BLACK SABBATH guitar legend TONY IOMMI has officially confirmed that he will appear on WILLIAM SHATNER’s upcoming heavy metal album, What The F Is Heavy Metal?! The legendary guitarist has revealed that he has already contributed an original guitar riff to a track featuring the 95-year-old STAR TREK icon, praising Shatner’s lyrics and unexpected approach to heavy music. With QUEEN’s BRIAN MAY, JUDAS PRIEST’s ROB HALFORD, former SLAYER drummer DAVE LOMBARDO and DISTURBED bassist JOHN MOYER also involved, the ambitious project is shaping up to be one of the most unusual collaborations in rock and metal history!
Published: 24 October 2026 | Rock & Metal News
CAPTAIN KIRK IS GOING HEAVY METAL – AND HE’S RECRUITED THE MAN WHO HELPED INVENT IT! 🚀🎸💀🔥
Just when you thought 2026 couldn’t deliver another unexpected rock collaboration, along comes William Shatner with a new album featuring some of the biggest names in heavy metal.
And now, the Godfather of Heavy Metal himself has confirmed that he’s part of the project.
Tony Iommi, the legendary guitarist responsible for BLACK SABBATH’s unmistakable sound, has revealed that he has recorded guitar parts for Shatner’s upcoming release.
The news comes during an already extraordinary week for Iommi, whose long-awaited solo album From The Dark arrived on Friday 23 October 2026.
But rather than concentrating exclusively on his own material, the 78-year-old guitarist has also found time to contribute to one of the most unusual musical projects currently in development.
Because let’s face it.
William Shatner recording a heavy metal album at 95 years old is unexpected enough.
William Shatner recording a heavy metal album featuring Tony Iommi and Brian May? Now that’s something else entirely!
🎸 TONY IOMMI Confirms WILLIAM SHATNER Collaboration During BBC BREAKFAST Interview
The confirmation came during an appearance on BBC Breakfast, where Iommi spoke with presenters Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt.
During the conversation, the guitarist was asked about his involvement in Shatner’s upcoming heavy metal project.
Iommi admitted that his initial reaction to the invitation was one of considerable surprise.
After all, Shatner is best known for portraying Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek television series.
He isn’t exactly the first musician most people would associate with crushing guitar riffs and heavy metal.
However, Iommi explained that his curiosity quickly turned into genuine enthusiasm.
After hearing the initial musical idea, he realised there was something interesting about the recording.
“It’s really good what he’s doing.”
The guitarist subsequently developed a riff and began building his musical contribution around Shatner’s material.
For Iommi, the project was something completely different from his usual work.
But that was part of the attraction.
He has spent more than five decades exploring heavy music.
And even after everything he has achieved, he clearly remains interested in unexpected collaborations.
💀 “I PUT A RIFF TO THAT AND BUILT IT UP!”
One of the most exciting details from the interview is that Iommi has already worked on the recording.
This isn’t simply a case of the guitarist expressing interest in a possible future collaboration.
He has contributed guitar material to the project.
During the conversation, Iommi explained that he received an initial version of the song and enjoyed what he heard.
He then developed the musical arrangement by adding one of his trademark guitar riffs.
For BLACK SABBATH fans, that is an exciting prospect.
Few guitarists have produced as many influential heavy metal riffs as Tony Iommi.
From Iron Man and Paranoid to Children Of The Grave and Into The Void, his playing helped establish the foundations of an entire musical genre.
The prospect of hearing those unmistakable guitar arrangements alongside William Shatner’s dramatic vocal delivery is certainly intriguing.
However, the title of Iommi’s particular song has not yet been officially announced.
It is also unclear whether his contribution will appear on one of the album’s original compositions or a reworked cover.
For now, the important news is that Iommi has confirmed his involvement and expressed genuine enthusiasm for the result.
🎤 TONY IOMMI Praises WILLIAM SHATNER’s Lyrics!
Perhaps the most surprising part of Iommi’s comments involved Shatner’s songwriting.
The guitarist revealed that he was particularly impressed by the lyrics.
Rather than concentrating entirely on science fiction or the actor’s famous television career, Shatner has apparently written material reflecting contemporary society.
According to Iommi, the words address issues connected to the world today.
He described the lyrics as meaningful and praised the unusual approach.
