THE BACKSTAGE PASS

1. Curiosity Meets Chaos: The Show

Let's be clear: this is not a science lecture . “ROCKING” is what happens when you put William Shatner and Neil deGrasse Tyson on stage, scrap the script, and let them loose on the universe. The entire show pivots on a single, wild premise: reality is absurd. What follows is a cosmic sparring match. Shatner, all philosophical fire and existential curiosity, pushes back against the bizarre facts of science. Tyson, the voice of cosmic reason, tries to hold the line, with the patience of a saint.

Unfiltered and uncensored. It’s raw, it’s wry, and it’s surprisingly human—a glimpse into what happens when two brilliant minds forget the audience is listening.

This show dismantles the typical "expert" format. Instead, it offers a raw, unpredictable exploration of everything from human consciousness to the mechanics of the universe. It's a conversation that celebrates relentless questioning and proves that the most brilliant insights often come with a dose of playful antagonism.

2. The Bromance: A Sneak Peek

The energy of ROCKING is best understood by seeing it in action. The duo's recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert offered a perfect glimpse into the spontaneous banter and intellectual curiosity that defines their dynamic. From discussing the fluid dynamics of penguin poop to Shatner's existential angst about the quantum realm, the segment showcases the exact blend of humor and profundity attendees can expect.

As Tyson joked in the green room, "He's still curious about the universe. He never stops... Face gets wet and there's a vein popping out of his head and I gotta rescue him".

3. What People Are Saying

"The chemistry between these two - cut with a KNIFE! It's giving Martin Short + Steve Martin vibes. The World needed this duo YEARS AGO."

Audience Insight

"This is probably the most quiet I’ve seen Neil Degrasse Tyson be at any interview. Goes to show just how big of a personality William Shatner is."

Fan Reaction

"You’re right, Stephen, you probably could’ve left the room and I’d still watch this all night!"

Viewer Feedback

"OMG! They are EXACTLY the same person! It's perfect and hysterical! What a pair; endlessly curious, creative, and informed by actual science. And then shit tons of dad-humor and vamping!!!"

Online Community

"He's a great ass... trophysican". That line made me laugh out loud. William has a great comedic timing. "Where is the button?" "I'm searching for it, and I'm following the proctologists instructions" that interview was just too funny."

Humor Enthusiast

"I have loved these men separately for years, but together they are so funny! I love it, thank you for making my laugh, just when it is needed most."

Longtime Fan

4. The Minds Behind the Mics

William Shatner: The Philosophical Provocateur
A cultural icon, Emmy Award-winning actor, and real-life space explorer. At 94, Shatner’s "boundless curiosity" drives the conversation as he relentlessly probes the boundaries of science, consciousness, and what he calls the "bizarreness of existence". He is challenging the very nature of reality.

Neil deGrasse Tyson: The Cosmic Anchor & Counterpart
One of the world's most recognized astrophysicists and the Director of the Hayden Planetarium. Dr. Tyson is the brilliant scientific "intervener", tasked with navigating Shatner's existential explorations with scientific rigor, incredible patience, and a sharp sense of humor. As he puts it, "I got my work cut out for me."

5. Key Media Angles

The Cosmic Odd Couple: The story isn't just a "bromance"; it's a high-brow comedy duo. A pop-culture philosopher-king (Shatner) spars with the public’s most trusted scientific voice (Tyson) about the universe's biggest questions. Perfect for culture, arts, and entertainment reporters.
Shatner’s Final Frontier: This is a powerful human-interest story about legacy. A 94-year-old icon, who has traveled to space, chooses to spend his time relentlessly probing the nature of existence. This angle targets feature writers and outlets focused on legacy.
An Antidote for Absurd Times: In an era of misinformation, this unscripted dialogue between two intellectual heavyweights champions curiosity over certainty. It’s a newsworthy cultural event about science communication for opinion sections and think-piece writers.

6. Event Details

What: ROCKING: The Universe is Absurd!
Who: William Shatner & Neil deGrasse Tyson
When: Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Doors open at 6:30 PM, show starts at 7:30 PM.
Where: McCaw Hall (Susan Brotman Auditorium), Seattle, WA.
Format: A 90-minute, unscripted conversation with no intermission.
Tickets: Available exclusively through Ticketmaster.
Official Website: RockingWithBillAndNeil.com.

7. Key Partners

8. About FUTURE of SPACE

FUTURE of SPACE is a media company that creates unique intersections of science, storytelling, and human connection. Through curated experiences like our live stage show ROCKING: The Universe is Absurd! and our annual Space2Sea expeditions, we unite innovators and explorers to move the conversation forward. Our mission is to inspire audiences to embrace exploration in all its forms, from the outer reaches of our universe to the inner depths of human potential.

See the Media Impact Snapshot

Learn more about us at futureofspace.io.