Self-proclaimed futurist Harlan Ellison, who called lectures “all smoke and mirrors” made to “amuse people,” took his own advice to heart during his speech at Metcalf Hall Tuesday night.
In front of about 250 faculty, students and Friends of the Boston University Libraries, Ellison recounted his adventures ranging from the political arena to television sets. He has traveled with the Rolling Stones, written an episode of “Star Trek,” marched with Martin Luther King Jr., edited 76 books and written more than 1,700 works of literature.
His lecture also included religious jokes, commentary on his hatred of the internet, stories regarding his time spent with actor Robin Williams and memories of his experience on “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher.”
Vita Paladino, managing director of the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center, invited Ellison with hopes of receiving some of his archives. She said she also thought his speech would be entertaining and provide a lot for the audience to chew on.
“He’s very provocative and thinks outside of the box and his futuristic writing will give people revelations about the future,” she said.
She said that the event would “bring people together and the question-and-answer session will give a sense of what has gone on in the room and bring everyone’s ideas together.”
Ellison said although he is known as an experienced author, he doesn’t take the title too seriously.
“I fear that I do not embody the aspects of a serious author that should be standing before you,” he said. “I’m a professional liar. I tell stories. I tell amusing little fantasies.”
Ellison described his time with both the Rolling Stones and King “noisy.”
“The only difference between the two was while marching with Martin Luther King [Jr.] I had Alabama State Troopers pointing guns at my head. While traveling with the Rolling Stones I got laid a lot and [I] kicked a chair out from underneath Brian Jones,” he said.
Some attendees said while they enjoyed the lecture, they wished Ellison had discussed his fantasy writing – which he is well known for.
“He didn’t say anything about scientific fiction,” BU alumna Joyce Greenwald said.
Many attendees said they enjoyed Ellison’s candid attitude. BU alum Gary Wallen had heard Ellison speak before and was excited to attend the lecture.
“If he had been speaking on a bridge over the Charles River, I would have come to see him,” he said.