Up At The Ranch And Beyond

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Space Rock News

CHINA HAS REACHED EARTH'S 'OTHER MOON'

Asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa

On July 6th, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced that its Tianwen-2 probe has arrived at asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa, a space rock that loops around our planet about once per year.





Snapped from about 20 km away, this 'first contact' photo reveals a house-sized body tumbling once every 28 minutes. That means it's probably a solid object, not a rubble pile that would easily spin apart.

Kamoʻoalewa is not a true moon. It is a "quasi-satellite," tracing lazy corkscrews around Earth while actually orbiting the sun in near-lockstep with our planet. Discovered by the Pan-STARRS telescope in Hawaii in 2016, its name comes from a Hawaiian chant and means, roughly, "oscillating celestial fragment."

This isn't Earth's only mini-Moon; there are at least 7 others. However, Kamoʻoalewa stands out as the most stable. It is expected to remain a quasi-satellite for centuries. That stability made it an attractive target for China's growing space program.

Kamoʻoalewa looks like a chip off of something bigger. But what?

Some researchers believe it is a piece of the Moon, blasted into space by the impact that dug lunar crater Giordano Bruno. Others argue it wandered in from the asteroid belt. Tianwen-2 could settle the debate by bringing a piece of the mini-Moon home.


Asteroid Kamoʻoalewa - Earth's Constant Companion



In this animation from 2024, NASA uses an earlier designation (2016 HO3) for Kamoʻoalewa (1:00)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=SbbAnVU4rmY

Earth's 'Quasi-Moon' Kamo'oalewa is a Fragment Blasted Out of Our Moon

"Like detectives, we used all known information regarding this Kamo‘oalewa and the lunar surface to derive a scenario for the origin of this object, starting from the impact that produced the Giordano Bruno crater."

Published 23rd April 2024 by Robert Lea – Space.com
https://www.space.com/quasi-moon-kam...t-lunar-impact





Animation of the orbit of Kamoʻoalewa from 2000 to 2300, showing quasi-satellite phase




Relative to Sun and Earth (rotating frame of reference) | Around Earth (non-rotating frame) | Around Sun (non-rotating frame)

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The Night Sky








A – The waning crescent moon will lie near reddish Mars and the ruddy star Aldebaran. Also, the delicate Pleiades star cluster will glitter nearby. Look for them about 90 minutes before sunrise.

B – About 30 minutes before sunrise on July 12 and 13, look for the waning crescent moon, glowing with earthshine. It’ll lie near the red planet Mars and the bright orange giant star Aldebaran. Also, the tiny dipper-shaped Pleiades star cluster is nearby.

C – Stargazers' delight. The moment of new moon will fall at 9:44 UTC on July 14, 2026. That’s 4:44 a.m. Central Daylight Time in the Americas. And it’s 9:44 p.m. New Zealand Standard Time. In fact, this is the 4th of 5 new supermoons in a row. It’ll be 223,789 miles (360,154 km) away. Compare that with the average moon distance of 238,900 miles (384,472 km).

D – On the evening of July 15, the waxing crescent moon will be approaching brilliant Venus and Regulus, the brightest star in Leo the Lion.

E – On the evenings of July 16 and 17, the waxing crescent moon will lie near brilliant Venus and Regulus, the brightest star in Leo the Lion. Regulus is the bright dot at the bottom of a backward question-mark pattern of stars known as the Sickle. Also look for the delicate glow of earthshine on the unlit portion of the moon. They’ll set late evening.

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Why Do Predators Ignore Sleeping Humans?
____

Why?

Published 17th June 2026 (18:17)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=XWQz7Fh2X58

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“Anyone who is not afraid going into space is clearly insane.” – Anonymous NASA engineer
________

Chilling Space Mysteries That Haunted Astronauts in Orbit

The Phantom Knock: The Shenzhou-5 Anomaly




Yang Liwei

On October 15, 2003, China joined the elite group of spacefaring nations by launching Yang Liwei aboard the Shenzhou-5 spacecraft. The historic 21-hour mission, however, was overshadowed by an incident later described as one of the strangest space mystery events of the decade. In the sealed silence of the cabin, Liwei heard a sharp, persistent knocking sound, resembling the impact of a wooden hammer striking an iron bucket.

