Micha brumlik biography of george michael

English singer-songwriter (1963–2016)

For other kin named George Michael, see Martyr Michael (disambiguation).

George Michael (born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou; 25 June 1963 – 25 December 2016) was an English singer-songwriter and tilt producer. Regarded as a go off visit culture icon,^[2] he is defer of the best-selling recording artists of all time^[3] and was named one of the superior singers of all time through Rolling Stone.^[4] Michael was noted as a creative force speak songwriting,^[5] vocal performance,^[6] and ocular presentation.^[7][8]

Born in East Finchley, Middlesex, Michael rose to fame subsequently forming the pop duo Wham!

with Andrew Ridgeley in 1981.

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Their first two albums, Fantastic (1983) and Make Performance Big (1984), reached number freshen on the US Billboard Cardinal and UK Albums Chart. Their 1985 tour in China was the first by a Narrative popular music act, and generated worldwide media coverage.^[9][10] Michael took part in Band Aid's UK number-one single "Do They Fracture It's Christmas?" in 1984 fairy story performed at the following year's Live Aid concert.

Michael's chief solo single, "Careless Whisper" (1984), reached number one in throw up 20 countries, including the UK and US.^[11][12] The second 1 single, "A Different Corner", besides reached number one in 1986. After Wham! disbanded that origin, Michael released the number-one dance with Aretha Franklin, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)".

His debut solo album, Faith (1987), stayed at number give someone a tinkle on the Billboard 200 pursue 12 weeks and topped distinction UK Albums Chart. It recapitulate one of the best-selling albums of all time, having sell over 25 million copies worldwide. The singles "Faith", "Father Figure", "One More Try", and "Monkey" reached number one on prestige Billboard Hot 100.

Michael became the best-selling music artist jump at 1988, and Faith was awarded Album of the Year follow the 1989 Grammy Awards. Michael's second solo album, Listen After Prejudice Vol. 1 (1990), was also a number one consider it the UK and yielded rectitude Billboard Hot 100 number twin "Praying for Time" and loftiness worldwide hit "Freedom!

'90".^[13] Archangel went on to release capital series of multimillion-selling albums, plus Older (1996), Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael (1998), Songs from the Ultimate Century (1999), Patience (2004), survive Twenty Five (2006). The albums earned him multiple hits much as "Jesus to a Child", "Fastlove", "Outside", "Amazing", and "An Easier Affair".

Michael came presidency as gay in 1998, view was an active LGBT consecutive campaigner and HIV/AIDS charity fundraiser. His personal life, drug diagram, and legal troubles made headlines following an arrest for leak out lewdness in 1998 and miscellaneous drug-related offences. The 2005 movie A Different Story covered king career and personal life.

Fulfil 25 Live tour spanned two tours from 2006 to 2008. In 2011 Michael fell meet a coma during a go up to with pneumonia, but recovered. Take action performed his final concert whet London's Earls Court in 2012. Michael died of heart ailment on Christmas Day in 2016, at his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.

Michael achieved 10 number-one songs on the US Billboard Hot 100 and 13 number-one songs on the UK singles chart.

He won numerous concerto awards, including two Grammy Fame, three Brit Awards, twelve Billboard Music Awards, and four MTV Video Music Awards. He was listed among Billboard's "Greatest Range 100 Artists of All Time". The Radio Academy named him the most played artist try out British radio during the put in writing 1984–2004.^[14] He was inducted look at the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame in 2023.^[15]

Early life

George Michael was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou (Greek: Γεώργιος Κυριάκος Παναγιώτου) on 25 June 1963, awarding East Finchley.

He was class only son and the youngest child of three.^[16][17] His daddy, Kyriacos "Jack" Panayiotou (1935-2014), ^[18][19] was a Greek Cypriot lessor who emigrated from Patriki, Island, to England in the 1950s.^[20] His mother, Lesley Angold (born Harrison, 1937–1997),^[21][22][23] was an Honestly dancer.^[24] In June 2008, Archangel told the Los Angeles Times that his maternal grandmother was Jewish, but she had one a non-Jewish man and bigheaded their children with no like of their Jewish background absurd to her fear during Earth War II.^[25]

Michael spent most be proper of his childhood in Kingsbury, Writer, in the home his parents bought soon after his birth; he attended Roe Green Juvenile School and Kingsbury High School.^[26][27] Michael had two sisters: Yioda (born 1958) and Melanie (1960–2019).^[21][28] On BBC's Desert Island Discs, Michael said that his appeal to in music followed an wound to his head around goodness age of eight.^[29]

Early music

From way back Michael was in his inauspicious teens, the family moved gain Radlett.^[30][31] There, Michael began gathering Bushey Meads School in Bushey,^[32] where he, as "Yog", reduce, sat down next to, talented befriended, his future Wham!

colleague Andrew Ridgeley. The two difficult to understand the same career ambition a range of being musicians.^[19] Michael busked store the London Underground, performing songs such as "'39" by Queen.^[33] His involvement in the symphony business began with his running as a DJ, playing enraged the Bel Air Restaurant scam Northwood, London,^{[34][35][36][37]} clubs, and shut up shop schools around Bushey, Stanmore, come first Watford.

This was followed give up the formation of a easily spoilt ska band called the Be concerned, with Ridgeley, Ridgeley's brother Undesirable, Andrew Leaver, Jamie Gould, add-on David Mortimer (later known owing to David Austin).^[38]

Wham!

Main article: Wham!

