I warned you that my coverage of BEA would not be in chronological order … I’m jumping around from subject to subject as I’m inspired by something I uncover in my notes and other goodies that I brought back with me. I’ve been suffering from a bad headache the past day or two, so it seems time to write about the opening keynote, which featured Steven Tyler and his upcoming book, appropriately titled Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?
Before I get ahead of myself, I’ll share the official Book Expo America description of the keynote, per Lance Festerman, VP and Show Manager of BEA:
“At BEA we have always prided ourselves on the diversity of programming and personalities that the show highlights, and this year we are taking it to a new level. We are adhering to some great traditions while moving in some bold new directions. Our Author Stage interview series is a big initiative for us this year and we are honored to have a rock legend like Steven Tyler and a music genius like Clarence Clemons, to say nothing of a talented writer like Chuck Klosterman, all on hand to kick off our series and our show! It’s an embarrassment of riches. These guys have seen it all and they will provide a wild opening to our show. BEA is about featuring stories, whether real or fictional, and Steve Tyler and Clarence Clemons certainly have their fair share of stories!”
To be in the same room as Steven Tyler (from the band Aerosmith, in case you’re too young to know!) and Clarence “The Big Man” Clemons (from Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band) was too much to imagine … and at a publishing trade show, no less!
Reps from HarperCollins were at the door to the event venue, handing out lanyards with the Ecco imprint logo and faux backstage passes emblazoned with Steven Tyler’s picture.
It was all I could do to keep myself from running to the restroom with a can of hairspray to recreate my favorite big-hair look from the 80s. Stephanie and Julie held me back!
The stage was set living-room style, like a talk show. The host/moderator, Chuck Klosterman took a seat on the right. I haven’t read any of Klosterman’s several books, but he came on my radar a while ago when I read a review of Sex, Drugs, and C0coa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto over at Fizzy Thoughts. I was pleased to find a copy of his upcoming novel, Downtown Owl, on my seat in the auditorium.
So, in walks Clarence Clemons and and co-author Don Reo. The crowd went wild; it felt like we were at a rock concert. Clarence was walking a bit stiffly with a cane; a quick Google search reminded me that he’s recovering from double knee replacement – best wishes for a speedy recovery! Clemons and Reo sat to the left of the stage, and spent about 20 minutes speaking with Klosterman about The Big Man’s life and experience with Bruce Springsteen.
I’ve got to tell you, The Big Man is appropriately named. He is BIG! Clemons’ hands have to be twice the size of the other men on stage. While they sat with feet barely touching the floor (a la Edith Ann), Clemons feet were flat on the stage, with legs splayed to accommodate his size. Check out the size of his custom-made sax in my video (below).
He shared that he has not cut his hair since Springsteen announced the original breakup of the band, and dished more about what we can expect to find between the covers of Big Man: Real Life and Tall Tales (coming October 21, 2009 from Grand Central / Hachette).
After Clemons left the stage, Steven Tyler entered, to the shouts of the audience, flash of cameras, and glow of cell phones. The man is brilliant, if a bit disjointed and rambling in the way he talks. I hadn’t realized that he wrote all the lyrics to those rockin’ Aerosmith songs I’ve known and loved (c’mon, you know – Dude (Looks Like a Lady), Angel, Sweet Emotion, Dream On … I’m feeling younger just listening to the music in my head!) Toward the end of the interview Klosterman mentioned Tyler’s new book:
Tyler: oh, it’s not out yet. no, no. we’re still working on it
Klosterman: OK. well, when will it be out?
Tyler: who knows, who knows … you never know with these things
FYI, pub date is listed as October 27, 2009. I’ll be waiting for it!
As Tyler left the set, the crowd (including Yours Truly) rushed the stage. I wasn’t able to score an autograph, but I did get some closer photos …
I’m jealous as heck! I would love to have met Steven Tyler!
I’m definitely coming in for the entire show next year. I’m so sorry I missed this!
I’m with Candace – I wish I had gone all 4 days!
All I can say is — WOW!!
We saw Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band in August and they were phenomenal. I would have loved to have been there with you guys on Thursday night.
It would have been worth going to BEA just to see the Big Man. I’ve been a fan of the Boss and his gang since high school, and most recently saw them in concert here in Orlando about six months ago. Wow. I would have been in the bathroom with you, working on my Farrah feathered ‘do.
I have Chuck Klosterman’s first book. My sister bought it for me. I’ve read another of his, too — but didn’t like it nearly as well. I’d be curious to see his fiction.
Not gonna drool over Tyler or Clemens. Nope. Not gonna. You don’t need to know how envious I am. Nope. You sure don’t.
Thanks for the pictures, video, and details of the talks! Awesome . . .
I LOVE that picture of you!!
Cindi – I didn’t meet Tyler, but I was thisclose to him … it was good enough for me
Beth and Kathy – As much as I enjoyed dinner out w/non-BEA friend on Saturday evening, I would have enjoyed a more relaxed show day on Sunday, too. Now I’m at home saying “I didn’t say hi to (so and so) from (thus and such) … next year!
Molly – I’ve. never. seen. Bruce.
Sandy – I was going to dig up a pic from those days (esp. after being inspired by the 80s bday party you wrote about), but didn’t want to scare anyone!
Susan – that drool nearly shorted my keyboard!!
Denise – I hope it reads that I’m sharing the experience with everyone (not a bragging post)!
You seem to have been having an outrageously good time!
Gosh, what fun! I’m so envious.
I love the picture of you smiling … Steven Tyler… WOW!!! at a book expo, who would have thought . . .
Too funny! You captured the essence of the keynote perfectly. As someone who held you back, I’m wondering why you didn’t share anything about the yellow highlighter or the skittles!!!!
It really was so much fun, wasn’t it?
OP – I wear my emotions right out there for all to see!
rhapsody – we had such a fun time; and everyone was sitting patiently until the lights dimmed and Clarence came out.
LuAnn – Live vicariously thru these posts
Nicole – when a friend first mentioned that Steven Tyler would be the keynote I got all excited: “Aerosmith?!?” then I thought I must be wrong; it had to be another *Stephen* Tyler, an author I hadn’t read. It was *the* Steven Tyler, and I can’t wait to get my hands on this book, I’m sure it’s wild.
Julie – the Skittles
Now everyone will wonder what that’s all about!
Oh I love him. He is too cool. I love most of his songs. I am so envious that you got to be so close to him. I’ll have to buy his book.
We actually saw Aerosmith in concert last year. It’s the most high-energy concert I’ve ever been to. I was exhausted just watching Tyler bounce around the stage.
What great pictures!! Love the one of you and the backstage pass, how fun!
What’s the deal with the skittles??
you really did get a treat! Wonderful sax playing…Thanks for the recap of some of your experiences.
Violet – I have high expectations for Tyler’s book, after hearing him talk. The title grabs me, too!
softdrink – the man does have an unusually high level of energy!
lisamm – They’ve ruined Skittles for me … I’m going back to Junior Mints!
Serena – I know I moved (a lot!) during the video … it’s better if you just close your eyes and listen
Some of the others I took during BEA look like something out of the Blair Witch Project!
I love Steven Tyler and I’m just 17. Aerosmith is a great band. Though, I prefer their earlier stuff more. Can’t wait for the book, I think the release date has been pushed back.