Hello, let me introduce myself.
My name is Michael James Heffernan. Most people call me Mike. I am a Canadian of Irish descent. I'm a bit older than I'm comfortable with, but who isn’t?
This website is just for fun. I'll be chronicling some of my travels, sharing my own and other's likes and dislikes, commenting about whatever comes to mind and inviting everyone to contribute.
A Method Not Recommended
For more than forty-five years I have made my living playing music. (Ed. note: As of February 2025 it was fifty-one years in the music business.)
I played the keyboard instruments mostly. I taught myself and this is how:
I just decided which notes not to play and then had a rip-roaring go at all the rest. The refining process was tedious.
We had an early 20th century "upright grand" in the living room that my father, who was an accomplished pianist, would play for hours. His control of that huge hulk of maple and cast iron was astonishing and in sublime contrast to the chaotic crashes of dissonance that I produced to great effect, as I said, by deciding which notes to leave out and then gung ho-ing everything else. I think about our poor cat sometimes.
The .01 Percent Club
After a couple of years, when I had eliminated most of the bad notes, I joined a band and went on the road. That was 1974.
I've had many great experiences, met a lot of fascinating people and made some good friends in my travels. So what? So now I get to sit on my arse, write about myself and expect everyone to be interested? Well...............yes... sorta. I'm struggling here for substance as it is folks. Take me out of this and it's Vichyssoise without the spuds. Hotdog no wiener. Non-alcoholic beer.
Something is needed to drive the narrative and conveniently, I'm available.
So here's a collection of opinions, observations, useless advice, music, pictures, etc. frequently treated with sassy irreverence as if we were the smartest people in the world. Cheers Mike H
The Posse
On Stage
Gordon Lightfoot
Vocals, Guitar and Raison D'etre
Rick Haynes
Bass
Barry Keane
Drums
Mike Heffernan
Keyboards
Carter Lancaster
Guitar
Behind The Scenes
Chuck Thomas
Stage Manager
Leslie Charbon
Sound
James Spilsbury
Lighting and Stage Design
Anne Liebold
Business and Office Manager
Warren Toll
Tour Manager
New Posse 2024 The Lightfoot Band
On Stage
Rick Haynes
Bass
Barry Keane
Drums
Mike Heffernan
Keyboards
Carter Lancaster (until the end of 2025)
Guitar
Bill Bell (beginning 2026)
Guitar
Andy Mauck
Rhythm Guitar and Vocals
thelightfootband.com
Thanks for this. I am wondering if you might write your name out in seperated syllables with the accented syllablles in bold typeface for me. Is it HEF-fer-man, hef-FER-man, or heff-er-MAN? I’m writing a tribute song for Mr. Lightfoot and I am incorporating as many bandmate names as I can fit. As you under stand, the accented syllable in your name will dictate where i place the name in the melody line.
Thanks for reading. I won’t be offended if you dain not to respond. You are such a great pianist.
Terry Tufts
Mike, there’s a guy, I believe from California who sounds pretty close to Gordon. Wish I could remember his name. He might work. I’m thinking he lives in Bakersfield and works for that city. Good luck!
Glade to learn you are keeping the band together. Always loved Gorde and your sound. I was a major market USA DJ and air personality for many years. Also the Waterfront MC for the CNE’s GREAT WATER SKI SHOWS. I met Gordon many years ago at Orillia as we were all sitting around a beach fire. He just popped in and said “Hay guys I got a couple of new ones. want to hear them?”Good luck I know it will be great. Keep me posted.
I can’t believe Gordon is gone . It broke my heart when he passed . I saw you guys more than 75 times in concert over the years . I am so glad the band is still together . You guys are tight and sound amazing , all of you ! I would love to hear you guys do Farewell to Annabelle. I absolutely love that song . Well actually I love all the songs . There isn’t a Lightfoot song I don’t like . I am 60 now and the first Time I saw Gordon I was 13 . Thank you for the years and carrying on the music . God Bless you all . Thank you !
David Peace
Thank you Mike. For your talent and your commitment to all of us Gordon Lightfoot fans who have been hoping that you and the Band would stay together and continue the legacy.
Can’t wait to see The Band perform LIVE again! Your music has been SOOOO missed!