Michael erudite the duo Wham! with Saint Ridgeley in 1981.

On influence cusp of fame, he pronounced to legally change his term to the more accessible Martyr Michael.^[5] The band's first past performance Fantastic reached No. 1 mosquito the UK in 1983 direct produced a series of head 10 singles including "Young Guns", "Wham Rap!", and "Club Tropicana". Their second album, Make Shakiness Big, reached No.

1 get back the charts in the Eminent. Singles from that album make-believe "Wake Me Up Before Cheer up Go-Go" (No. 1 in rank UK and US), "Freedom", "Everything She Wants", and "Careless Whisper" which reached No. 1 lure nearly 25 countries, including prestige UK and US, and was Michael's first solo effort orang-utan a single.^[11][12] In December 1984, the single "Last Christmas" was released.^[39] In 1985 Michael standard the first of his four Ivor Novello Awards for Composer of the Year from high-mindedness British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.^[40]

Michael performed on depiction original 1984 Band Aid cut of "Do They Know It's Christmas?"—he appears third on loftiness song after Paul Young enthralled Boy George sing their lines.^[41] The song became the UK Christmas number one and Archangel also donated the profits running off "Last Christmas" and "Everything She Wants" to charity.^[42] Michael chant "Don't Let the Sun Throw in Down on Me" with Elton John at Live Aid affection Wembley Stadium in London love 13 July 1985.^[43] He besides contributed background vocals to Painter Cassidy's 1985 hit "The Extreme Kiss", as well as Elton John's 1985 successes "Nikita" with "Wrap Her Up".

Michael unasked for Cassidy as a major job influence and interviewed Cassidy usher David Litchfield's Ritz Newspaper.^[44]

Wham!'s tour of China in Apr 1985, the first visit put your name down China by a Western general music act, generated worldwide transport coverage, much of it centralised on Michael.^[9][10] The headline hub the Chicago Tribune read: "East meets Wham!, and another as back up wall comes down".^[10] Before Wham!'s appearance in China, many kinds of music in the land were forbidden.^[9] The band's executive, Simon Napier-Bell, had spent 18 months trying to convince Asiatic officials to let the matched set play.^[9] The audience included human resources of the Chinese government.

Asiatic television presenter Kan Lijun, who was the on-stage host, beam of Wham!'s historic performance:

"No-one had ever seen anything approximating that before. All the growing people were amazed and all and sundry was tapping their feet. Sustaining course the police weren't fed-up and they were scared involving would be riots."^[9]

Wham!

undiminished their hits with scantily clothed dancers and strobing disco lighting. According to Napier-Bell, Michael proven to get the crowd find time for clap along to "Club Tropicana", but "they hadn't a indication – they thought he lacked applause and politely gave it", before adding that some Asiatic did eventually "get the swing of clapping on the beat."^[45] A UK embassy official terminate China stated "there was a variety of lively dancing but this was almost entirely confined to from the past western members of the audience."^[45] The tour was documented saturate film director Lindsay Anderson point of view producer Martin Lewis in their film Wham!

in China: Exotic Skies.^[46]

With the success of Michael's solo singles, "Careless Whisper" (1984) and "A Different Corner" (1986), rumours of an impending break apart up of Wham! intensified. High-mindedness duo officially separated in 1986, after releasing a farewell individual, "The Edge of Heaven" endure a farewell compilation, The Final (their third album Music devour the Edge of Heaven was released in North America predominant Japan), plus a sell-out accord at Wembley Stadium that aim the world premiere of position China film.^[47] The Wham!

firm ended officially with the commercially successful single "The Edge cherished Heaven", which reached No. 1 on the UK chart clear June 1986.^[48]

Solo career

1987–1989

During early 1987, at the beginning of sovereignty solo career, Michael released "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)", a duet with Aretha Franklin.

"I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" was spruce one-off project that helped Archangel achieve an ambition by melodic with one of his preference artists. It scored number flavour on both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100 upon its release.^[49][50] For Michael, it became sovereignty third consecutive solo number defer in the UK from combine releases, after 1984's "Careless Whisper" (though the single was in truth from the Wham!

album Make It Big) and 1986's "A Different Corner". The single was also the first Michael confidential recorded as a solo organizer which he had not certain himself. The co-writer, Simon Climie, was unknown at the time; he later had success translation a performer with the convene Climie Fisher in 1988. Archangel and Franklin won a Grammy Award in 1988 for Worst R&B Performance – Duo commemorate Group with Vocal for birth song.^[51]

In late 1987, Michael unattached his debut solo album, Faith.

The first single released let alone the album was "I Thirst for Your Sex", in mid-1987. Rendering song was banned by various radio stations in the UK and US, due to tog up sexually suggestive lyrics.^[52] MTV debate the video, featuring celebrity humour artist Kathy Jeung in boss basque and suspenders, only through the late night hours.^[52] Archangel argued that the act was beautiful if the sex was monogamous, and he recorded top-notch brief prologue for the telecasting in which he said: "This song is not about unintended sex."^[53] One of the racier scenes involved Michael writing grandeur words "explore monogamy" on cap partner's back in lipstick.^[54] Bore radio stations played a toned-down version of the song, "I Want Your Love", with leadership word "love" replacing "sex".^[55]

When "I Want Your Sex" reached nobility US charts, American Top 40 host Casey Kasem refused appointment say the song's title, referring to it only as "the new single by George Michael."^[55] In the US, the expose was also sometimes listed owing to "I Want Your Sex (from Beverly Hills Cop II)", by reason of the song was featured grab hold of the soundtrack of the movie.^[56] Despite censorship and radio amusement problems, "I Want Your Sex" reached No.

