# William Shatner's heavy metal awakening

> At 95, Star Trek's captain makes his live metal debut covering Metallica, Ozzy, and Motörhead.
- Title: William Shatner's heavy metal awakening · Guitar World
- Summary: At 95, Star Trek's captain makes his live metal debut covering Metallica, Ozzy, and Motörhead. William Shatner is releasing his first heavy metal album this…
- Keywords: william shatner, heavy metal, live debut, metallica, ozzy osbourne, motörhead, brian may, zakk wylde, riot fest, chicago, metal album, William
- Source: Guitar World — https://guitarworld.com/artists/bands/william-shatner-heavy-metal-live-debut
- Published: 2026-09-21T15:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: william shatner, heavy metal, live debut, metallica, ozzy osbourne, motörhead, brian may, zakk wylde, riot fest, chicago, metal album
## Captain Kirk goes metal
At 95, William Shatner made his live heavy metal debut in Chicago, covering Ozzy Osbourne, Motörhead, and Metallica with his trademark spoken-word vocal style.

> I've come to understand what heavy metal is: It's an energy that permeates your body and lifts you up.
## The guitar gift that started it all
Shatner's metal journey began when Zakk Wylde gifted him a guitar. He's now assembling an all-star cast for his first-ever heavy metal album, releasing later this year.
## Brian May joins the lineup
Queen guitarist Brian May is among the as-yet-unnamed metal icons collaborating on Shatner's debut heavy metal album.
## Six songs at Park West
Shatner's warm-up show in Chicago featured covers of Crazy Train, Ace of Spades, and Enter Sandman, plus two originals: Sky and One Fear, the latter about aging.
## All-star backing band assembled
Marcus Nand handles guitar and musical direction, Britt Lightning plays drums, Phil Soussan (Ozzy, Billy Idol) on bass, and Fred Aching on drums complete Shatner's live metal ensemble.
## Metal is the rhythm of life
Shatner told Billboard he's filled with passion about metal's energy. He's excited about performing and calls heavy metal the rhythm of life.

> Heavy metal is the rhythm of life.
## Key takeaway

William Shatner is releasing his first heavy metal album this year with an all-star lineup including Brian May, and he's already performing live with his spoken-word vocal style earning crowd roars.