Common People

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning Common People by William Shatner from his 2004 album William Shatner Has Been, delighting their Zoo Freaks audience. This cover of Pulp’s 1995 Britpop anthem is a standout, blending Shatner’s dramatic spoken-word style with a rock edge, thanks to producer Ben Folds. A wild trivia tidbit: Folds initially envisioned former U.S. President Bill Clinton playing saxophone and Weezer as the rhythm section for the track, but Clinton backed out, and Weezer’s Rivers Cuomo was unreachable, vacationing “on an island in the sun somewhere.” Instead, English musician Joe Jackson stepped in, delivering a powerful vocal for the chorus, which Folds later called a “master stroke.” The song hit number 21 in Australia’s triple j Hottest 100 of 2004, marking a high point in Shatner’s musical journey.

Another quirky story comes from Folds’ relentless ambition for the track. He reached out to David Bowie’s management, hoping the icon would join, and Bowie reportedly considered it because “it was kind of fun.” Meanwhile, Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips flat-out refused, saying, “No f***ing way. I hate Star Trek.” The song’s charm lies in Shatner’s over-the-top delivery, which one reviewer described as “a lecture filled with anger and distaste,” perfectly matching the song’s social commentary on class tourism. Fans went wild, with a 2015 YouTube video syncing the song to Star Trek: The Original Series clips, aligning lyrics with characters’ dialogue for a viral hit. In 2007, the song inspired a ballet by choreographer Margo Sappington, performed by the Milwaukee Ballet, which Shatner attended and later turned into a documentary, William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet, premiered at the Nashville Film Festival in 2009.

William Shatner, born March 22, 1931, in Montreal, Canada, kicked off his career as a classically trained actor, studying at McGill University before joining the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Ontario. His early stage work led to roles in Canadian radio and television, but his big break came in 1966 when he landed the iconic role of Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek. The sci-fi series, though initially canceled in 1969, gained a cult following through syndication, cementing Shatner’s status as a cultural icon. Beyond acting, Shatner dabbled in music early on, releasing his debut album, The Transformed Man, in 1968, which featured eccentric spoken-word covers of songs like Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. Though mocked at the time, it laid the groundwork for his later musical ventures, including Has Been. His multifaceted career also includes writing novels, directing films, and hosting shows like Rescue 911.

Shatner’s online presence is vibrant, with his official website offering updates on his projects, from music to his Hollywood Charity Horse Show. You can catch him on Facebook, where he has over 1.1 million followers, sharing posts about his albums and environmental advocacy. On Instagram, he posts personal snapshots and career highlights, while his X account engages fans with witty banter and has over 2.5 million followers. Fans gather at The Official William Shatner Fan Club, a hub for devotees, and on Facebook groups like the William Shatner Fans community, where Zoo Freaks and Trekkies alike celebrate his eclectic legacy.