The guitarist also acknowledged Shatner’s distinctive vocal style.
Unlike a conventional heavy metal frontman, the actor is famous for his theatrical spoken-word delivery.
His recordings frequently place greater emphasis on dramatic interpretation than traditional singing.
And Iommi clearly found that approach interesting.
Instead of expecting Shatner to sound like Ozzy Osbourne or Ronnie James Dio, the guitarist embraced the differences.
That’s what makes this collaboration particularly fascinating.
One of heavy metal’s greatest riff writers is working with an actor whose musical identity is built around storytelling, dramatic expression and spoken-word performance.
It’s certainly not a conventional partnership.
But it could produce something genuinely unusual.
🚀 ‘WHAT THE F IS HEAVY METAL?’ – WILLIAM SHATNER’s New Album!
Shatner’s upcoming album has officially been titled:
What The F Is Heavy Metal?
And yes, that really is the title!
The record is being developed through Cleopatra Records, with a tentative release planned for 2027.
It will bring together Shatner with an extraordinary collection of established rock and metal musicians.
The project is being overseen by a production team including Adam Hamilton and Cleopatra Records president Brian Perera, with additional contributions from Derek Hughes, Marcus Nand and Jürgen Engler.
Shatner has explained that the concept emerged after his record label suggested he experiment with heavy metal.
His initial reaction was essentially the question that later became the album’s title.
Rather than pretending to be an expert in the genre, the actor decided to approach the recording with curiosity.
He began exploring the emotional intensity associated with heavy music.
And he quickly developed an interest in combining powerful instrumental arrangements with his distinctive approach to spoken-word performance.
💿 WILLIAM SHATNER – Upcoming Album Details
Album information
Details
Artist
William Shatner
Album
What The F Is Heavy Metal?
Expected release
2027, tentative
Record label
Cleopatra Records
Genre
Heavy Metal / Hard Rock / Spoken Word
Confirmed contributor
Tony Iommi
Other contributors
Brian May, Rob Halford, John Moyer, Dave Lombardo
Proposed material
Six original songs and six covers
Production
Adam Hamilton, Brian Perera and collaborators
Recording status
Principal recording substantially completed; final adjustments under consideration
An exact release date, complete tracklist and official artwork have not yet been announced.
Iommi suggested that the track he worked on could appear towards the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027, although that timing remains unconfirmed.
👑 BRIAN MAY Helped Bring TONY IOMMI Into The Project!
The involvement of Tony Iommi follows earlier comments from another legendary British guitarist.
QUEEN’s Brian May revealed in September that he was contributing to Shatner’s album.
And during an interview with Greatest Hits Radio presenter Zoe Ball, May suggested that his longtime friend Tony Iommi would also be involved.
The QUEEN guitarist explained that he had already worked remotely with Shatner and had enjoyed the experience enormously.
May described the 95-year-old actor as enthusiastic, energetic and creatively ambitious.
He also explained that he had arranged to speak with Shatner over Zoom after completing his musical contribution.
The actor’s reaction was apparently extremely positive.
May then revealed that he believed Iommi would also be joining the project.
His reasoning was simple.
The two guitarists are close friends, and Iommi enjoys unusual musical challenges.
Now, Iommi has confirmed that May’s prediction was correct.
And with both musicians appearing on the album, Shatner has secured the involvement of two of Britain’s most recognisable guitar legends.
There’s another fascinating connection.
Brian May also contributes a guitar solo to Iommi’s newly released solo album, From The Dark.
The pair clearly remain enthusiastic about creating music together and exploring unexpected projects.
🔥 JUDAS PRIEST, SLAYER And DISTURBED Musicians Join The Album!
Tony Iommi and Brian May aren’t the only famous names contributing to Shatner’s upcoming record.
The project features musicians associated with several of heavy metal’s most influential bands.
🤘 Confirmed And Announced Guest Musicians
Musician
Best known for
Tony Iommi
Black Sabbath
Brian May
Queen
Rob Halford
Judas Priest
Dave Lombardo
Slayer, Mr. Bungle
John Moyer
Disturbed
The involvement of these musicians creates some extraordinary possibilities.
Rob Halford brings one of the most recognisable voices in traditional heavy metal.
Dave Lombardo is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to thrash metal drumming.
