Moustache

François-Alexandre Galepides, widely recognized by his stage name Moustache, was a multifaceted French actor and jazz drummer of Greek heritage. Born on February 14, 1929, in Paris, he tragically passed away in a car accident on March 25, 1987, in Arpajon.

Moustache began his musical journey in 1948 as a drummer with Claude Luter's orchestra, where he performed at the iconic clubs of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. He frequently collaborated with jazz legend Sidney Bechet during this time. By 1950, he took the reins of his own ensembles, including Les sept complices and Les gros minets. His band, Moustache et ses Moustachus, gained recognition in 1956 for recording several rock'n'roll novelty hits, such as "Le Croque-Skull-Creux," which featured lyrics penned by the renowned Boris Vian.

In 1978, he established the group Les petits Français, which included notable musicians like Marcel Zanini and Michel Attenoux. This ensemble focused on jazz interpretations of works by Georges Brassens.

Beyond music, Moustache explored the culinary world as a restaurateur, opening his namesake eatery on Avenue Duquesne in Paris. He also managed nightlife venues, including The Bilboquet and The Jazz Club at the Hotel Méridien Etoile during the 1960s and 1970s. Additionally, he ventured into acting and comedy, and was a member of the Star Racing Team, alongside fellow 1980s celebrities like Jean-Louis Trintignant and Guy Marchand.