William Shatner reveals surprising career twist at 95
Canadian Actor William Shatner has announced a shocking career twist, sharing his plans to debut his heavy metal album at an annual three-day music festival in the US.
The announcement comes just months after Shatner, 95, was forced to deny rumours he had passed away after finding a Facebook Group using AI to spread misinformation that he was dying of cancer.
IN the clip, Shatner sat in what appeared to be his office and addressed Riot Fest fans. Instagram/riot_fest
Riot Fest, a popular music festival held annually in Chicago, shared the news that Shatner would be taking to the stage to perform with his band The *Uckers.
“After years of writing letters… Riot Fest 2026: Now with 100% more William Shatner,” they captioned the Instagram announcement.
Just 10 hours later, they posted a video of Shatner captioned, “William Shatner responds...”
“Riot Fest fans, Shatner here. And I’ve been digging around, found all those letters you sent me, and I decided you’re such big fans of mine that I’m going to debut my heavy metal record at Riot Fest,” the actor said in the clip.
“And I hope you’re there, and I hope I’m there. And I hope that you have my rider and yes, don’t forget my bowl of sauerkraut, if you please.”
The account then also shared an image of Shatner’s rider, which included several wild requests, including renaming a boat in his honour, a “Shatner’s Shag Shack” themed dressing room, four feet of Polish sausage, and “Fire breathers. Many of them”.
The announcement comes three months after Shatner was forced to deny rumours that he was dying of cancer.
“There is a page on @facebook that is using AI to create horrible fake news stories about me,” he wrote on social media on April 2, 2026.
“They have created stories that say I have stage 4 brain cancer, was in some kind of fight with Erika Kirk and that I’m dying. All their stories are monetized. Most of the stories use an AI image of me. Facebook Support will not remove the page.
The festival posted Shatner’s Rider, which caused an uproar of support for the actor in the comments. Instagram/riot_fest
“None of these stories are true but they apparently seem genuine enough for fans to repost them across social media and send messages of support to me and my family all while the culprits behind the account make money.
“This is the downside of AI and yellow journalism. While can be a wonderful tool in the right hands; it can be used as a weapon in the wrong hands.”
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