William Shatner's Ridiculous Riot Fest Rider Demands: A Space Odyssey of Entitlements
The legendary actor and musician William Shatner, known for his iconic role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek, has recently unveiled a list of rider demands for his upcoming performance at Riot Fest in Chicago that is out of this world. The 95-year-old Shatner, who will be performing with his metal backing band the *uckers, has requested a series of bizarre and entertaining provisions that have left fans and organizers alike in awe.
One of the most notable demands is the renaming of a boat in his honor, allowing him to captain a ship once again. This request is a nod to Shatner's love for the sea and his desire to relive his maritime adventures. Additionally, he wants to sing 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' at a Chicago Cubs game, blending his love for baseball with his musical talents. The introduction of an intro video by the legendary GWAR adds a touch of heavy metal humor to the event.
But the most intriguing demand is the transportation request. Shatner insists on being transported around in a DeLorean, the iconic time machine from the Back to the Future franchise. This request not only showcases his love for science fiction but also adds a layer of nostalgia and fun to the festival.
The backstage demands are equally as entertaining. Shatner wants his dressing room named 'Shatner's Shag Shack,' a playful nod to his iconic catchphrase 'Shuttlecraft Library.' He also requests four feet of Polish sausage, a Montreal Canadiens hockey sweater autographed by John Stamos, and an assortment of adoptable puppies, adding a touch of whimsy to the festival.
Shatner's performance at Riot Fest is a testament to his belief in the exploration of music and space. He states, 'I’ve always believed that music, like space, is about exploration. Riot Fest is exactly the kind of place where anything can happen. We’re bringing volume, intensity, and a few surprises. I can’t wait to share this experience with the fans.'
Mike 'Riot Mike' Petryshyn, the founder of Riot Fest, expressed his excitement, saying, 'After years of persistently — and perhaps annoyingly — writing letters to William Shatner about performing at Riot Fest, it appears that he was finally compelled. I for one cannot wait to see Shatner get heavy. But that Shatner Rider… wasn’t expecting that today.'
Shatner's performance will be backed by a talented ensemble of musicians, including guitarist and musical director Marcus Nand, bassist Phil Soussan, guitarist Britt Lightning, and drummer Fred Aching. The Star Trek star is also working on a heavy metal album for Cleopatra Records, featuring collaborations with renowned artists like Rob Halford and Mikkey Dee.
Riot Fest, taking place from September 18th to 20th at Douglass Park in Chicago, promises an unforgettable experience with a diverse lineup of acts, including Tool, Twenty One Pilots, Pierce the Veil, Alanis Morissette, Morrissey, Iggy Pop, Pixies, and Elvis Costello & The Imposters. Shatner's presence adds a unique and entertaining element to the festival, leaving fans eagerly awaiting his performance.
In conclusion, William Shatner's rider demands for Riot Fest showcase his unique sense of humor, love for music, and appreciation for the extraordinary. His performance is sure to be a highlight of the festival, offering fans a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends his iconic Star Trek persona with his musical prowess.