This event became a reference point among the mysteries of space because sound cannot propagate in a vacuum. Yang even looked through the porthole, fearing a possible collision or structural damage, yet the pressure sensors showed normal readings, and nothing but emptiness surrounded the craft. Engineers later suggested that pressure differences between the inner and outer hulls caused micro-deformation, producing the noise.

Liwei, however, insisted that the strange sounds in space were too rhythmic and deliberate to be purely mechanical. The incident prompted engineers to revise acoustic standards and vibration models for future inhabited modules.

The Lunar Requiem: Apollo 10’s Strange Frequencies



Apollo 10 crew: Gene Cernan, Tom Stafford, and John Young, 1969

In May 1969, during a full rehearsal for the Moon landing, the Apollo 10 crew encountered an unexpected acoustic anomaly. As their module passed behind the Moon and communication with Houston was cut for sixty minutes, a strange whistling music filled their headsets. It did not resemble static or routine interference. The sound was melodic, mournful, and continued for nearly an hour without interruption.

The astronauts debated whether they should even report the incident, fearing psychiatric evaluation or professional doubt. Officially, NASA attributed the phenomenon to radio wave interference between the lunar and command modules. Yet this cosmic mystery remains unresolved. Why did Neil Armstrong’s subsequent mission, using identical equipment in the same region, hear nothing but static noise?

Strange Music-like Sounds Heard During Apollo 10 Mission | Video

(1:10)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=vEiX8CgLXFo

Story Musgrave And the Interstellar “White Eel”




In 1991, during the STS-44 mission, veteran astronaut Story Musgrave reported observing an object that should not biologically exist in a vacuum. It appeared as an eight-meter white structure resembling a rubber snake or eel, twisting, flexing, and manoeuvring parallel to the shuttle at close range.




Story Musgrave Talks About Extraterrestials

(1:06)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=rL-EOPvuXqk

Musgrave observed similar mysterious things in space during two different missions. Later, after careful analysis, he concluded that the object was a detached rubber seal moving chaotically in zero gravity.

The “Third Man” Factor: Phantom Presence in Deep Space

The sensation of an unseen presence is among the most unsettling mysteries aboard orbital stations and, surprisingly, the most common. It has been reported by multiple astronauts from multiple countries, sometimes at the same time. Soviet cosmonaut Alexander Volkov described repeatedly hearing heavy footsteps and quiet voices aboard the Mir station while the rest of the crew slept. He also experienced a chilling sensation of being watched, accompanied by physical discomfort and anxiety.




Volkov

Such unexplained astronaut experiences are often attributed to infrasound generated by ventilation systems and structural vibrations. Yet documented cases exist in which multiple crew members sensed a presence simultaneously. What are considered unexplainable things on Earth can become tangible in orbit, raising the biggest mystery of human psychological adaptation in prolonged isolation.

Published 30th May 2026 by Orbital Today
https://orbitaltoday.com/2026/05/30/...ut-encounters/

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Guy Ottewell Honored With an Asteroid in His Name

https://www.instagram.com/p/DagtC6dljsH/

On July 6, 2026, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) released its latest bulletin with the new names of a few dozen asteroids. Among them is asteroid 21008, now named Ottewell for the beloved British astronomer Guy Ottewell.

E. F. Helin first discovered the asteroid back on August 9, 1988, from Palomar Mountain. The International Astronomical Union explained why Guy was honored with his name on an asteroid:

"Guy Ottewell (b. 1936) is a British educator who published his Astronomical Calendar every year from 1974 to 2026. These featured Ottewell’s immersive illustrations depicting the celestial sphere and the motions of heavenly bodies for the coming year. His passion, skill, artistry and dedication to astronomy have been lauded by devoted followers worldwide."