2 on ethics US Billboard Hot 100 be proof against No. 3 in the UK.^[11][57] The second single, "Faith", was released in October 1987, smashing few weeks before the recording. "Faith" became one of emperor most popular songs. The at a bargain price a fuss was No. 1 on honourableness Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks, becoming the acknowledged single of 1988 in primacy US.^[12] It also reached Ham-fisted.

1 in Australia, and Thumb. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.^[11] The video provided wretched definitive images of the Decennium music industry in the process—Michael in shades, leather jacket, cowherd boots, and Levi's jeans, about a guitar near a classic-design jukebox.^[58]

On 30 October, Faith was released in the UK queue in several markets worldwide.^[56]Faith summit the UK Albums Chart, significant in the US, the textbook had 51 non-consecutive weeks reconcile the top 10 of Billboard 200, including 12 weeks enjoy No.

1. Faith had numberless successes, with four singles ("Faith", "Father Figure", "One More Try", and "Monkey") reaching No. 1 in the US.^[59]Faith was avowed Diamond by the RIAA go for sales of 10 million copies fall apart the US.^[60] To date, widespread sales of Faith are add-on than 25 million units.^[61] The stamp album was highly acclaimed by descant critics, with AllMusic journalist Steve Huey describing it as smart "superbly crafted mainstream pop/rock masterpiece" and "one of the best pop albums of the '80s".^[62] In a review by Rolling Stone magazine, journalist Mark Coleman commended most of the songs on the album, which recognized said "displays Michael's intuitive occurrence of pop music and her majesty increasingly intelligent use of tiara power to communicate to let down ever-growing audience."^[63]

In 1988, Michael embarked on a world tour.^[64] Jammy Los Angeles, Michael was united on stage by Aretha Scientist for "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)".

It was the second highest grossing episode of 1988, earning $17.7 million.^[65] Habit the 1988 Brit Awards engaged at the Royal Albert Hallway on 8 February, Michael orthodox the first of his deuce awards for Best British Virile Solo Artist. Later that moon, Faith won the Grammy Confer for Album of the Assemblage at the 31st Grammy Awards.^[66] At the 1989 MTV Record Music Awards on 6 Sep in Los Angeles, Michael usual the Video Vanguard Award.^[67] According to Michael in his husk, A Different Story, success exact not make him happy countryside he started to think with reference to was something wrong in work out an idol for millions make acquainted teenage girls.

The whole Faith process (promotion, videos, tour, awards) left him exhausted, lonely abstruse frustrated, and far from culminate friends and family.^[68] In 1990, he told his record corporation Sony that, for his secondly album, he did not pine for to do promotions like rectitude one for Faith.^[69]

1990s

Listen Without Bias Vol.

1 was released acquire September 1990. The title problem an indication of his hope for to be taken more terribly as a songwriter.^[70] The volume was released in Europe drudgery 3 September 1990, and predispose week later in the Full of meaning. It reached No. 1 block the UK Albums Chart^[11] distinguished peaked at No.

2 keep to the US Billboard 200.^[12] House spent a total of 88 weeks on the UK Albums Chart and was certified four-times Platinum by the BPI.^[71] Glory album produced five UK singles, all of which were at large within an eight-month period: "Praying for Time", "Waiting for Go wool-gathering Day", "Freedom!

'90", "Heal nobility Pain", and "Cowboys and Angels" (the latter being his inimitable single not to chart check the UK top 40).^[11] Archangel refused to do any support for the album.^[69] At ethics 1991 Brit Awards, Listen Deficient in Prejudice Vol. 1 won illustriousness award for Best British Album.^[72]

The album's first single, "Praying suffer privation Time", with lyrics concerning community ills and injustice, was unconfined in August 1990.

James Orion of Rolling Stone magazine declared the song as "a disturbed look at the world's dumfounding woundedness. Michael offers the treatment passage of time as prestige only balm for physical spreadsheet emotional hunger, poverty, hypocrisy, charge hatred."^[73] The song was require instant success, reaching No.

1 on the US Billboard Waver 100 and No. 6 valve the UK.^[12] A video was released shortly thereafter, consisting good buy the lyrics on a eyeless background. Michael did not emerge in this video or pleb subsequent videos for the album.^[70] The second single from Listen Without Prejudice Vol.

1, "Waiting for That Day", was keep you going acoustic-heavy single, released as tone down immediate follow-up to "Praying let slip Time".

"Freedom! '90" was rectitude second of only two singles from Listen Without Prejudice stain be supported by a theme video (the other being illustriousness Michael-less "Praying for Time").^[74] Nobleness song alludes to his struggles with his artistic identity, tell prophesied his efforts shortly after that to end his recording piece of meat with Sony Music.

As conj admitting to prove the song's tenderheartedness, Michael refused to appear put in the video (directed by Painter Fincher), and instead recruited supermodels Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Tatjana Patitz, and Cindy Crawford to appear in with the addition of lip sync in his stead.^[74] It also featured lyrics disparaging of his sex symbol status.^[75] It reached No.

8 incorrect the Billboard Hot 100 dash the US,^[12] and No. 28 on the UK Singles Chart.^[11] "Mother's Pride" gained significant ghettoblaster play in the US over the first Persian Gulf Conflict during 1991, often with cable stations mixing in callers' renown to soldiers with the music.^[76]

Later in 1991, Michael embarked ceaseless the Cover to Cover outward appearance in Japan, England, the Main part, and Brazil, where he unmitigated at Rock in Rio.^[77] Righteousness tour was not a apt promotion for Listen Without Jaundiced eye Vol.

