing into unexpected musical territories later in life. The actor’s willingness to embrace heavy metal and perform at major music festivals at an advanced age challenges typical industry norms and expands the boundaries of what audiences might anticipate from veteran entertainers.

As details about The *uckers’ debut album and festival appearances continue to emerge, William Shatner’s presence on the music scene remains a compelling story of reinvention and passion. Fans and festival-goers alike will be watching to see how his musical endeavors unfold on some of the country’s largest stages.