Paintings




Machu Picchu: Hitching Post of the Sun | Blue Ridge Parkway

Published 7th Jorguly 2026 by EarthSky.org
https://earthsky.org/human-world/guy...dar-companion/

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Jimmy Page - Lucifer Rising (Complete Session Remastered)

Of historical interest.



(1:03:36)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=a6R4gss0Lx8

https://wimwords.com/2016/06/19/from...ks-jimmy-page/

0:00 Lucifer Rising - Main Title 20:23 Incubus 22:18 Damask 24:21 Unharmonics 26:28 Damask - Ambient 28:34 Lucifer Rising - Percussive Return 31:56 Lucifer Rising Early Mix 50:58 Sonic Textures 1 - Earth 55:33 Sonic Textures 2 - Air 58:38 Sonic Textures 3 - Fire 1:00:24 Sonic Textures 4 - Water 1:01:32 Sonic Textures 5 - Ether

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Auroras From Space ESA

Beautiful, but born under a bad sign






https://www.sciencealert.com/astrona...sly-from-space



https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap260713.html

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Astrology

“Born Under A Bad Sign”





Born under a bad sign
Been down since I began to crawl
If it wasn't for bad luck
You know, I wouldn't have no luck at all

Hard luck and trouble
Been my only friend
I've been on my own
Ever since I was ten

Born under a bad sign
Been down since I began to crawl
If it wasn't for bad luck
You know, I wouldn't have no luck at all

I can't read
I didn't know how to write
My whole life has been
One big fight

Born under a bad sign
I've been down since I began to crawl
If it wasn't for bad luck
I say, I wouldn't have no luck at all

That ain't no lie
Aw!

You know, if it wasn't for bad luck
I wouldn't have no kinda luck
If it wasn't for real bad luck
I wouldn't have no luck at all

You know, wine and women
Is all I crave
A big legged woman gonna carry me
To my grave

Born under a bad sign
I've been down since I began to crawl
If it wasn't for bad luck
I tell ya, I wouldn't have no luck at all

Yeah, I'm a bad luck boy
Been havin' bad luck all of my days, yes

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=2Py37G9qsfY

Albert King (April 25, 1923 -- Dember 21, 1992) was an American blues guitarist and singer. In 1966 he signed with the Stax record label. Produced by Al Jackson, Jr., King with Booker T. & the MGs recorded dozens of influential sides, such as "Crosscut Saw" and "As The Years Go Passing By", and in 1967 Stax released the album, "Born Under a Bad Sign". The title track of that album (written by Booker T. Jones and William Bell) became King's best known song and has been covered by many artists from Cream to Homer Simpson.

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America's Untapped Rare Earth Source: Trash





Rare Earth

In the race to secure the critical mineral supply chain, the U.S. government has sought to ramp up production of rare earths and rare earth magnets. Now, experts say the key to securing these supplies may not lie simply in opening new mines, but also in reusing what has already been extracted.

Rare earths, a group of 17 metallic elements on the periodic table, are essential for many modern technologies, from smart phones and laptops to wind turbines. Their unique properties enable super-strong magnets, amplify fiberoptics and lasers, and help speed up chemical reactions. According to the military, one F-35 fighter jet contains about a hundred pounds of rare earths, incorporated into its various parts. 

In recent decades, China has built up its rare earths industry and cornered the market on these materials critical not only to American manufacturing, but also to the defense industry.

Contrary to what their name suggests, rare earths are not actually scarce in nature. What makes them rare is finding deposits concentrated enough to make mining and processing worthwhile.

But according to Julie Klinger, a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, there may be another way.

"Less than 1% of the rare earths that we consume are recycled," Klinger said. "That means we've been accumulating rare earths in our waste for decades."

A hidden resource in plain sight

Rare earth elements are embedded in countless everyday devices.