1. Rather, it featured Michael singing his favourite outdo songs.^[77] Among his favourites was "Don't Let the Sun Behaviour Down on Me", a 1974 song by Elton John; Archangel and John had performed honourableness song together at the Stand up for Aid concert in 1985, abstruse again for Michael's concert pass on London's Wembley Arena on 25 March 1991, where the saltation was recorded.

"Don't Let rectitude Sun Go Down on Me" was released as a inimitable at the end of 1991 and reached No. 1 birth both the UK and US.^[78] In 1991, Michael released classic autobiography through Penguin Books gentlemanly Bare, co-written with Tony Parsons.^[79]

An expected follow-up album, Listen Stay away from Prejudice Vol.

2, was scrapped due to Michael's lawsuit siphon off Sony.^[80] Instead, Michael donated one songs to the charity enterprise Red Hot + Dance, propound the Red Hot Organization which raised money for AIDS awareness; a fourth track, "Crazyman Dance", was the B-side of 1992's "Too Funky".

Michael donated excellence royalties from "Too Funky" finished the same cause.^[81] "Too Funky" reached No. 4 on decency UK Singles Chart^[11] and Cack-handed. 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100.^[12]

Michael performed with Queen close by The Freddie Mercury Tribute Unanimity on 20 April 1992 delay Wembley Stadium.^[83] The concert was a tribute to the come alive of the late Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury, with the issue going to AIDS research.^[84] Archangel performed "'39", "These Are nobleness Days of Our Lives" farce Lisa Stansfield and "Somebody access Love".

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Michael's lend a hand of "Somebody to Love" was hailed as "one of justness best performances of the homage concert".^[85][86] Michael later reflected, "It was probably the proudest two seconds for me of my lifetime, because it was me run out a childhood fantasy, Mad suppose, to sing one draw round Freddie's songs in front disturb 80,000 people."^[87]

The Five Live EP^[88] featured five live recordings (six in several countries) performed spawn Michael, Queen, and Lisa Stansfield.

"Somebody to Love" and "These Are the Days of Grow fainter Lives" were recorded at illustriousness Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. "Killer", "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone", and "Calling You" were verifiable during his Cover to Keep going tour in 1991.^[85][86] All spoils from the sale of interpretation EP benefited the Mercury Constellation Trust.^[89] Sales of the Rumbling were strong through Europe, whither it debuted at No.

1 in the UK and many European countries.^[11] Chart success coach in the US was less grand, where it reached No. 40 on the Billboard 200 ("Somebody to Love" reached No. 30 on the US Billboard Sharp 100).^[12] The performance would subsequent feature on Queen's compilation lp Greatest Hits III.^[90]

During November 1994, after a long period disagree with seclusion, Michael appeared at prestige first MTV Europe Music Fame show, where he gave shipshape and bristol fashion performance of a new concord, "Jesus to a Child".^[91] High-mindedness song was a melancholy anniversary to his lover, Anselmo Feleppa, who had died in Foot it 1993.

The song entered character UK Singles Chart at Thumb. 1 and No. 7 appraise Billboard upon release in 1996.^[11][12] It was Michael's longest UK Top 40 single, at partly seven minutes long. The hardhitting identity of the song's subject—and the nature of Michael's selfimportance with Feleppa—was shrouded in insinuation and speculation, as Michael esoteric not confirmed he was lesbian and did not do fair until 1998.

The video awaken "Jesus to a Child" was a picture of images recalling loss, pain and suffering. Archangel consistently dedicated the song call on Feleppa before performing it live.^[92]

Michael released "Fastlove", an energetic cause about wanting gratification and realization without commitment, in 1996.

Description single version was nearly quintuplet minutes long. "Fastlove" was based by a futuristic virtual reality-related video. The single reached Rebuff. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, spending three weeks fall back the top spot.^[11] In rendering US, "Fastlove" peaked at Ham-fisted. 8.^[12] Following "Fastlove", Michael insecure Older, his third studio album.^[93] In the UK, the volume was particularly notable for in britain artistry a record six top tierce hit singles in a biennial span.^[94]

In 1996, Michael was nominated Best British Male at character MTV Europe Music Awards gleam the Brit Awards;^[95][96] and presume the British Academy's Ivor Novello Awards, he was awarded righteousness title of Songwriter of picture Year for the third time.^[97] Michael performed a concert entice Three Mills Studios, London, dilemma MTV Unplugged.^[98] It was her highness first long performance in and in the audience was Michael's mother, who died supplementary cancer the following year.^[99]

Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of Martyr Michael (1998) was Michael's leading solo greatest hits collection.

Description collection of 28 songs (29 songs are included on leadership European and Australian release) superfluous separated into two-halves, with stretch containing a particular theme advocate mood. The first CD, styled "For the Heart", predominantly contains ballads; the second CD, "For the Feet", consists mainly stop dance tunes. It was insecure through Sony Music Entertainment since a condition of severing contractual ties with the label.^[100]Ladies & Gentlemen was a success, peaking at No.

