We are so very thrilled to have Evan Hadfield here with us today! Evan’s dad, Col. Chris Hadfield, has become a household name, but what a lot of folks don’t realize is his son Evan was “ground control.” While his father was in space, Evan was manning the whole social network end of the mission from Earth, via twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc. The poor man never slept. We all owe both men for making space and moustaches out of this world again! Meet, Evan Hadfield.
How to Grow a Moustache Feature Interview with Evan Hadfield
HTGAM: Please give us a little introduction for our readers who may have been living in a cave for the last 5 months.
EVAN: My name is Evan Hadfield and I am the son, and all around media helper for my father, Col. Chris Hadfield.
HTGAM: Both you and your father sport rather dashing “Chevron” Moustaches, is this intentional? Solidarity? In the classical world the Chevron is symbolic of protection. Were you aware of this? (In the modern world it’s symbolic of Magnum P.I.)
EVAN: Dad has had his moustache for around 30 years, if not longer. I can’t say I’ve ever seen him without it. I grew mine to support his return from space, as I had many interviews during that time and figured that a moustache would be a good way to show visual support.
HTGAM: What was it like growing up with an astronaut for a dad? You must have had a stock pile of astronaut ice cream growing up…do they really eat that stuff?
EVAN: I can’t say it was anything I ever noticed as strange. When you grow up with something as a norm, it sort of exists in your mind simply as how things are. To me, he was just Dad, and NASA was just the place he went during the day. ‘Astronaut ice cream’ is just something they sell to tourists. I can’t say I’ve had all too much of it, and I’m not sure he has ever tried it.
HTGAM: Did you ever anticipate this much buzz around your dad’s space mission?
EVAN: We had hoped for interest, but we never expected the level that was gained. It was a wonderful ride, one we hope to continue post-retirement. There are lots of fun and interesting plans in the works, and we are excited to continue the mission, so to speak, back here on Earth.
HTGAM: You seem to have been operating your own media mission control for your dad during all of this, as his man on the ground. Can you tell us a little about what this was like for you? Did you ever sleep?
EVAN: It was busy, exciting, and challenging. I worked around 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, without a single day off from December to May. It was very strange to go from being just an average guy trying to help his dad to somewhat thrust into the media spotlight, but I am happy to note that the response to the material was overwhelmingly positive.
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How to Grow a Moustache Feature Interview with Evan Hadfield
HTGAM: “Astro Edge” shaving gel…have you had a chance to try it?
EVAN: Never heard of it.
HTGAM: Your dad states that moustache care in space requires a vacuum, is this something like the infamous “flo-bee”? Have you tried it?
EVAN: Nope. As a terrestrial being, I’ve been pretty much stuck with my razor and sink.
HTGAM: Are you a musician as well?
EVAN: Yes, I play guitar and ukulele enough to entertain a campfire, but I likely won’t become a YouTube star any time soon.
HTGAM: How long have you owned and operated a moustache?
EVAN: In various forms for around 6 or 7 years. With facial hair that grows like kudzu, I have plenty of opportunity to experiment.
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HTGAM: “Space Oddity” was a master stroke, bravo. Whose idea was it? Was it actually all done aboard the space station; recorded, produced, filmed? Also, is the music industry really up in arms over the song rights or is that just hype?
EVAN: It was originally my idea, but the actual product was the result of the great efforts of a variety of other people with more talent than I. It was entirely filmed aboard the space station, with the music recorded both on Station (Dad’s parts) and on Earth (Emm and Joe’s parts). It was produced by me, in my apartment in Germany, working in conjunction with Andrew, Emm, and Joe.
The music industry is not up in arms about the song rights. I’ve not heard anything about that. We got all the rights through David Bowie’s people and made sure everything was fully compliant.
HTGAM: The last few months seem to have been a mission for the both you and your dad, how has this changed your life?
EVAN: Other than the fact that I received my first pieces of fan mail and had people request me to do interviews to talk about my work, not all too much. Perhaps it is still too early to tell.
How to Grow a Moustache Feature Interview with Evan Hadfield
HTGAM: Was the CSA flexible during your Dad’s mission, or were they frowning upon all the media hype?
EVAN: The CSA were better than could ever be expected of a government agency. Without them, we would have been stuck on the ground. Nothing but respect for their hard work and dedication towards making the mission a huge success.
HTGAM: Not only did you two make space exciting again, but also moustaches, do you realize this?
EVAN: Space and moustaches were always cool. Dad was merely a reminder.
HTGAM: Do you have any unique moustache tips for our readers who may have been inspired by the commander and yourself?
EVAN: The more seriously you view your moustache, the less seriously others will.
HTGAM: Lastly, any special father’s day plans?
EVAN: Nope. Nothing beyond the norm.
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A very special, heartfelt thanks to both Evan and his family! We truly appreciate everything they have done to better mankind…and at the same time making it fun! Bravo Evan and Bravo Col. Chris Hadfield, mission accomplished! We wish you a very happy retirement!
ABOUT DOUGLAS SMYTHE
Founding member and contributing writer for “How to Grow a Moustache”, an innovative cutting edge blog dedicated to all things facial fur & wet shaving. His mission: Create facial awareness and use his super powers [read:moustache] for good. Contact Douglas: whiskers@howtogrowamoustache.com
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About Douglas Smythe