"There's not a day that goes by where you don't interact with rare earth magnetics," said Matt Sloustcher of MP Materials, which operates the only active rare earth mine in the United States at Mountain Pass, California.

"From the vibration of a smartphone to the acceleration of electric vehicles, rare earth magnets make the modern world move. Yet once products reach the end of their life, most of the valuable rare earth elements inside of them are lost."

Every year, rare earth elements are thrown away in items like outdated electronics, retired airplanes, and decommissioned ships, according to Klinger. Even more of these elements remain buried in thousands of mining waste sites. 

The idea of recycling rare earths is straightforward, but the execution is not. Devices often contain only tiny amounts, meaning large volumes of material must be processed to recover meaningful quantities. Extracting them can also be technically complex.

Still, Klinger argues recycling is more environmentally friendly than opening new mines.

"You know what's in there," Klinger said of recycling. "You know exactly what to expect. And therefore, you also know exactly what environmental protections you need to put in place."

Published 5th July 2026 by Brit McCandless Farmer – CBS News
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/am...e32c9d4&ei=104

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U.S. Approval of Giant ‘Space Mirror’ Satellite Alarms Astronomers

A controversial new ruling from the Federal Communications Commission leaves no one responsible for regulating light pollution and other ill effects from skyrocketing numbers of satellites
____

A “space mirror” test satellite meant to beam sunlight and turn night into day on targeted swaths of Earth just received approval to proceed—and astronomers are aghast. The satellite, called Eärendil-1 and built by the California-based startup Reflect Orbital, would be the first of some 50,000 similar spacecraft the company hopes to launch by 2035. Critics say such plans are wholly unacceptable because light pollution from so many large, bright satellites would radically degrade views of the night sky.




Reflect Orbital’s Eärendil-1, a test satellite equipped with a large deployable mirror to demonstrate the company’s “sunlight on demand” business plan, could launch before the end of 2026 (Image credit: Reflect Orbital)

Eärendil-1’s formal approval to proceed came last week from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). That ruling addressed not only Reflect Orbital’s proposal but also more than 1,800 public comments expressing concerns about the project’s potential impact on the night sky and Earth’s orbital environment. To these objections, the FCC had one response: that’s not our problem.

Reflect Orbital’s sunny proposition is to provide “sunlight on demand” for solar power plants, emergency search and rescue operations, and round-the-clock construction projects. Once launched, Eärendil-1 would deploy an 18-meter-wide steerable mirror to demonstrate that technological feat; anyone or anything in the path of its beam would see the satellite as a glaring dot shining up to four times brighter than a full moon.

The FCC’s decision “really scares me,” says Samantha Lawler, an associate professor of astronomy at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan. “It shows what gigantic holes there are in the regulatory framework for outer space and lets Reflect Orbital just sail on through one of those holes. I’m really worried about the future of astronomy.”

The FCC’s accompanying commentary for its decision pointedly notes the approval only applies to Eärendil-1 and that it had to consider “the small risk” of damage to individuals “against the benefits of permitting American companies to test innovative technology in space” via a single experimental satellite.

But 50,000 satellites is a different story. Olivier Hainaut, an astronomer at the European Southern Observatory, recently conducted a study on the potential light pollution from Reflect Orbital’s plans, based on computer simulations of the satellites and their operations in space. The full complement of satellites, he found, could collectively make the global night sky three to four times brighter than it is today, all around the world. Even the planet’s darkest skies could become about as bright as the heavens above a suburban town, he says.

Published 12th July 2026 by Mary Randolph and Lee Billings – Scientific American
https://www.scientificamerican.com/a...s-astronomers/

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Voyager 1 to Reach Historic Distance of 1 Light-Day From Earth





Voyager 1 has been on an incredible journey that's defied all expectations. And it's about to achieve yet another milestone.

The small car-sized spacecraft was the first human-made object to enter interstellar space, and for almost 50 years it's been hurtling away from Earth at 61,100 kilometers (38,000 miles) per hour.

