William Shatner's Riot Fest Rider Is Absolute Comedy Gold: DeLoreans, Puppies, and Boat Captaining

William Shatner just confirmed his debut performance at Chicago’s Riot Fest (September 18-20, 2026), and the entertainment value extends far beyond the music. The 90-year-old legend will headline with his brand-new heavy metal band The *uckers, completely reimagining songs from his six-decade career while debuting material from an upcoming heavy metal album. But it’s his rider demands that have everyone talking, and honestly, they’re a masterclass in personality and playful confidence.

The rider reads like a wish list from someone who’s been in the industry long enough to ask for exactly what he wants without apology. Shatner requested a DeLorean as his festival transportation (goodbye golf cart), four feet of Polish sausage, sauerkraut, a collection of puppies, and a particularly interesting item: a John Stamos-signed Montreal Canadiens sweater. But the Chicago-specific requests are where things get absolutely delightful. He wants the city to rename a boat in his honor so he can“captain a ship again,”requested that someone create a classic Chicago food tribute in his name, and asked for an invitation to sing“Take Me Out to the Ball Game”at a local baseball game. Riot Fest organizer Mike Petryshyn admitted surprise at the creative chaos, noting that he’s been persistently requesting Shatner’s performance for years. Apparently, persistence pays off, especially when paired with the right person who knows how to have fun with their own legend.

What makes this moment genuinely cool is that Shatner isn’t trying to relive his glory days or phone it in as some nostalgia attraction. He’s stepping into completely unfamiliar creative territory with heavy metal, bringing genuine intensity and a full band of acclaimed musicians. The rider demands don’t feel like diva behavior—they feel like someone who’s earned the right to be exactly who they are. Riot Fest’s tradition of pairing legendary artists with unexpected performances finds its perfect match. So here’s the real question: Are you showing up in Chicago for this performance?