Plans for a tribute concert in memory of late Canadian songwriting icon Gordon Lightfoot are already in motion, according to a music industry vet who is a longtime friend of the artist.
Speaking with the Canadian Press, Bernie Fiedler — who previously owned the Riverboat, the coffee house Lightfoot and other notable Canadian musicians once played in Toronto's Yorkville neighbourhood — says several prominent artists who counted themselves among Lightfoot's friends will be involved.
Fiedler shared that names including Burton Cummings, Tom Cochrane and Murray McLauchlan have already committed to performing, and while it's too early to say when the tribute will be staged, CP notes that Fiedler hopes it will take place at Toronto's Massey Hall, a storied venue inextricable from Lightfoot's legacy as a live performer.
The news agency notes that Fiedler says he'd like the tribute concert to include Lightfoot's longtime backing band to accompany artists involved "if they're willing."
Lightfoot passed away in Toronto last week at age 84. More than 2,400 fans paid their respects at a public visitation held Sunday (May 7) in Lightfoot's hometown of Orillia, ON.
Tributes to the late artist have come from around the world, while closer to home, listeners are suggesting the honour of renaming a local landmark after the songwriter.
Speaking with the Canadian Press, Bernie Fiedler — who previously owned the Riverboat, the coffee house Lightfoot and other notable Canadian musicians once played in Toronto's Yorkville neighbourhood — says several prominent artists who counted themselves among Lightfoot's friends will be involved.
Fiedler shared that names including Burton Cummings, Tom Cochrane and Murray McLauchlan have already committed to performing, and while it's too early to say when the tribute will be staged, CP notes that Fiedler hopes it will take place at Toronto's Massey Hall, a storied venue inextricable from Lightfoot's legacy as a live performer.
The news agency notes that Fiedler says he'd like the tribute concert to include Lightfoot's longtime backing band to accompany artists involved "if they're willing."
Lightfoot passed away in Toronto last week at age 84. More than 2,400 fans paid their respects at a public visitation held Sunday (May 7) in Lightfoot's hometown of Orillia, ON.
Tributes to the late artist have come from around the world, while closer to home, listeners are suggesting the honour of renaming a local landmark after the songwriter.
