Conman posing as Status Quo star enjoys free meals and trips in mayor's limousine after tricking entire town for a year

 

By Robert Mendick

Last updated at 12:11 PM on 14th November 2008

 

 

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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, it emerged today, 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.

 

The real deal: Francis Rossi, frontman of Status Quo, performing in Dubai... not Dover

 

There were, however, inconsistencies which could have given the game away.

 

For instance, why the conman did not possess a Francis Rossi-trademark ponytail or even 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.'

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.

Some residents puzzled over why they didn't see 'Rossi' at the town's carnival despite his promise to attend but others sang his praises, describing him as 'gracious'.

 

On postings on the internet, one local wrote: 'Well done to everyone involved in the carnival.

'But where was Francis Rossi? I took my camera but he wasn't on the float. Did he make it to the judging?'

 

The port of Dover was fooled for almost a year - attending many local events with having his cover blown

To which another replied: 'Francis Rossi made it to crabble [the local football stadium], but, as DDc [the council] had sent me a missive forbidding anyone to disembark the floats at the Town Hall, he was unable to ride with Miss Dover as hoped.

 

'He was very gracious at crabble and it was a real pleasure to meet him.'

Another then posted: 'Lots of great pictures taken throughout the day... haven't seen any of Francis Rossi though... anyone have any?

 

'Perhaps as you met him and shook his hand Sid perhaps you have a few??!'

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.

The real Francis Rossi, 59, joked today: 'I'll never know how he knew the secret of my ponytail.'

Haha!

 

The Party ain't over yet