William Shatner, the 95-year-old actor and occasional musician, is set to take his upcoming heavy metal album to the next level with a live, immersive spectacle. This ambitious project, featuring 35 musicians from the genre, is a testament to Shatner's enduring legacy and his desire to push boundaries. In a recent statement, Shatner expressed his vision for the event, describing it as a unique blend of concert, theatrical performance, and celebration of heavy metal's power and legacy.
"I needed pounding beats to make the music feel the way I feel it," Shatner said. "The drums drive the emotion. They create the urgency, the excitement, the danger. Heavy metal should hit you in the chest and move your soul at the same time."
The list of contributors to this album is a who's who of heavy metal drumming legends. Mikkey Dee, known for his work with Motörhead and The Scorpions, has already contributed to a cover of Judas Priest's 'Living After Midnight'. Joining him are Dave Lombardo (Slayer, The Misfits), Chris Adler (ex-Lamb of God, ex-Megadeth), Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath), Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus), Kenny Aronoff (Steve Vai, Sammy Hagar), Simon Wright (AC/DC, UFO), Bobby Rondinelli (Blue Öyster Cult, Quiet Riot), Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Joe Lynn Turner), Steve Zing (Danzig, Samhain, Mourning Noise), and Fred Aching (Kings of Thrash, Nuclear Messiah, Fraxures).
The project also includes Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford, with production handled by Adam Hamilton (LA Guns, Brian Jonestown Massacre), Derek Hughes, Marcus Nand, and Jurgen Engler of Die Krupps. The result is a dream team of musicians, each bringing their own unique style and expertise to the table.
Shatner's career as a recording artist has been eclectic, to say the least. From his 1960s album 'The Transformed Man' featuring quirky interpretations of Beatles songs, to his 2004 album 'Has Been' produced by Ben Folds, Shatner has explored various musical genres. His space-themed 'Seeking Major Tom', Christmas album 'Shatner Claus', and blues album 'The Blues' showcase his versatility and willingness to experiment. Now, with this heavy metal project, Shatner is once again pushing boundaries, challenging expectations, and offering a unique experience to fans.
The title and release date of the album are yet to be announced, but the excitement is palpable. This live spectacle promises to be a celebration of heavy metal's power and a testament to Shatner's enduring legacy. As a fan of music and performance art, I can't wait to see what this legendary actor and musician has in store for us. It's a testament to the power of creativity and the endless possibilities that exist when passion and talent converge.