John Moyer has spent decades delivering powerful bass performances with DISTURBED.
And alongside Iommi and May, the album features a collection of musicians whose careers span several generations of heavy music.
Shatner has suggested that approximately 50 musicians have become involved with the project.
However, the complete list of participants has not yet been formally announced.
The record’s final credits will reveal the full extent of the collaborations.
For now, the confirmed contributors are impressive enough!
🥁 DAVE LOMBARDO Welcomes The Unusual Collaboration!
Former SLAYER drummer Dave Lombardo has already expressed enthusiasm for his participation.
Lombardo is widely regarded as one of thrash metal’s most influential drummers.
His performances on classic SLAYER recordings helped establish a faster and more aggressive approach to heavy music.
Over the years, he has also collaborated with musicians outside traditional thrash metal.
His work includes projects involving experimental music, punk, hardcore and alternative metal.
For Lombardo, contributing to a William Shatner recording represents another opportunity to explore unfamiliar creative territory.
The drummer has praised the ambition behind the album and its willingness to challenge expectations.
And considering his extraordinary musical history, his participation adds serious heavy metal credibility to the project.
🎸 WILLIAM SHATNER Brings Heavy Metal To RIOT FEST 2026!
Perhaps the most convincing evidence that Shatner is serious about his latest musical adventure came in September.
At 95 years old, the actor made his heavy metal live debut with a newly assembled band.
The group, known as *THE UCKERS, appeared at Riot Fest in Chicago on 20 September 2026.
And rather than simply delivering a spoken-word presentation, Shatner performed material associated with some of heavy metal’s biggest names.
The festival appearance included interpretations of:
- METALLICA – Enter Sandman
- OZZY OSBOURNE – Crazy Train
- MOTÖRHEAD – Ace Of Spades
The set also included three original compositions written by Shatner and longtime collaborator Rob Sharenow.
For the audience, it was certainly an unusual sight.
The actor famous for commanding the USS Enterprise was performing music originally associated with Ozzy Osbourne, James Hetfield and Lemmy Kilmister.
And Shatner wasn’t afraid to reinterpret the material.
Rather than attempting to reproduce the original singers’ performances, he approached the lyrics as an actor.
Each song became an opportunity for dramatic storytelling.
His interpretation of Enter Sandman, in particular, attracted attention because of his dark reading of the lyrics.
Shatner subsequently described the Riot Fest experience as a major confidence boost.
He believed the response demonstrated that audiences were interested in his unusual approach to heavy metal.
💀 WHO ARE THE *UCKERS?
For Riot Fest, Shatner assembled an experienced group of musicians capable of performing his unusual material.
🎸 WILLIAM SHATNER’s Live Metal Band
Musician
Role
William Shatner
Vocals and spoken-word performance
Marcus Nand
Guitar and musical direction
Britt Lightning
Guitar
Phil Soussan
Bass guitar
Fred Aching
Drums
The lineup features musicians with extensive professional experience.
Britt Lightning is known for her work with VIXEN.
Phil Soussan has performed with numerous major rock artists, including Ozzy Osbourne.
Fred Aching has established himself through projects including KINGS OF THRASH.
Meanwhile, Marcus Nand serves as guitarist and musical director.
Their involvement provided Shatner with a strong musical foundation.
And importantly, the band were able to adapt the arrangements around his unconventional vocal style.
The resulting performances combined theatrical storytelling with powerful rock instrumentation.
For an actor exploring heavy metal at 95, it was certainly an ambitious undertaking.
🚀 WILLIAM SHATNER – From STAR TREK Captain To Heavy Metal Frontman!
For anyone wondering how the legendary actor became involved in heavy metal, the story is almost as entertaining as the album itself.
Born on 22 March 1931 in Montreal, Canada, William Shatner became internationally famous through his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek.
The original television series aired between 1966 and 1969.
Although its original run was relatively brief, the programme developed an enormous international following.
Shatner subsequently returned to the character in several feature films.
His career also included major roles in T. J. Hooker and Boston Legal.
But acting has never been his only creative interest.
For decades, Shatner has experimented with music.
His recordings frequently combine spoken-word delivery, dramatic interpretation and unusual musical collaborations.
His debut album, The Transformed Man, arrived in 1968.
It featured theatrical interpretations of popular songs alongside dramatic readings.