So good to hear from the band and know that Gordon Lightfoot’s music will be heard again . Hope to see you all in concert somewhere in Canada maybe Penticton or Oliver , BC
Dear Mike,
I saw a post that said y’all would be carrying on with Gordon’s music. It’s the best idea and best way to honour him for anyone who loved him and his music. I had the pleasure of meeting him and the band back around 1976 and was allowed at the house and backstage on many occasions. I was always taking pictures and I even made a leather guitar strap and belt for him, both of which he used. I hope the band does get back on the road and if y’all end up down by Corpus Christi, I will be in the audience. My suggestions would be “If children had Wings” and “Spanish Moss”. All the best to you and the guys.
Great to hear you want to keep the band doing those great songs Saw your band live at the casino in Lincoln city Oregon so glad I did I was always amazed at how tight they played that night the string arrangements so tastefully done !
Mike,
As a Bostonian who saw Gord and the band play at Symphony Hall over the years, I’m happy that you all haven’t just faded away.
So much talent for a world who needs it now more than ever, stay in touch. Is it too late for prayin’??
So happy to know about this site! So many of us are missing Gord (and the band) even though we never met. The music and the concerts made us feel as if we did know you. So happy to know that the performances haven’t stopped despite Gord’s passing. Looking forward to hearing more!
I live in Orillia and I would be very much interested in seeing your band playing again and telling stories… How do I get notified I mean do you have like a Facebook page or something where you post some message it when you’ll be playing?
Then if I join or like that page then it will notify me… I think that’s how it works.
I actually live about 5 minutes from where Gord’s house was on Harvey. And I’m in the subdivision that’s next to the cemetery where he’s resting.
Hey Mike!
You want a list of song suggestions?!
I have a lot.
Hello Mr. Hefferman,
Good to hear you fellows will be performing. Last time I saw Gordon Lightfoot in concert was in the 1980’s. Seeing Gordon on the WTTW Soundstage one program in 1979 prompted me to buy a cheap guitar and learn to play. Now a days, I play guitar with others At our local Council on Aging. I mostly play Gordon’s songs and a few of my one. I hope to see you guys playing soon.
Keep us apprised of your tours to the USA. If close to my area, I would be there!! I have loved Gordon for over 50 years…..which means I love your music and talent.
Mike,
I’m 75 yrs old, Listening and Playing Gord’s and Bands Songs & Melodie’s for over 50 yrs
My Adult Children and Their Children Grew up on Gord’s and the Bands Music. My 4 yr old Granddaughter even has her favorites to play for her Bedtime Lullaby’s !
I have to say, Terry Clemons passing was difficult , next to Gordon’s. Wishing You Well!
Your blog is a fabulous idea, Mr Heffernan. You have a talent for writing with a hefty dose of humor – must be your Irish ancestry ☘️. I will be lining up to buy tickets to a “Lightfoot “tribute”* band should you come to Boston, Massachusetts or the surrounding towns & cities. *The difference between you all & other tribute bands is you were/are the band! I live in Gloucester (famous for “The Perfect Storm”). There is so much history & beauty here & a great local music scene. I love giving tours to friends & relatives.
Before we were old enough to drive my cousin Martha (O’Kane) Michalski & I went to our 1st Lightfoot concert in February 1971. Ironically it was at a small school called Gordon College in S. Hamilton, Massachusetts. It was Gordon, Rick & Red.
Pretty much the 1972″BBC Concert, which I understand was filmed in 1971 bur aired in 1972. Clearly we were sucked into the Lightfoot magic as we kept coming back for more right up to Gordon’s last Boston appearance with you & the guys, of course in June of 2022. I knew by my gut feeling it would be the last time for us.
He had an ear for the best talent & surrounded himself with the most incredible “orchestra” as he referred to you. So thank you for your contribution to his recordings & concert appearances. Please, keep the writing coming!
Best regards, Heather
Happy to hear you will be sharing your music again! Let me know Toronto and area dates…Orillia? Georgina?
Hi Mike. It’s Eric Greenberg.
So glad to hear this news.
I have some suggestions I’d like to share.
One is adding as a new single Up in Buffalo, my co-write with Gord. He wanted to get it out in the world. From a media standpoint, I think the band releasing it would generate great media coverage for your new project. Here’s the link to the music video. I’d be happy & honored to help with vocals.
https://youtu.be/pderOYayezw
I also have finished a second song, tribute to Gord, that I talked to him about last year. He approved., Would like to discuss with you. Can we talk? Shoot me an emai. Stay safe. Eric
This is so great, Mike!
I read your Facebook post, (very well written), and immediately had a sense who the unnamed person was.
Two hours later Andy called me and we discussed this development for about an hour and a half.
He is excited and somewhat overwhelmed. He’ll settle in and be just fine. Diane & I are looking
forward to being present at some of these shows, as soon as they begin; we know it will take some
rehearsal time.