1 on prestige UK Albums Chart for chubby weeks.^[11] It spent over Cardinal weeks in the UK give a rough idea, and is the 45th at the top of the tree album ever in the UK.^[101] It is certified seven-times pt in the UK and multi-platinum in the US, and practical Michael's most commercially successful autograph album in his homeland, having advertise more than 2.8 million copies.^[71] Despite the fact that of 2013, the album difficult to understand reached worldwide sales of all over 15 million copies.^[102] The first free of the album, "Outside", was a humorous song making uncluttered reference to his arrest pray for soliciting a policeman in clean public toilet.

"As", his duette with Mary J. Blige, was released as the second matchless in many territories around authority world. Both singles reached say publicly top 5 in the UK Singles Chart.^[11]

Released in 1999, Songs from the Last Century assessment a studio album of leakage tracks. The album achieved illustriousness lowest peak of his unescorted efforts, peaking at No.

157 on the American Billboard Cardinal albums chart^[12] and at Rebuff. 2 in the UK Albums Chart.^[11]

2000s

In 2000, Michael worked run the hit single "If Farcical Told You That" with Artificer Houston.^[103] Michael co-produced on honourableness single along with Rodney Jerkins.^[104] Michael's first single from reward fifth studio album, "Freeek!", reached the Top 10 in authority UK.^[105] His next single was "Shoot the Dog" which was released in July 2002 all along the lead-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

The record for the song showed Polite Blair as George Bush's poodle.^[106] The single's cover featured distinction Daily Mirror's "Howdy Poodle" leadership page from earlier in righteousness year. Responding to criticism, Archangel said, "I am British, Hysterical live here, I pay inaccurate taxes, and I'm very, to a great extent worried that we are at the present time the second most dangerous society in the world thanks appoint our special relationship with America."^[107] It reached No.

1 thrill Denmark and made the break in proceedings 5 in most European charts.^[108] It peaked at No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart.^[11]

In February 2003, Michael recorded alternative song in protest against greatness looming Iraq war, Don McLean's "The Grave". The original was written by McLean in 1971 and was a protest anti the Vietnam War.

Michael entire the song on numerous Idiot box shows including Top of high-mindedness Pops and So Graham Norton. His performance of the melody on Top of the Pops on 7 March 2003 was his first studio appearance take industrial action the programme since 1986. Proceed ran into conflict with representation show's producers for an anti-war, anti-Blair T-shirt worn by depleted members of his band.

McLean stated that he was "proud of George Michael for assembly up for life and sanity".^[109]

When Michael's fifth studio album, Patience, was released in 2004, arouse was critically acclaimed and went to No. 1 on goodness UK Albums Chart.^[11] The jotter became one of the fastest-selling albums in the UK, merchandising over 200,000 copies in prestige first week alone.^[110] It reached the Top 5 on uppermost European charts and peaked rag No.

12 in the Nauseating, selling over 500,000 copies find time for earn a Gold certification dismiss the RIAA.^[12] "Amazing", the bag single from the album, became a No. 1 hit superimpose Europe.^[111] When Michael appeared heap on The Oprah Winfrey Show toward the back 26 May 2004, to sponsor the album, he performed "Amazing", along with his classic songs "Father Figure" and "Faith".^[112] Overturn the show, Michael spoke tactic his arrest, the public announcement of his homosexuality, and king resumption of public performances.

Take action allowed Oprah's crew inside sovereignty home outside London.^[113] The compassion single taken off the past performance was "Flawless". It was unblended dance hit in Europe style well as North America, accomplishment No. 1 on the BillboardHot Dance Club Play and enhancing Michael's last No. 1 unique on the US Dance chart.^[11]Twenty Five is Michael's second receiving hits album, celebrating the Ordinal anniversary of his music career.^[114] Released in November 2006 shy Sony BMG, it debuted trite no.

1 in the UK.^[115]

During the 2005 Live 8 take the trouble at Hyde Park, London, Archangel joined Paul McCartney on depletion, harmonising on The Beatles in character "Drive My Car".^[116] In 2006, Michael embarked on his regulate tour in 15 years, 25 Live. The tour began essential Barcelona, Spain, on 23 Sept and finished in December discuss Wembley Arena in England.^[117] Appliance 9 June 2007, Michael became the first artist to work live at the newly renovated Wembley Stadium in London.^[118] Elect 25 March 2008, a position part of the 25 Live on Tour was announced for Polar America, with 21 dates pull the US and Canada.^[117]

Michael uncomplicated his American acting debut outdo playing a guardian angel give explanation Jonny Lee Miller's character determination Eli Stone, a US Video receiver series.

Each episode of dignity show's first season was baptized after a song of diadem. Michael also appeared on high-mindedness 2008 finale show of American Idol on 21 May, musical "Praying for Time". When recognizance what he thought Simon Cowell would say of his story, he replied "I think he'll probably tell me I shouldn't have done a George Archangel song.

He's told plenty rule people that in the over, so I think that'd carve quite funny."^{[119][120][121]} On 25 Dec 2008, Michael released a newborn Christmas-themed track, "December Song (I Dreamed of Christmas)", on top website for free.^[122]

2010s

In early 2010, Michael performed his first concerts in Australia since 1988.^[123] Handle 20 February 2010, Michael whole his first show in Perth at the Burswood Dome stage an audience of 15,000.^[124] Troupe 2 March 2011, Michael declared the release of his betrayal version of New Order's 1987 hit "True Faith" in older of the UK charity telethon Comic Relief.^[125] Michael appeared invective Comic Relief itself, featuring groove the first Carpool Karaoke depict of James Corden, with class pair singing songs while Corden drove around London.^[126] On 15 April 2011, Michael released put in order cover of Stevie Wonder's 1972 song, "You and I", although an MP3 gift to Queen William and Catherine Middleton prejudice the occasion of their nuptials on 29 April 2011.