Crazily, in all that time, the spacecraft still hasn't quite made it 1 light-day away from Earth.

But NASA scientists have calculated the precise moment that will happen, and we're only a few months away.

On 18 November 2026 at 2:16 AM PST, Voyager 1 will reach a distance of 25.9 billion kilometers from its home planet.

That's the same distance that light travels in a single day… and for Voyager 1, it will have taken the spacecraft more than 49 years.

"Voyager 1 will be the first human-made object to reach this distance from Earth, adding to a long list of historic firsts for the mission," a NASA statement explains.

"Voyager 1 and its twin, Voyager 2, are the only spacecraft to ever operate outside the heliosphere, or the protective bubble of particles and magnetic fields generated by the Sun."

Voyager 1's original mission was simply to fly past Jupiter and Saturn – goals it completed in 1979 and 1980 respectively – and then it just. kept. going.

Along the way, Voyager 1 and 2 have sent back images from close to Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, and in recent years have carried on recording and analyzing the weird and wonderful experiences they're having out in space.

But despite how far the mission has come, the plutonium-powered spacecraft is slowly running out of energy.

For the past year, NASA's been switching off instruments one by one to keep it going a little longer.

Two instruments now remain: the magnetometer and the plasma wave subsystem, which is still sampling the faint electromagnetic heartbeat of interstellar space.

NASA estimates Voyager 1 will keep communicating with Earth into the early 2030s, before its power supply finally drops below the minimum threshold needed to run anything at all.

Published 12th July 2026 by Fiona MacDonald – Science Alert
https://www.sciencealert.com/voyager...ed-1-light-day


Voyagers’ Mission to the Outer Solar System (1977 Vintage Video)



From the archives of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, this short film from 1977 describes the mission of the two Voyager spacecraft before they launched on their journey to Jupiter and Saturn later that year. It features early computer graphics, artist’s concepts of the outer solar system, and vintage footage of the antennas from NASA’s Deep Space Network at Goldstone, California.

(4:43)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=uJpJ79AxrzI

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Perseid Meteor Showers: Night After Night

The Perseid meteor shower begins on July 17 alongside two others, and lasts throughout Leo in August, making "shooting stars" likely any night this month and next.





The 2026 Perseid meteor shower is active from tonight and peaks alongside a dramatic total solar eclipse on Aug. 12-13.





The Perseid meteor shower 2026 is set to be a truly magnificent affair and a stark contrast to last year, when moonlight drowned out all but the brightest shooting stars. The shower will reach peak activity overnight on Aug. 12-13 under the dark skies of the new moon. During the peak, up to 100 shooting stars may be seen each hour as they cut fiery paths through the summer sky, according to the American Meteor Society.


Published 17th July 2026 by Anthony Wood and Jamie Carter – Space.com
https://www.space.com/stargazing/met...rs-this-summer
https://www.space.com/stargazing/met...ld-look-up-now

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Space Rock News

ALPHA CAPRICORNID METEORS



www.spaceweather.com

Meteor storms are coming. Frankie Lucena of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico photographed one of the first arrivals on July 6th.

"This is an alpha Capricornid meteor," says Lucena. "It appeared all of a sudden above the hills near my home."

Alpha Capricornid meteors are debris from Comet 169P/NEAT. They appear every year in July with peak rates of 5 to 9 meteors per hour. Many “alpha Caps” are slow, bright space rocks like Lucena saw.

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Original Wizard of Oz Silent Movie from 1910



Of historical interest.

(13:12)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=BWQ5-UBU22M

Buddy Ebsen, the original Tin Man

Production Hell - The Wizard Of Oz



For the rest of her life, Margaret Hamilton (The Wicked Witch of the West), scared the hell out of little kids in the supermarket.

Toxic makeup, deadly pyrotechnics, abusive directors, drugged-up child actors and horny midgets - The Wizard Of Oz had it all, and much more. Join me, the Critical Drinker, as I recount the insane production of the 1939 classic.