So great, both to keep you guys playing together, and to keep Gord’s music alive.
So glad to hear the band is staying up and running. You all deserve to have the light shine upon you. You guys sound so great. I am sure that Gord is Smiling down upon you.
My Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Band, Since 1996, is still going as well.
So glad to hear the band is staying up and running. You all deserve to have the light shine upon you. You guys sound so great. I am sure that Gord is Smiling down upon you.
So glad to hear the band is staying up and running. You guys sound so great. I am sure that Gord is Smiling down upon you.
hi Mike, we met a few times,there are some that I can ace singing and playing, I am available
Mike, long time fan here. Enjoyed reading your posts (with a tongue in my cheek and a grin on my lips). Glad to hear the band is “pressing on “.
All the best,
TS
If you play in San Diego I will attend, what a great idea, it’s a pleasure to listen to good musicians !
I always knew when I was at one of your concerts that when Gordon was gone, there would not be another like him. I really feel the same for his loyal mates. There is something so powerful about a man standing before a room full of people with his guitar and his talent. I will never forget you all. The art is powerful and enduring. Thank you.
I would love to see a concerts with you guys doing Gord’s music!!! Please count me in on any emails or information you send out about it and I’ll be there. Thanks so much for carrying on his legacy!
I miss seeing you perform, Mike! I always enjoyed watching and listening to you play with Gord and the rest of the pirate crew…I hope you and the others will bring back the Lightfoot Band….I will buy a ticket for sure !
See above !
Happy to see you guys carry on.
I would love to hear Gordon’s music performed again. I hope the band can make it to Centralorehon, and that “The Ballad of the Yarmouth Castle” is on the set list.
Hi Mike,
So glad to see you guys are getting back on the road again. I wish you could all come down to Australia despite the fact that Gord is no longer with us. Up until late last year I was doing a Lightfoot Tribute around Australia with Keith Potger of The Seekers but after Judith Durham passed away last August, Keith felt that he could no longer continue. https://www.lightfeetband.com.au/
I am thinking of doing a few solo gigs focusing on some of Gord’s great ballads but it would be better just to see and hear you guys here!
All the best,
Gary Luck
Mike, please keep me updated on yours. I am
A huge Lightfoot fan. I saw the band in concert 35+times. I met you guys in St. Charles, Illinois a few years ago. Gord posed for a picture with my wife and I.
Please keep the music going!
Very glad to see the band continue on !
You guys are the best & deserve to continue for your fans !
Thank you, Mike for this blog! Whatever you chat about is going to be okay with us fans. Honestly I am sure we’ve all wondered how the Lightfoot band has been filling up their time, these past few months.
Great to hear from you sir. I was hoping you’d continue on. Keep me posted on shows.
Would love to see your show !
Either Maine or Virginia!
How’s it going Mike? I just read a post on Facebook regarding your upcoming venture with the rest of the Lightfoot band, and a new singer,TBA. It all sounds pretty cool, and I just want to wish you and the fellas the Best of Luck!
So glad the wheels are still rolling! I have been listening to you guys play wonderful music since 1973! I hope you make it to Spokane, Washington because I would certainly come and listen. I’m a guitar player myself and have always covered Gordon Lightfoot tunes. I’m not sure how many times I’ve seen you guys live but every time was great. It was sad to see Gord go but I’m sure he is playing bigger venues and sounding twice as good. Look forward to seeing what you guys are up to!
Oh! Miguel and Oh Linda are two fantastic tunes by the Bard! I could listen to them over and over.
Be well.
Hi Mike, this is Kit, Terry’s Brother. Hope your doing well an getting on with it.
I had heard that you and the rest of the band are possibly going to still play together, with another person picking up as Gordon.
That would be awesome to see and hear. If you can say anything about it that would be nice to hear from you.
I was able to be at the Warton Center in Lansing, MI Last year in June of 2022. Couldn’t do a meet an greet because of still COVID.
I sat with John & Peg Corcoran. It was nice to see them again also.
Last night Thursday i was with Mike and the “Whispers of the North” Tribute band. Tonight they are playing at Whitefish Bay on the anniversary of the sinking of the Fitts’s. They had a lot of nice things to say to the audience at Thursdays gig about all you you guys.