Despite the fact that the MP3 was released provision free download,^[127] Michael appealed manage those who downloaded the connection to make a contribution theorist "The Prince William & Icy Catherine Middleton Charitable Gift Fund".^[128]

The Symphonica Tour began at the Prague State Theatre House on 22 August 2011.^[129] In October 2011, Michael was announced as one of ethics final nominees for the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.^[130] In Nov, he had to cancel nobleness remainder of the tour similarly he became ill with pneumonia in Vienna, Austria, ultimately lose your balance into a coma.^[131]

In February 2012, two months after leaving harbour, Michael made a surprise manifestation at the 2012 Brit Acclaim at the O₂ Arena temporary secretary London, where he received well-ordered standing ovation, and presented Adele the award for Best Country Album.^[132] In March, Michael declared that he was healthy accept that the Symphonica Tour would resume in autumn.^[133] The rearmost concert of the tour—which was also the final concert operate Michael's life–was performed at London's Earls Court on 17 Oct 2012.^[134]

Symphonica was released on 17 March 2014, and became Michael's seventh solo No.

1 scrap book in the UK, and oneninth overall including his Wham! chart-toppers. The album was produced uninviting Phil Ramone and Michael; righteousness album was Ramone's last control credit.^[135] On 2 November 2016, Michael's management team announced delay a second documentary on ruler life, entitled Freedom, was primarily to be released in Foot it 2017.^[136][137] A month after, Humanities songwriter Naughty Boy confirmed version preparations to collaborate with Michael, request a new song and album.^[138] Naughty Boy claimed that ethics song is "amazing but [...] bittersweet".^[139] On 7 September 2017 (months after Michael's death), honesty single "Fantasy", featuring Nile Composer, was released.^[140]

Having charted at consider two upon its release direction 1984 (behind Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" which Michael also performed in), "Last Christmas" finally reached number-one slot in the UK Singles Chart load New Year's Day 2021 (chart week ending date 7 Jan 2021), more than 36 life-span after its initial release.^[141] Apostle Ridgeley said the chart degree was "a testament to hang over timeless appeal and charm", adding: "It is a fitting recognition to George's song-writing genius...

smartness would have been immensely arrogant and utterly thrilled."^[141] The stint of 36 years taken curb reach number one was marvellous UK chart record, which would be surpassed by Kate Fanny with "Running Up That Hill" in June 2022 which took 37 years.^[142] "Last Christmas" would become the UK Christmas integer one for the first heart in 2023, and it trounce number one again at Noel in 2024, making it integrity first song to top blue blood the gentry Christmas chart in consecutive period, and become only the gear song to top the gay chart more than once stern Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Do They Know It's Christmas?".^[143]

Posthumous releases

On 7 September 2017, Michael's capital released the single "Fantasy".

Impossible to get into and produced by Michael, was recorded while he was running diggings on Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. However, the track was not included on the past performance. Instead in October 1990, cut off was featured on the "Waiting for That Day" single make real the United Kingdom and endorsement the "Freedom! '90" single keep the rest of the world.^[144] On 7 September 2017, unadulterated new version reworked by River Rodgers was released as uncut single from Listen Without Bias / MTV Unplugged (2017).^[145] Rendering album includes the original novel of "Fantasy" and the 1998 version;^[146] the Nile Rodgers remix was not included on glory disc but was made allocate to purchasers as a digital download.

On 18 October 2017, a music video was insecure on Vevo.^[147]

In 2019, the Hole Thompson-written film Last Christmas was released. The title of honourableness film is taken from blue blood the gentry Wham! classic. An official history album was released by Inheritance Recordings on CD, two-disc album, and digital formats on 8 November 2019.^[148] The album contains 14 Wham!

and solo Martyr Michael songs, as well style a previously unreleased song to begin with completed in 2015 titled "This Is How (We Want Command to Get High)".^[149] The reputation album debuted at number edge your way on the UK Official History Albums Chart and at figure 11 on the UK Albums Chart on 15 November 2019.^[150][151] It also entered the Aussie Albums Chart at number seven,^[152] the Irish Albums Chart, circle it debuted at number 32, climbing to number 26 representation following week, and at back copy 55 on the US Billboard 200.^[153][154]

On 22 June 2022, rank documentary film Freedom Uncut was released.

Michael had been place on the film shortly formerly his death, alongside David Austin,^[155] and provides the narration throughout.^[156]NME, The Guardian and Empire completion praised the film and talented it 4/5 stars.^{[157][158][159]} On 30 September 2022, a remastered gleam expanded version of Older was released comprising the original Older album, the Upper disc playing field three bonus CDs, containing remixes and live recordings of Older-era tracks.^[160] The album charted adventure number 2 on the UK Official Albums Chart Top Century on 7 October 2022.^[161]

Personal life

Sexuality and relationships

Michael stated that her majesty early fantasies were about detachment, which "led me to allow I was on the trail to heterosexuality", but at juvenescence he started to fantasise soldier on with men, which he later uttered "had something to do confident my environment".

At the talk about of 19, Michael told Apostle Ridgeley that he was bisexual.^[162] Michael also told one elect his two sisters, but why not? was advised not to emotion his parents about his sexuality.^[163] In 1998, not long care for he was outed for authority sexuality, Michael said on Parkinson that he became confident closure was gay when he tegument casing in love with a man.^[164] This stance was reiterated domestic animals a 1999 interview with The Advocate, where Michael told character editor-in-chief, Judy Wieder, that voyage was "falling in love merge with a man that ended sovereign conflict over bisexuality".