(10:58)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=rTuo4TA-K4M

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Eyes Wide Shut Adventures - i cant even production



A lot to unpack here. The background stuff alone is enough for a view.

#Illuminati #SuperBowl #KobeBryant #Nixon #LBJ #KennedyAssassination #HuntFamily #KansasCityChiefs #TomBrady #GeorgeBush #TwinTowers #ICE #ANTIFA #CIA #ELO #LaurelCanyon #CharlesManson #MarilynManson #Ozzy #Tavistock #Beatles #AntonLeVey #AlistairCrowley #Epstein # KevinSpacey #TaylorSwift #27Club #DeadRockStars

Published 10th February 2026 (10:32)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ld3kBIH2XfA

Hidden Super Bowl Decode of icantevenproduction Video



Analysis by Mr Prescott.

Published 14th February 2026 (21:29)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=w6UgqCEuUqU

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Space Rock | Atmagaia

"Astral"





(3:07:05)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=3qzKHHVDUcY

[Matthew]

A planet, a star, a black hole, or a gravitational math rewrite?

YouTube channel Astrum points out that if 'planet X' is a black hole (the size of a football) then it's impossible to see it unless it's consuming something. That's mad. Although on the plus side if a black hole is consuming something we get to see all sides of it simultaneously.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=YgcTweyVKdo

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Planet 9

[skogvokter]

,,

..

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=-AD6EIeGZn8

..

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Thx Mr Vokter, great song. In keeping with the musical theme, Mr Shatner will always have a place in these pages ...
___

William Shatner, 95, to Launch His Heavy Metal Band The F-ckers @ Riot Fest - Chicago

The ‘Star Trek’ icon will trade the final frontier for the mosh pit on Sept. 20

After more than a decade of Riot Fest trying to get him to perform, William Shatner is finally saying yes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Da262KxkuXL/

The Star Trek legend, 95, will make his Riot Fest debut on Sunday, Sept. 20 at Chicago’s Douglass Park, where he’ll take the stage with his newly formed heavy metal band, The F-ckers, marking the group’s first-ever live performance.

Known for embracing the bizarre, the festival announced Shatner’s addition alongside an intentionally outrageous artist rider that mixes legitimate backstage requests with impossible demands directed at the city of Chicago itself.

Among the requests for the Chicagoland community? Rename a boat in his honor so he can captain a ship again, create a classic Chicago food item named after him, invite him to sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at a Chicago baseball game and even have him co-anchor the local weather with the city’s favorite meteorologist.

The festival itself wasn’t spared, either.

Shatner’s performance rider calls for “Fire breathers. Many of them.,” an intro video created by GWAR and his artist golf cart to be replaced with a DeLorean. Backstage, he requested a dressing room themed as “Shatner’s Shag Shack,” four feet of Polish sausage, a bowl of sauerkraut, a Montreal Canadiens jersey signed by John Stamos, eight pallets of Faygo (specifically “Not to be shared with Insane Clown Posse”), white tube socks, underwear and “an assortment of adoptable puppies, sourced from a reputable local animal rescue nonprofit.”

https://x.com/WilliamShatner/status/2077838267521888365

https://www.instagram.com/p/Da3dP5SEiCB/

Riot Fest founder Mike “Riot Mike” Petryshyn joked that landing the Canadian actor has been years in the making.

“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,” said Petryshyn in a press release. “But that Shatner Rider ... wasn’t expecting that today.”

Shatner, meanwhile, is fully embracing the moment.

“I’ve always believed that music, like space, is about exploration,” he says in a statement. “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.”

Published on July 16, 2026 by Lily Brown – People
https://people.com/william-shatner-t...-2026-12021163



William Shatner Set to Launch HEAVY METAL BAND at 95

(1:37)

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=KhG6vz5r640

Bonus:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=647Ks6i_SsU