Entire town is duped by fake Status Quo star with no ponytail

A conman convinced a whole town that he was the Status Quo frontman Francis Rossi, earning himself free meals and trips in the mayor's limousine for almost a year.

The trickster promised Dover's town councillors that he would perform free at their festival. And if that wasn't enough, he would ensure that his "friends" Sir Paul McCartney, Charlotte Church and Queen's Brian May would play alongside him.



The council was duped into allowing the conman to judge a carnival float competition and attend a VIP event at Dover Castle. He was allegedly plied with free food and drink and rides in the town's limousine, normally reserved for the mayor.

There were, however, inconsistencies which could have given the game away. Like why the conman did not possess a Francis Rossi-trademark ponytail, or why he could not play the guitar. According to reports, the man claimed: "I can't grow my hair long any more. A fake one is stuck on three hours before a gig."


Photo from here.

Asked to play Rockin' All Over the World - one of Status Quo's biggest hits, along with Down Down and In The Army Now - he politely declined, explaining he suffered from arthritis but would happily sing it instead.

It is suggested the conman's cover was only blown when it came to the town festival and none of his celebrity friends appeared, prompting him to flee never to be seen again.