Gordon Lightfoot has joined his neighbour Drake as a recipient of Toronto's key to the city, an honour bestowed upon the iconic singer-songwriter during his performance at the newly revitalized Massey Hall last night (November 25).
Lightfoot was awarded the key by Toronto Mayor John Tory at what marked the artist's 170th show at the storied concert hall. Lightfoot was also the last artist to perform on the Massey Hall stage ahead of the venue's 2018 closure for revitalization.
Earlier in the day, Tory had declared November 25 "Gordon Lightfoot Day" in Toronto, sharing in a statement, "He has been a long-time resident who has contributed greatly to our city's lively music and culture scene … I want to thank Gordon for being such an upstanding citizen — the key to the city is our way of recognizing him and all of his incredible accomplishments."
In a post of his own, Lightfoot called the award a "total unexpected surprise," writing, "It was an emotional experience for which I am deeply honoured."
Lightfoot is one of over 40 acts lined up to perform at the reopened Massey Hall. Take a look inside the newly revitalized venue.
Last year, the artist delivered Solo, and took the Exclaim! Questionnaire. Read Exclaim!'s interview with Lightfoot.
Lightfoot was awarded the key by Toronto Mayor John Tory at what marked the artist's 170th show at the storied concert hall. Lightfoot was also the last artist to perform on the Massey Hall stage ahead of the venue's 2018 closure for revitalization.
Earlier in the day, Tory had declared November 25 "Gordon Lightfoot Day" in Toronto, sharing in a statement, "He has been a long-time resident who has contributed greatly to our city's lively music and culture scene … I want to thank Gordon for being such an upstanding citizen — the key to the city is our way of recognizing him and all of his incredible accomplishments."
In a post of his own, Lightfoot called the award a "total unexpected surprise," writing, "It was an emotional experience for which I am deeply honoured."
Lightfoot is one of over 40 acts lined up to perform at the reopened Massey Hall. Take a look inside the newly revitalized venue.
Last year, the artist delivered Solo, and took the Exclaim! Questionnaire. Read Exclaim!'s interview with Lightfoot.