Jonathan Richman responds after LoveOly Summer Fest scammed by imposter

Over the weekend LoveOly Summer Fest in Olympia, Washington was expected to host Jonathan Richman, but on Friday (27 August), organisers published a statement announcing Richman would no longer be playing the festival after finding out they were dealing with a fake Richman.

In the statement, organisers revealed The Olympia Film Society (OFS) received a call from someone "pretending to be Richman", and proceeded to book "Richman" for the festival. They eventually "learned that they did not book the real Jonathan Richman but were the target of an elaborate booking scam".

Audrey Henley, Executive Director of the Olympia Film Society said, "We are shocked that this happened. We’ve been booking bands for the past 30 years, and this is a first for us. We hope this does not in any way hurt our relationship with the real Jonathan Richman and that he will return to Olympia soon."

Richman also responded to the news, revealing there's "no hard feelings", "Hello everyone! This is the real Jonathan Richman! I just heard of your wonderful festival and sounds like an ideal place for me to play someday. No hard feelings on my part and no apologies necessary from the wonderful people at OFS who have invited me and Tommy up to play so many times. Did the guy who called you up manage to imitate my voice pretty good? Cuz if he did, you've got to hand it to him, most people can't do it! But seriously now for just a second, I am sad for any disappointments and expenses caused to the Film Society and the fine people of Olympia. Of course I will come back to play for the Olympians!"