Whether it was the promise of an ungodly music union or just the intrigue of it all, we got a little excited when rumors of a Lady Gaga/David Bowie collaboration surfaced last week. But according to Billboard, said awesomeness isn’t going to happen, so says the Thin White Duke himself.

According to a post on Bowie’s official site, “The suggestion that David Bowie is producing and participating in the production of Lady Gaga’s next album is untrue and a hoax.” Pretty strong words there. As heartbroken as we are, though, it’s good to know something definitive (it was a bit of a stretch, we’ll admit.) If it’s any consolation, apparently this is only the 461st “rumour, lie, or story” made up regarding Bowie in his illustrious career. Not bad at all.

Stay tuned for more news on a possible real collaboration (fingers crossed!) if and when it’s announced. Officially.