A famous Canadian singer/songwriter is very much alive despite the numerous reports to the contrary. Now calling it the Gordon Lightfoot Hoax, news came out Thursday evening that the singer had passed away and was even published in local and national newspapers! Get the whole scoop and check out the video and pictures below!
According to early reports, the rumors began to circulate due to a small prank played on fellow musician Ronnie Hawkins. A friend of Ronnie, rather tactlessly pretending to be Gordon’s grandson, left a message on his answer machine saying that the musician had passed away the previous night.
Ronnie, acting naturally, sent a message to his wife with the news and she then sent a message out to a small group of close friends with the news. You can imagine how things took off from there!
Before long, news of the death had appeared online and Ronnie was contacted by a local Canwest reporter. Still in the dark about the prank, Ronnie confirmed the Canadian singer’s death and Canwest put it on the newswire. From there, newspapers around the country picked it up and began publishing stories and obituaries. Gordon Lightfoot Hoax complete!
It wasn’t long though before Canwest was contacted by a source close to the reported deceased, and then by his manager, stating that he was alive and well and had just left the dentist! Before long, a wave of backpedaling articles spread across the web, correcting the news story.
“This is just an unfortunate prank, Gordon has just visited his dentist and is now working in his office . . . He’s in good shape and is baffled by the speed at which this incorrect information has taken hold.”
Taking it in good spirits, Gordon said:
“I was quite surprised to hear it myself driving in . . . to my office, I haven’t had so much airplay for weeks”
Eventually the news spread back to Ronnie Hawkins, who was extremely relieved:
“Man I couldn’t be happier to hear (he was alive). We had plans this summer.”
I still find it amazing how fast news can spread these days, and I’m sort of surprised pranks like the Gordon Lightfoot Hoax story don’t happen more often!
Be sure to check out the pictures and video of one of his famous songs below!
Photos: www.wenn.com Daniel Alvarado
