Status Update: Saturday Morning
Posted on May 29, 2010 Posted by John Scalzi 25 Comments
Photo by Wil "Teh Dude" Wheaton
Friday at the Phoenix Comicon went very well, I have to say. Both of my panels — one on Stargate Universe and one on bad designs in science fiction universe — were very well attended, and the latter in particular was a lot of fun because I got to play off of Seth Shostak of SETI and author Michael Stackpole, both of whom were excellent fellow panelists. Then I hung about my signing table, and had nice chats with fans and also tablemates Aprilynne Pike and Leanna Renee Hieber. Then off to dinner with with friends (this is a recurring theme).
Then at 10pm it was time for Rock Band with Wil Wheaton, in which Wil plays Rock Band with his fans for about four hours straight, which is a whole lot of Rock Band. As for myself, I played Blink-182’s “The Rock Show” with me on vocals, Wil on bass, Felicia Day on guitar and Wil’s liaison Amy on drums (I think; maybe it was Wil on drums and Amy on bass. It’s kind of a haze), which I think went pretty well. A little later on Wil was singing Lady GaGa’s “Poker Face” and Felica and I went up and to be his sexy sexy back up singers. See people I told you Felica Day and I are totally ZOMG BEST FRIENDS FOREVER. You didn’t believe me, did you. Well, nyah on you, I say! Nyah!
I hung about afterward, stepping in for Wil on a couple of songs when he took a break (see picture above), then co-singing Devo’s “Girl U Want” for Lee Whiteside’s group, and finally closing out the show with Wil on guitar as I sang — yes — “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey. Which I will have you know WE ROCKED. Oh, don’t give me that look. In your heart you know that’s where we were going to end up. Then I collapsed in into a pile of snore, because you know what? I had a busy day.
Oh, and somewhere in there I took delivery of something that will change how look at reality and the world around us. What is this amazing, transcendent, life-changing thing? Those of you here at Phoenix Comicon will find out tomorrow at 3 during Super Happy Fun Time With John and Wil. Those of you not here will, uh, have to wait. See, I told you that you wanted to be here.
Today: A “Spotlight on John Scalzi” panel, more hanging out at my signing table, and later tonight: Geek Prom. I’m going to wear a tie and everything. Updates during the day, as warranted, via Twitter.
And how are you?
Please tell me there’s a video of this…
I’m exhausted just reading this… glad you had a great time!
You took delivery of your bifocals?
Rick – There is video of most of last year’s and I saw tons of people with cameras. I wouldn’t be surprised if most of it is up by the end of the week.
Scalzi – You did rock! Rockband was so much fun. I was laughing hysterically during the Lady Gaga song. I wouldn’t have missed that for a room full of puppies. Looking forward to your Spotlight panel today and geek prom tonight!
Envy. Envy. Envy. You star writers get to have all the fun.
Hey, John. Back 1996-2000 for four years on NBC prime time there was a television show The Pretenders about a super-genius Jarod escaped from a sinister Centre in Blue Cove, DE, that could be anything he wanted to be. Every week he was something else and helped out righting wrongs done to people by other evil folk.
Were you a fan? Just wondering. Been watching the 86 episodes recently on DVD. I had forgotten just how well written and acted the series was. Watched it first time around with the two sons then in high school.
You mean this?
You know the rules: Youtube link or it didn’t really happen.
So are you going to do the San Diego ComicCon any time soon?
I live close but have never been. Your attendance would get me to finally go.
I’ve never met anyone famous or even semi famous and have always wondered what level of fanboy I would become. Mellow and cool or full squee.
That sounds like a lot of fun!
Is there anywhere on the web I could catch some video of these panels or is that a strict no no since I didnt buy a ticket to the con?
I’d love to see the panel with you, Mr. Shostak, and Mr. Stackpole.
GAH! Jealouseeeeey!
I wish I was there so bad. :(
You kind of look like you’ve only got one arm in that photo… Def Lep cover?
Your deliciousness,
I cannot help but read Metatropolis as “MEATatropolis”, each time I see it on display here.
I feel that this deserves to be explored, especially in light of your new title.
Thanks for the updates. Wish I were in Phoenix. You need to have a little talk with Wil and tel him his fans wish he would blog a bit more. But you sir are doing well at keeping up your end of the bargain. Yes, that bargain, “If you write it, they will come…” And, yup, here we are.
And it will be fun to see David Blue use the communication stones to be able to go to a con and see John Scalzi and Wil Wheaton.
–Jerry
I love you man, but this post makes me want to time travel to cons of yesteryear and hang with Fred Pohl in a smoky bar and drink a preposterous amount of bourbon.
Forbes @6: I suspect that Wil is finally getting John back for Velvet Wesley. Revenge is a dish best served cold with a thick sauce of originality.
How am I? Having plenty of fun at ConQuesT!! PhoenixCon sounds like much much fun…
Hey,I’m your big fan oversea.Pity there’s no Chinese Edition of the books after the OLD MAN’S WAR.
Gaga is available on Rock Band? This may be the tipping point that convinces my 12 year old son to play Rock Band with me tonight!
How am I? I am so happy for a stunningly beautiful Spring day (last weekend snow, this weekend mid 70’s). Time for a cup of coffee, so I can embrace the potential. (Laundry, vacuuming, cooking with my 11 year old son who wants to be a chef, etc… And maybe a little GaGa later with the 12 year old… One can’t be completely domestic).
asweetbunk:
Not true; there’s also a Chinese edition of Ghost Brigades. I know because I have a copy (several, in fact).
Video of the Poker Face:
Yes,I’ve got Ghost Briadge also.Will Zoe’s story and Last colony be published in China?
Yay! That’s me on bass, & I’ve become a follower of your blog because you danced on stage next to me!
I was in the front row, and I’m also subscribing! XD I’m super excited about the fanfic contest. You have no idea. You guys are so awesome!
Hey, this is the first time I’ve ever actually heard that song too! What an INTERESTING way to be introduced to Lady GaGa.
Videotape of the Bad Design panel does exist. How well it will come out probably depends on how much John, Seth, and Michael made use of the microphones. Same for the consulting panel on Sunday with John, Seth, Kevin Grazier, and Jaime Paglia. I’ll see what I can do about getting it transferred and made available online once I catch up with real life.