The album became famous for Shatner’s unconventional performances.
And over the following decades, he continued developing that unusual musical identity.
🎶 WILLIAM SHATNER Is No Stranger To Rock Music!
Although a heavy metal album may sound surprising, Shatner has actually spent years collaborating with established musicians.
His previous recordings have featured artists from rock, country, alternative music and experimental genres.
🎸 HAS BEEN (2004)
Produced by Ben Folds, Has Been became one of Shatner’s most critically discussed musical projects.
The album featured an unusual combination of spoken-word performance, alternative rock and theatrical storytelling.
It also included a collaboration with JOE JACKSON on a cover of PULP’s Common People.
Rather than treating Shatner’s musical style purely as comedy, the record explored more personal themes.
It demonstrated that his distinctive delivery could be used in emotionally powerful ways.
🚀 SEEKING MAJOR TOM (2011)
Released in 2011, Seeking Major Tom featured a collection of cover versions connected by themes of science fiction, space and exploration.
The album included appearances from musicians associated with rock and heavy metal.
Its unusual arrangements reinforced Shatner’s willingness to experiment with established songs.
💀 PONDER THE MYSTERY (2013)
Shatner also collaborated with progressive rock musician Billy Sherwood on Ponder The Mystery.
The project featured appearances from several established musicians and explored philosophical themes.
Together, these albums demonstrate that Shatner’s latest heavy metal project is not simply a sudden attempt to enter the music industry.
He has been making unconventional records for decades.
The difference is that this time, he’s embracing the full power of heavy metal.
🔥 SIX ORIGINAL SONGS AND SIX METAL COVERS!
Shatner has revealed that his record label originally suggested a collection combining original material with cover versions.
The proposed structure involves:
- Six newly written compositions.
- Six interpretations of established songs.
Shatner and Rob Sharenow have written the original material.
One of those songs is titled Impatience.
The composition reportedly emerged after Shatner listened to GUNS N’ ROSES’ Patience.
However, rather than following the emotional tone of the original ballad, he decided to explore impatience, frustration and the experience of growing older.
Another original recording shares its title with the album itself.
The songs performed at Riot Fest offer some indication of the musical territory being explored.
But the complete studio tracklist has not yet been confirmed.
And critically, the specific song featuring Tony Iommi remains unidentified.
For fans, that means there are still plenty of surprises to come.
🎸 TONY IOMMI Is Enjoying An Incredible Creative Period!
The Shatner collaboration arrives at a particularly exciting moment in Tony Iommi’s career.
On Friday 23 October 2026, the guitarist released From The Dark, his first full-length solo album in 21 years.
The record features Norwegian vocalist Jorn Lande, bassist Becky Baldwin and drummer Karl Brazil.
It also includes a guest appearance from QUEEN guitarist Brian May.
The eight-track album showcases Iommi’s unmistakable approach to heavy metal.
Crushing guitar riffs.
Dark atmospheres.
Powerful rhythms.
And soaring melodic vocals.
It’s a reminder that the guitarist remains creatively active more than five decades after helping form BLACK SABBATH.
And now, just one day after the album’s release, fans have confirmation of another unexpected collaboration.
It’s certainly been a busy week for the legendary musician!
💿 TONY IOMMI – ‘FROM THE DARK’ Is Out Now!
The new album features eight tracks:
Track
Song
1
Over The Violent Sun
2
Black Times
3
World Alone
4
Beyond The Dead
5
Stormwatcher
6
Death Wake
7
Return Of The Arbalist
8
Legacy
The record was produced by Iommi alongside longtime collaborator Mike Exeter.
🎧 LISTEN TO OR ORDER TONY IOMMI – ‘FROM THE DARK’
For BLACK SABBATH fans, 2026 is providing plenty of opportunities to celebrate Iommi’s extraordinary contribution to heavy music.
🖤 Two Legends From Completely Different Worlds
One of the most fascinating aspects of this collaboration is the contrast between the two central musicians.
Tony Iommi and William Shatner became famous in completely different areas of entertainment.
Iommi helped transform rock music into something darker and heavier.
Shatner became one of television’s most recognisable science-fiction actors.
Yet their careers share some interesting similarities.
Both achieved international recognition during the 1960s.
Both became associated with cultural movements that continue influencing new generations.
