William Shatner finds answer to 'What the f--- is heavy metal?' after forming new band at 95

William Shatner, renowned for his iconic role in "Star Trek," is embarking on an unexpected musical journey by releasing a heavy metal album at the age of 95. This latest project, titled "What the F is Heavy Metal," signals a significant genre shift for Shatner, who has explored an eclectic range of musical styles throughout his career.

The album is a collaborative effort featuring contributions from over 50 musicians, including Queen’s legendary guitarist Brian May. May’s involvement brings a notable rock pedigree to the project, particularly with his guitar solo on the track "Rage," which draws inspiration from Dylan Thomas’s poem “Do not go gentle into that good night.”

Shatner’s motivation for this undertaking traces back to an intriguing encounter with Cleopatra Records earlier in the year. Initially unfamiliar with the heavy metal genre, he worked alongside his longtime creative partner Robert Sharenow to compose six original songs for the album. The partnership builds upon their previous collaborations that combined autobiographical lyrics with spoken-word performances.

To bring the album to life in a live setting, Shatner formed a band named The *uckers. This ensemble includes accomplished musicians such as guitarists Marcus Nand and Britt Lightning, bassist Phil Soussan, and drummer Fred Aching. The group debuted at Riot Fest in Chicago, a festival known for its punk rock and alternative music lineup, marking a milestone as Shatner’s first heavy metal live performance.

During their live sets, The *uckers performed a mix of original songs like "Rage," "Sky," and "One Fear," alongside reimagined covers of iconic heavy metal tracks such as Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train," Motörhead's "Ace of Spades," and Metallica’s "Enter Sandman." Shatner’s approach to these covers includes reinterpretations that emphasize darker lyrical themes, particularly with "Enter Sandman," where he explores the sinister undertones of the song’s narrative.

The reception at Riot Fest was overwhelmingly positive, with enthusiastic audiences and favorable reviews affirming the project's unexpected success. This response reinforced Shatner’s belief in the vitality and relevance of heavy metal music, describing it as an invigorating and dynamic form of artistic expression.

Beyond the music, Shatner’s venture into heavy metal intersects with his personal health experiences. Having dealt with tinnitus and hearing loss, conditions he traces back to an on-set accident during his early acting days, Shatner has become an advocate for hearing health. His partnership with Audien Hearing highlights his commitment to raising awareness around these issues while continuing to perform despite the challenges posed by his auditory condition.

Although the album’s tracks are recorded, Shatner plans to review the final mixes to ensure his vocal delivery aligns with the tempo and emotional intensity characteristic of heavy metal. The first single from the album is slated for release in the upcoming winter season, promising to introduce listeners to Shatner’s distinctive take on the genre.

William Shatner’s heavy metal project stands as a testament to his enduring creative spirit and willingness to push artistic boundaries, even as he approaches his tenth decade. Featuring an all-star lineup and a fusion of original and classic material, "What the F is Heavy Metal" is poised to make a notable impact within the genre’s diverse landscape.