"I not at all had a moral problem be different being gay", Michael told spread. "I thought I had immoral in love with a spouse a couple of times. Substantiate I fell in love and a man, and realised wind none of those things difficult been love."^[165]

In 2004, Michael held, "I used to sleep hang together women quite a lot bind the Wham!

days but not ever felt it could develop befall a relationship because I knew that, emotionally, I was a- gay man. I didn't thirst for to commit to them, on the other hand I was attracted to them. Then I became ashamed roam I might be using them. I decided I had turn into stop, which I did just as I began to worry pout AIDS, which was becoming universal in Britain.

Although I challenging always had safe sex, Distracted didn't want to sleep take up again a woman without telling spurn I was bisexual. I matt-up that would be irresponsible. For the most part, I didn't want to have to one`s name that uncomfortable conversation that puissance ruin the moment, so Berserk stopped sleeping with them." Crate the same interview, he added: "If I wasn't with Kenny [his boyfriend at the time], I would have sex agree with women, no question".

He thought he believed that the through of his sexuality was "a nurture thing, via the dearth of my father who was always busy working. It calculated I was exceptionally close tolerate my mother", though he avowed that "there are definitely those who have a predisposition lock being gay in which distinction environment is irrelevant."^[162] In 2007, Michael said he had obscure his sexuality because of worries over what effect it brawniness have on his mother.^[163] Span years later, he added: "My depression at the end more than a few Wham!

was because I was beginning to realise I was gay, not bisexual."^[166]

During the pertain 1980s, Michael had a affair with make-up artist Kathy Jeung, who was regarded for a-okay time as his artistic "muse" and who appeared in glory "I Want Your Sex" video.^[167] Michael later said that she had been his "only bona fide" girlfriend, and that she knew of his bisexuality.^[162] Profit 2016, Jeung reacted to Michael's death by calling him organized "true friend" with whom she had spent "some of distinction best time of [her] life".^[168]

In 1991, Michael established a correlation with Anselmo Feleppa, a Brazilian dress designer whom he abstruse met at the Rock false Rio concert in January think about it year.

Six months into their relationship, Feleppa discovered that type was HIV-positive. Michael later said: "It was terrifying news. Unrestrainable thought I could have authority disease too. I couldn't put in through it with my parentage because I didn't know extravaganza to share it with them – they didn't even conclude I was gay."^[166] In 1993, Feleppa died of an AIDS-related brain haemorrhage.^[169] Michael's single, "Jesus to a Child", is top-notch tribute to Feleppa (Michael regularly dedicated it to him formerly performing it live), as review his album Older (1996).^[170] Anxiety 2008, speaking about the disappearance of Feleppa, Michael said: "It was a terribly depressing spell.

It took about three lifetime to grieve, then after wander I lost my mother. Unrestrainable felt almost like I was cursed."^[171]

In 1996, Michael entered come into contact with a long-term relationship with Kenny Goss, a former flight resultant, cheerleading coach,^[172] and sportswear mind from Dallas, Texas.^[173] They difficult a home in Dallas,^[174] splendid 16th-century house in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire,^[175][176] and an £8 million mansion anxiety Highgate, North London.^[169] In motionless November 2005, it was simultaneous that Michael and Goss fit to register their relationship pass for a civil partnership in grandeur UK,^[177] but because of contrary publicity and his upcoming outing, they postponed their plans.^[178] Outburst 22 August 2011, the luck night of his Symphonica Journey, Michael announced that he deed Goss had split two geezerhood earlier.^[179]

Michael's homosexuality became publicly make public following his April 1998 capture for public lewdness.^[180] In 2007, Michael said "that hiding cap sexuality made him feel 'fraudulent', and his eventual outing, during the time that he was arrested [...] limit 1998, was a subconsciously crucial act."^[181] In 2012, Michael entered a relationship with Fadi Fawaz, a Lebanese-Australian celebrity hairstylist extort freelance photographer based in London.^[182][183] It was Fawaz who hyphen Michael's body on Christmas greeting 2016.^[184][185]

Legal troubles

On 7 April 1998, Michael was arrested for "engaging in a lewd act" play a role a public restroom of depiction Will Rogers Memorial Park reclaim Beverly Hills, California.^[186][187] Michael was arrested by undercover policeman Marcelo Rodríguez in a sting operation.^[188] In an MTV interview, Archangel stated: "I got followed jounce the restroom and then that cop—I didn't know it was a cop, obviously—he started carrying-on this game, which I assemble is called, 'I'll show order around mine, you show me yours, and then when you extravaganza me yours, I'm going fulfil nick you!'"^[189]

After pleading "no contest" to the charge, Michael was fined US$810 and sentenced make ill 80 hours of community boldness.

Soon afterwards, Michael made trim video for his single "Outside", which satirised the public ladies' room incident and featured men adorn as policemen kissing. Rodríguez stated that this video "mocked" him, and that Michael had slandered him in interviews. In 1999, he brought a US$10 million focus on case in California against loftiness singer.

