‘Star Trek’ legend William Shatner, 95, reveals surprising details about his heavy metal album

William Shatner, renowned for his iconic role in the Star Trek franchise, continues to push artistic boundaries well into his mid-90s. At 95 years old, Shatner has embraced the heavy metal genre, a significant departure from his previous musical ventures. According to an exclusive report by Page Six, the actor was initially unfamiliar with heavy metal, but has grown to appreciate the genre’s dynamic energy and vitality.

This unexpected musical pivot was first revealed at the New York premiere of “The Sixty-Year Mission: How Star Trek Changed Television and the World,” a documentary that Shatner executive produced to commemorate the enduring cultural impact of the Star Trek series. The film features interviews with notable franchise actors such as Jonathan Frakes, Simon Pegg, Robert Picardo, Brent Spiner, and Ethan Peck.

Shatner’s foray into heavy metal is under the banner of his band, The *uckers, which made its debut performance earlier this year at Riot Fest 2026 in Chicago. The group has announced forthcoming tours planned for Australia and Florida, signaling a serious commitment to this new musical direction. The band’s debut album, intriguingly titled after Shatner’s initial query about the genre, reflects his growing enthusiasm and willingness to explore new artistic territories.

This shift to heavy metal adds a fresh chapter to Shatner’s diverse music career, which spans over five decades. His first album, released in 1968 and titled “The Transformed Man,” showcased dramatic spoken-word interpretations of popular songs, setting the tone for his experimental approach to music. Over the years, he has collaborated with various artists, including Ben Folds, and released albums such as “Has Been” (2004) and “Seeking Major Tom,” which featured space-themed covers including Elton John’s “Rocket Man.”

In 2024, Shatner released “So Fragile, So Blue,” an orchestral album inspired by his historic flight aboard a Blue Origin spacecraft. This project highlighted his ongoing fascination with space and his ability to merge personal experiences with musical expression.

Beyond heavy metal, Shatner is also expanding his musical portfolio with an upcoming album titled “Love & Other Mysteries,” produced in collaboration with country music star Brad Paisley. This indicates Shatner’s continued versatility and openness to exploring different genres.

The actor’s recent activities underscore a remarkable career trajectory that defies conventional expectations about aging and creativity. His willingness to embrace unfamiliar musical styles demonstrates an enduring passion for artistic exploration and reinvention.

While details about the heavy metal album’s tracklist and specific musical influences remain limited, Shatner’s public appearances and announcements have generated considerable interest among fans and music enthusiasts alike. His transition into heavy metal not only broadens his artistic repertoire but also exemplifies a persistent drive to connect with new audiences.

As Shatner embarks on this latest chapter, his journey serves as a testament to the evolving nature of a career that began decades ago and continues to expand into diverse and unexpected realms of performance and recording.