Both have spent decades working across different creative projects.
And neither appears particularly interested in slowing down.
At 78, Iommi is continuing to write and record powerful heavy metal music.
At 95, Shatner is exploring an entirely new musical direction.
That’s a remarkable combination of experience and creative ambition.
And it demonstrates that age doesn’t necessarily have to limit an artist’s willingness to experiment.
🌌 BRIAN MAY, TONY IOMMI And CAPTAIN KIRK – A Connection Written In The Stars!
There’s another fascinating element to the project.
Brian May is not only a legendary guitarist.
He’s also an astrophysicist with a lifelong interest in astronomy and space exploration.
May completed his PhD in astrophysics in 2007 and has participated in scientific projects connected to space research.
That makes his collaboration with William Shatner particularly appropriate.
After all, Shatner became famous for portraying one of science fiction’s greatest space explorers.
He also travelled into space in October 2021 aboard a Blue Origin spacecraft, becoming the oldest person at the time to experience spaceflight.
Both men have even had asteroids named in their honour.
Now, with Tony Iommi joining the project, the album brings together musical history, science-fiction culture and heavy metal.
It’s a combination that sounds almost too unusual to be real.
Yet here we are!
📅 WHEN WILL WILLIAM SHATNER’s HEAVY METAL ALBUM BE RELEASED?
At present, What The F Is Heavy Metal? is tentatively expected in 2027 through Cleopatra Records.
However, the release schedule has not been finalised.
During his BBC Breakfast interview, Tony Iommi suggested that the music could arrive towards the end of 2026 or early in the following year.
Shatner has also indicated that the principal recordings are substantially complete.
However, he intends to review the material and consider whether any additional vocal adjustments are required.
The final album artwork, complete tracklist and official release date have not yet been announced.
And fans hoping to hear Iommi’s contribution will need to wait for further details.
The encouraging news is that the guitarist has confirmed his recording involvement.
The collaboration is real, the guitar work has been contributed, and the project is moving towards release.
🤘 THE RIFF REPORT VERDICT – CAPTAIN KIRK MEETS THE GODFATHER OF HEAVY METAL!
Tony Iommi confirming his involvement in William Shatner’s upcoming heavy metal album is easily one of the most unexpected musical announcements of 2026.
On paper, the combination sounds completely ridiculous.
The legendary Captain Kirk.
The guitarist who helped invent heavy metal.
Members of QUEEN, JUDAS PRIEST, SLAYER and DISTURBED.
And an album with the brilliantly outrageous title What The F Is Heavy Metal?
But the more you learn about the project, the more interesting it becomes.
Shatner isn’t pretending to be a conventional heavy metal singer.
He’s approaching the music through his own distinctive style of dramatic interpretation.
And rather than simply recruiting famous musicians to lend their names to the record, he’s working with artists who can bring genuine musical creativity to the material.
Iommi has already developed a guitar riff for his contribution.
He has praised Shatner’s lyrics.
And he clearly enjoyed the experience of working on something different.
That’s particularly encouraging.
Because when a musician of Iommi’s experience gets excited about a recording, it’s worth paying attention.
Of course, the finished album will ultimately have to stand on its own musical merits.
An extraordinary collection of guest musicians doesn’t automatically guarantee a great record.
But there’s no denying the ambition behind the project.
And with Shatner continuing to pursue new creative challenges at 95 years old, his enthusiasm deserves recognition.
For Tony Iommi, it’s another fascinating addition to an already legendary career.
For William Shatner, it’s a chance to explore a musical genre he has only recently begun to understand.
And for rock and metal fans?
It’s the opportunity to hear Captain Kirk delivering dramatic vocals over guitar riffs created by the man who helped give us BLACK SABBATH!
You genuinely couldn’t make this stuff up.
ONE LEGENDARY STAR TREK CAPTAIN. ONE GODFATHER OF HEAVY METAL. AN ARMY OF ROCK ICONS. AND A RECORD THAT’S GOING WHERE NO METAL ALBUM HAS GONE BEFORE!
WILLIAM SHATNER AND TONY IOMMI – BOLDLY GOING INTO HEAVY METAL! 🚀🎸💀🔥🤘
THE RIFF REPORT BLOG – MUSIC JOURNALISM WITH BOOTS AT THE BARRICADE!
