Canada’s Musical Astronaut is Going on Tour

November 1, 2017 Alan Cross 0 Comments

[From current intern-in-residence Dorothy Lee. – AC]

After his amazing Canada 150 Tour this year, Canada’s first spaceship commander Colonel Chris Hadfield has announced he’ll be touring again in 2018 for his Canada 151 Tour. Hadfield shares his unique perspective of ‘the history and future of Canada through its people and the land itself’, and includes stories both from his amazing career and of great Canadians in his presentations. His performances are customized to each audience so that all fans can get the most from the experience.

“I am so looking forward to sharing what I’ve seen and learned as a Canadian in orbit, an astronaut looking at Canada and the world. There will be stories, images, videos, music and ideas of this country in its 151st year, plus a chance for Q&A and to meet in-person! I am immensely proud of Canada, especially at this moment in history. Please join me for a rare evening of stories, images, videos, music and ideas.” – Colonel Chris Hadfield

Hadfield also produced what is widely considered to be the first music video shot in space. His version of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” was shot while on board the International Space Station and has been viewed over 16 million times. According to the Vancouver Sun, ‘The video is Hadfield’s farewell to outer space after five months “sitting in a tin can, far above the Earth,” as the first Canadian to command the International Space Station’.

“Space Oddity” – Chris Hadfield video onboard ISS with Larrivée Guitar

The three-quarter-sized travel guitar played by Hadfield in the video was made by Larrivée Guitars in Vancouver. According to The Vancouver Sun (May 2013), the publicity from Hadfield playing the guitar caused enough interest for Larrivée Guitars to put the model back into production for a limited edition. The general manager of the company’s California shop, Matthew Larrivée, revealed that the company had $100,000 in orders already for the commemorative model, which would sell for about $1,200. Larrivée expected that the guitar would be popular in Canada, but did not expect the huge amount of interest they received from all over the world.

Take a look at this video of Chris Hadfield’s visit to the Larrivée Guitar factory in 2012 and what he had to say about playing guitar in space. He also reveals in this video that the guitar has made 50,000 trips around the globe.

Chris Hadfield visits Larrivée Guitar factory and talks about playing guitar in space:

Here is the ticket and pre-sale information for Chris Hadfield’s Canada 151 Tour:

American Express presale begins on Tuesday, October 31st at 10am EST.

Live Nation Member presale begins on Wednesday, November 1st at 10am EST.

General public can purchase tickets on Friday, November 3rd at 10am EST.

VIP Tickets will be available on November 1st at 10am EST.

The following are the tour dates and locations for Chris Hadfield’s Canada 151 Tour:

February 8, 2018	FirstOntario Concert Hall	Hamilton, ON
February 9, 2018	Centennial Hall	London, ON
February 21, 2018	Capital Theatre	North Bay, ON
February 22, 2018	Showplace Theatre	Belleville, ON
February 24, 2018	Grand Theatre	Kingston, ON
March 1, 2018	Rebecca Cohn Auditorium	Halifax, NS
March 2, 2018	Imperial Theatre	Saint John, NB
March 3, 2018	Holy Heart Theatre	St. John’s, NL