Riot Fest announces side shows – with some very interesting names…

For this year’s “Riot Fest” in Chicago, Illinois, a variety of sideshows have just been revealed, as per theprp. The live premiere of “Star Trek” icon William Shatner‘s metal effort with his band The *uckers is one of those offers. Along with a number of heavy metal stars, the 95-year-old Shatner has been working on a new heavy metal album. He will now perform for the first time on September 19 at Park West in Chicago, Illinois. On September 20, a day later, he would perform at “Riot Fest.” Other sideshows announced are:

Black Flag & The Crosses:
09/17 Chicago, IL – Reggies

Chat Pile & Soul Glo:
09/18 Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle

Thrice & Hot Rod Circuit:
09/18 Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge

William Shatner And The *uckers:
09/19 Chicago, IL – Park West

Show Me The Body & Whispers:
09/19 Chicago, IL – Reggies

View this post on Instagram

In recent years, Shatner has been collaborating with a number of special guests on a future metal/rock record. He will collaborate with Judas Priest singer Rob Halford on a cover of the 1982 Judas Priest song “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’“; members of Nuclear Messiah, Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society/Ozzy Osbourne), Ritchie Blackmore (formerly Deep Purple), and Henry Rollins (formerly Black Flag) will also be featured on that upcoming record, which Cleopatra Records plans to oversee.

One of the most recent contributors to that record is drummer Mikkey Dee (Scorpions, Motörhead), who recorded a cover of “Living After Midnight,” another Judas Priest classic. Other guests are:

• Dave Lombardo (ex-Slayer, Mr. Bungle, etc.)
• Chris Adler (ex-Lamb Of God/Megadeth)
• Vinny Appice (ex-Black Sabbath, etc.)
• Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus)
• Kenny Aronoff (Steve Vai)
• Simon Wright (ex-AC/DC, UFO)
• Bobby Rondinelli (Blue Öyster Cult, Quiet Riot)
• Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Joe Lynn Turner)
• Steve Zing (Danzig, Samhain, Mourning Noise)
• Fred Aching (Kings Of Thrash, Nuclear Messiah, Fraxures)