I have very fond memories from my childhood, when my nascent science-fiction fan (and later, writer) self was awakened by a low-budget, three-season-long television show that in time, spawned a universe. "Star Trek"s success was in part due to some great writers, some innovative takes on social issues, and a great cast who worked together flawlessly. But, of course, the greatest of that great cast was the Captain, James Tiberius Kirk, the man who made the Klingons invent a new word for "defeat."
That franchise has largely gone down the woke tubes in recent years. But the man behind the original Captain Kirk is still going strong, even at 94 year of age, and at this late stardate, he's starting a new career - as a heavy metal rocker.
‘Star Trek legend William Shatner is set to release a new heavy metal album pairing covers of staples by the likes of Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, along with all-new compositions. The 94-year-old actor/musician, etc. has revealed this venture into heavier soundscapes was spurred by a guest appearance on Nuclear Messiah‘s album “Black Flame“, for which he recorded a spoken word introduction. He commented:
“When Nuclear Messiah came to life, something clicked. It wasn’t just a track — it was a doorway. It made me want to go all the way in, bring in the best metal players I could find, and create something fearless.”
Working with that all-star collective led him to partnering with a slew of heavy metal and hard rock luminaries on covers and a a number of all-new tracks as well, including:
Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy Osbourne)
Ritchie Blackmore (ex-Deep Purple/Rainbow
Henry Rollins (ex-Black Flag/Rollins Band)
Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream)
Wayne Kramer (MC5)
I'm not familiar with all the names, not being a huge modern heavy-metal guy. But the Shatner is serious about getting his rock on.
The track listing and further details are being kept under wraps for now, but Shatner did have the following to say about his passion for metal music:
“Metal has always been a place where imagination gets loud. This album is a gathering of forces — each artist bringing their fire, their precision, their chaos. I chose them because they have something to say, and because metal demands honesty.”
“I’ve spent a lifetime exploring in both reality and fiction. Now I am stepping out into the unknown once again with my new project in heavy metal. I am covering Black Sabbath, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden as well as a number of new songs written by my team. The whole project is destined for this year. I hope you will join me in the exploration.”
There's nothing that one can't do if one has enough gumption, and gumption is what Captain James T. Kirk is all about.
Read More: To Trekkies Everywhere - Happy Star Trek Day!
William Shatner, 93, Shares His Secrets on Staying Youthful. Number-One: Be Captain James T. Kirk.
Not only is this the man who gave the Klingons pause for the first time in that warrior race's history, but he was also the guy who could talk an AI into self-destruction, who could talk his way into the embraces of even the greenest of space chicks, and who did the greatest flying drop-kicks in human history.
It's not his first musical effort, either. Although Bill Shatner is anything but a common person.
You've got to admire this guy's grit. At 94, most people who are even alive are drooling into a pillow in a nursing home. My Old Man made it to 94, and while he was a heck of a tough old man right up to the end, he didn't start any new careers. But William Shatner? The man who defined "hero" for a generation? The man who was the original portrayer of one of the most badass starship captains in television and cinema history? The guy's just got no quit in him.
Keep on rockin', Captain Kirk. Set phasers to "METAL" and launch photon torpedoes. This is far from your last battle.
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