Still Sundowning: The Lightfoot Band Reflects on Decades With a Legend.

Not a Tribute – The Real Deal: The Lightfoot Band Carries On Gordon Lightfoot’s Legacy 

When The Lightfoot Band takes the stage at Edmond Town Hall on August 29, audiences aren’t just hearing a tribute—they’re hearing history. 

These are the original musicians who toured and recorded with Gordon Lightfoot, whose fingerprints are on some of the most iconic songs in folk and pop music history. Together, they bring an authenticity, energy, and emotional depth to every note, because they lived it—with Gordon—on stages around the world.

We caught up with each member of The Lightfoot Band to learn more about their journey, their memories of Gord, and what this tour means to them.

 

Rick Haynes (Bass) – "We Played Together for Over 55 Years" 

From playing piano next to his mother in Toronto to recording bass lines on Sundown and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Rick Haynes is a cornerstone of Lightfoot’s sound. “My first tour with Gord was in the late ‘60s. We played Massey Hall, and I remember thinking, ‘This is special.’ I didn’t realize it would be the start of a five-decade journey.” 

Rick co-produced the Harmony album and played on nearly every major Lightfoot release. He also performed with Gord on shows like Saturday Night Live, The Merv Griffin Show, The Johnny Cash Show, and at venues like Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and the Montreux Jazz Festival. 

“Gordon had a deep respect for his songs. It was never just about performance—it was about telling the story.” 

Barry Keane (Drums) – "It Was Like a Masterclass Every Night" 

Barry Keane, originally from Philadelphia, spent over 47 years as Gordon’s drummer—and his resume reads like a who’s who of musical history. From Shania Twain to Carole King, Anne Murray to April Wine, Barry has recorded with some of the biggest names in the business. 

“Playing with Gord was different. You weren’t just backing a singer—you were accompanying a poet.” 

Barry’s television credits include The Midnight Special, The Jimmy Fallon Show, and Entertainment Tonight, and he was also part of legendary Canadian shows like The Ronnie Prophet Show and The Tommy Hunter Show. “Even after thousands of performances, I still get chills when we play If You Could Read My Mind.” 

Mike Heffernan (Keyboards) – "My First Show Was in 1981… and I Never Looked Back" 

Mike Heffernan, who joined the band after being called in for a session in 1980, still remembers the exact date: December 23, 1980. 

“We were recording a movie theme. It turned into an audition, and two weeks later, I was on stage with Gord in Chicago.” 

For 41 years, Mike’s keys added texture and beauty to Lightfoot’s live and recorded sound. His first album with Gord was Shadows, and he went on to perform at every major venue the band touched. 

“Every show felt like a homecoming. Gordon had a way of making the audience feel like they were part of the journey.” 

Carter Lancaster (Guitar) – "Joining the Band in 2011 Was a Dream Come True" 

Carter Lancaster brought a fresh yet reverent energy when he joined the band in 2011. A versatile guitarist with over 50 years of experience, Carter is known for his work in everything from jazz combos to bluegrass bands. 

“Playing Gord’s music was always about finesse—about space. His songs breathe, and you have to respect that.” 

Carter plays both acoustic and electric guitar, including the harp guitar—a nod to Gordon’s rich folk sound. 

“We’re not just playing the notes. We’re carrying memories.” 

Andy Mauck (Vocals & Guitar) – "My Idols Became My Friends" 

Andy Mauck, the newest member of the group, brings heartfelt vocals and a deep personal connection to Gordon Lightfoot’s music. 

“I grew up learning Gord’s songs by playing along to his records in my bedroom.” 

A former engineer and entrepreneur, Andy spent much of his life building a career outside of music. But his passion for Lightfoot’s work never waned. 

“I met the band in 1976. Decades later, they invited me to help continue Gord’s legacy. It's beyond an honor—it’s a calling.” 

Andy now sings and plays the very guitars Gordon used on stage: the iconic Martin D-18 and Gibson B-45.

 A Legacy Carried On, Note for Note

As The Lightfoot Band prepares to perform at Edmond Town Hall on Aug 29, they’re not simply reviving Gordon’s music—they’re preserving it, with all the depth, joy, and sorrow it was born with. 

“This music is part of us,” says Haynes. “When we take the stage, we’re not just remembering Gordon—we’re reliving the moments we shared with him.” 

Fans attending the show on August 29 will hear beloved hits like Sundown, Early Morning Rain, Beautiful, and of course, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, in honor of its 50th anniversary. 

After the show, the audience will also have the rare chance to meet the band, share stories, and connect directly with the musicians who helped define a generation of sound.