If you can comment back that would be fun. Thanks
Your friend Kit
I stumbled across your blog. I’m very glad to hear about you and the Lightfoot band. Anything. About both. I have always admired you keyboard style, and the way your musical playing really enhanced Gord’s work. And you had to do a lot of it in B and E, thanks to capoing. Glad to hear that the band is not going away. I would really love to hear you and the guys live, again. Thanks for the blog, and creating your web page. Please notify us about any gigs that you will be doing. Many thanks.
See above.
I found “My Love for you” (1982) by Gordon Lightfoot on YouTube.
Great song and piano!
Can you get Pee Wee to play on some gigs?
Mike your keyboard playing is so very listenable. Totally enjoy your tasty fills and chord arrangements……for many years.
I’m very glad to hear that the band will keep touring! I tried to comment on your post, but had problems with the Facebook comment app. I definitely wanted to suggest a couple requests, though! I would love to hear Mister Rock of Ages, Biscuit City, or Why Should I Feel Blue sometime live!
Sorry to bug, but did you grow up in Scarborough?
Hello Mike and welcome back…the hoards and throngs are waiting for the ensemble to give them what they have always and will always wanted, the songs of Gordon Lightfoot presented by the most incredibly together mesh of artists in the industry. We made it to Massey Hall six times and are ready for six more visits to the Hall and Fran’s and Pantages and of course, beautiful Toronto. We here in North Carolina are ready to travel.
Attended last evening (Feb 29/24) at River Run in Guelph and experienced a couple of hours of pure entertainment. Thanks to you and the ‘boys’ and Andy for a wonderful evening where we laughed and tapped our feet and softly sang along (we were front row so we didnt bother anyone) and shed a tear or two during Beautiful and Rainy Day People. Thank you Mike. Thank you. See you May 23 at Massy and again on October 31 in Orillia. Appears to be a habit forming here. Jan MacDonald and David Miles.
Mike— I’m so glad you and the boys are continuing touring Gord’s songs! I’ve been lucky to see you all in concert about 15 times the past 40 decades. Love the music, songs and stories they tell. Highly unlikely you’ll make it out to Montana, but if you do, I’ll be there! Wondering if you will pull some old songs out of the vault that have not been played in years? I remember Gordon saying that some he could not play anymore…different vocal range or hard to play on guitar.
Love to hear you guys recorded….maybe a YouTube concert. Keep it up!
Thanks from a fan!
Norm Miller
Mike. So happy to connect. Marty Aune. Was primer married to Paula. He travelled to our farm yearly. To take the crop off. Awesome guy. Miss him. You drive to our farm with a Gold s10 blazer. My mom was a dedicated follower of Gordon’s bans and excited for your visits. Want to take my family to experience what I grew up with as daily routine to hear blasting out the stereo every morning.
Let me know when your close to out area. Where coming for sure and excited for the experience. Thanks mike.
Travelled to Belleville last night to hear the band. My husband and I knew almost every word of every song. I’m only 69 so there were 1 or 2 “before my time”. The concert was fantastic and even though there were a few slips, it was so respectful of Gord who I last heard in Peterborough several years ago. We had Beautiful played at our wedding in 1978. I remember the piano player struggled with learning the song. It was so touching to hear it last night. I will look forward to hearing you guys again. Sounds like you all enjoy playing his music and we love to hear it.
Greetings Mike,
We really enjoyed last night’s Belleville concert and am glad to hear that the group is back together.
I thought the Lightfoot website might benefit from a few new photos so I’m passing these samples shots along so you might re-direct them to your maketing people
The web-link below shows 5 sample shots of my work with more available if there is interest in doing a copyrighted and all inclusive purchase.
At your call…
Best regards,
John Wonsowicz
Loved your passion on the keyboards at your Sarnia show, Mike! Thanks for keeping the ball rollin’!
Hi! May I ask what synth you used on the song “Shadows”? Thanks so much!
I’m thinking St. Gerrard.
Grade eight.
Erindale.
“Watch out, it’s absorbing junior.”
The line I remember you writing in a story about a blob. Clever for the time.
Hey Michael, loved the Massey recap.. But missed saying HEY downstairs after the show.. I’m in full agreement regarding the show closer.. What a night tho-you guys with Ed added in were so sweet to see and hear on the Massey stage again. Backing Meredith was sublime as was her IYCRMM rendition. (No need for Serena tho IMHO) What a moment for her to stand there, centre stage where her dad stood 170+ times and sing that epic tune so beautifully. So many standout performances on a night celebrating our legend. It was a night like no other and Gordon would have loved it I think.. See you down the road…hopefully in Uxbridge, Burlington, Hamilton and Orillia.. I might squeeze into your truck bed at some time..lol..