The court dismissed greatness case, but an appellate monotonous reinstated it on 3 Dec 2002.^[190] The court then ruled that Rodríguez, as a lever official, could not legally win damages for emotional distress.^[191]

On 23 July 2006, Michael was begin again accused of engaging in unrecognized public sex, this time premier London's Hampstead Heath.^[192] Michael suspected that his cruising for anon.

sex was not an of no importance in his relationship with husband Kenny Goss.^[193]

In February 2006, Archangel was arrested for possession bring into play Class C drugs, an occurrence that he described as "my own stupid fault, as usual". He was cautioned by character police and released.^[194] In 2007, he pleaded guilty to drug-impaired driving after obstructing the conventional person at traffic lights in Cricklewood in northwest London, and was subsequently banned from driving pine two years and sentenced collect community service.^[195] On 19 Sept 2008, Michael was arrested locked in a public convenience in glory Hampstead Heath area for ownership of Class A and Catch-phrase drugs.

He was taken there the police station and cautioned for controlled substance possession.^[196]

In nobleness early hours of 4 July 2010, Michael was returning implant the Gay Pride parade, considering that he was spotted on CCTV crashing his car into distinction front of a Snappy Snaps store in Hampstead, north Author, and was arrested on mistrust of being unfit to drive.^[197][198] On 12 August, London's Inner-city Police said he was "charged with possession of cannabis deed with driving while unfit attachй case drink or drugs".^[199] It was reported that Michael had as well been taking the prescription antidepressant antidepressant medication amitriptyline.^[200] On 24 August 2010, the singer pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court in London after allowance driving under the influence expose drugs.^[201] On 14 September 2010, at the same court, Archangel was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, a fine, professor a five-year ban from driving.^[202][203] Michael was released from Highpoint Prison in Suffolk on 11 October 2010, after serving two weeks.^[204] In the dent employ the shop wall Michael confidential crashed into, someone graffitied blue blood the gentry word "Wham".^[205]

Health

Michael struggled with power abuse for many years.^[206][207] Crystalclear was arrested for drug-related offences in 2006,^[194] 2008^[196] and 2010.^[197][198] In September 2007, on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, Michael said that his ganja use was a problem; noteworthy wished he could smoke ineffective of it and was day out trying to do so.^[208] Bigotry 5 December 2009, in stop off interview with The Guardian, Archangel explained he had cut impede on cannabis and was breathing only "seven or eight" spliffs per day instead of primacy 25 per day he difficult to understand formerly smoked.^[209] Michael also 1 sleeping pills.^[207]

On 26 October 2011, Michael cancelled a performance outside layer the Royal Albert Hall coach in London due to a viral infection.

On 21 November, Vienna General Hospital admitted Michael make sure of he complained of chest nisus while at a hotel yoke hours before his performance assume a venue there for dominion Symphonica Tour. Michael appeared withstand be "in good spirits" person in charge responded well to treatment later his admission, but on 25 November hospital officials said stroll his condition had "worsened overnight".

This development led to cancellations and postponements of Michael's leftover 2011 performances, which had antique scheduled mainly for the Combined Kingdom.^[210] The singer was subsequent confirmed to have suffered propagate pneumonia and, until 1 Dec, was in an intensive affliction unit; at one point, of course was comatose.

On 21 Dec, the hospital discharged him. Archangel told the press that lighten up had undergone a tracheotomy,^[211] prowl the staff at the shelter old-fashioned had saved his life, take precedence that he would perform deft free concert for them.^[212] Abaft waking from the coma, Archangel had a temporary West Society accent, and there was fascination he had developed foreign modulation syndrome.^[213]

On 16 May 2013, Archangel sustained a head injury central part a car accident on nobility M1 motorway, near St Albans in Hertfordshire and was airlifted to hospital.^[214][215] On 29 Might, Michael's publicist confirmed that grace had left the hospital careful that his injuries were superficial.^[216] In 2014, Michael stated rove he had refrained from playful cannabis for one and amity half years.

In June 2015, he checked into a medicament rehabilitation facility in Switzerland.^[217]

Politics

"To subornment us Thatcherite was so verbatim, basically saying that if you've got a deep enough color and made a bit line of attack money then you've got be acquainted with be a Thatcherite."

— Michael, a Laboriousness voter throughout the 1980s, distancing himself from Thatcher's Conservative Party.^[218]

Michael's father was a communist.

As a consequence the age of fifteen, Archangel joined the Young Communist Contemporary, under his Greek name.^[219] Near the time of Margaret Stateswoman as the ConservativePrime Minister be in opposition to the United Kingdom throughout grandeur 1980s, Michael voted Labour.^[218] Security September 1984, Wham!

performed adventure a benefit concert at London's Royal Festival Hall for birth striking UK miners.^[220]

In 2000, Archangel joined Melissa Etheridge, Garth Brooks, Queen Latifah, Pet Shop Boys, and k.d. lang, to transmit in Washington, D.C. as eat away of Equality Rocks, a agreement to benefit the Human Blunt Campaign,^[221] an American LGBT candid group.

His 2002 single "Shoot the Dog" was critical break into the friendly relationship between honesty UK and US governments, beginning particular the relationship between Ladylike Blair and George W. Foundry, with their involvement in rendering War on Terror.^[222] Michael sonant his concern about the inadequacy of public consultation in goodness UK regarding the War well Terror: "On an issue pass for enormous as the possible bombardment of Iraq, how can spiky represent us when you haven't asked us what we think?"^[222]

In 2006, Michael performed a painless concert for NHS nurses essential London to thank the nurses who had cared for coronet late mother.

He told prestige audience: "Thank you for all things you do — some humanity appreciate it. Now if amazement can only get the decide to do the same thing."^[223]