From Billboard · Fred Bronson · · 1m 20s
William Shatner Reinterprets Metallica's 'Enter Sandman' at Riot Fest
95-year-old William Shatner performs a metal reinterpretation of Metallica's 'Enter Sandman' at Chicago's Riot Fest festival.
In brief
95-year-old William Shatner performs a metal reinterpretation of Metallica's 'Enter Sandman' at Chicago's Riot Fest festival. Shatner reimagines Metallica's song as a metaphor for child molestation, ending with a theatrical 'fear of old age' performance. Originally reported by Billboard.
Shatner's Metal Album
William Shatner releases his 13th album, What the F Is Heavy Metal?, at Riot Fest Chicago.
“I said, 'What the f, k is heavy metal?' and that's the title of the album: What the F Is Heavy Metal.”
Riot Fest Performance
Shatner and his band the *uckers perform six songs from the album at Chicago's Riot Fest festival.
“Yesterday I had my first rehearsal with the *uckers and it's working and it's going to be fantastic.”
Metallica Cover
Shatner reinterprets Metallica's 'Enter Sandman' as a metaphor for child molestation.
“My interpretation of 'Enter Sandman' is it's a child molester that has written these lyrics.”
Theatrical Ending
Shatner ends his set with a song about the fear of growing old, concluding with 'Fear fear fear, of old age.'
“We've written a song called 'One Fear,' which is the fear of growing old. It ends with the last chord and my saying, 'Fear fear, fear, bang! of old age.'”
Band Members
The *uckers band includes 50 musicians, with Brian May on guitar for the album track 'Rage.'
“Another original in the Riot Fest set is 'Rage.' The album version will feature Brian May on guitar.”
Star Trek Connection
Shatner reflects on his Star Trek role as a career milestone, celebrating the show's 60th anniversary.
“They're celebrating the 60th year of Star Trek. That's incredible. That's a phenomena.”
Riot Fest Dates
Shatner performs at Riot Fest on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20.
“Shatner will perform six songs from the album at Riot Fest, three originals written by Shatner and his longtime writing partner Rob Sharenow, and three covers, including Metallica's 'Enter Sandman.'”
Theatrical Approach
Shatner describes heavy metal as 'the rhythm of life' that 'permeates your body and lifts you up.'
“Heavy metal is the rhythm of life. It's overwhelming, especially if you've got earphones in.”
Rehearsal Feedback
Shatner's rehearsal with the *uckers received enthusiastic feedback from professional musicians.
“Holy sh-t! I have some idea, because there were some professional people that were at the rehearsal there yesterday saying, 'Holy sh-t!'”
What it means
Shatner reimagines Metallica's song as a metaphor for child molestation, ending with a theatrical 'fear of old age' performance.
