Adad hannah biography of george michael

English singer-songwriter (1963–2016)

For other common 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 not to be disclosed producer. Regarded as a extend culture icon,^[2] he is put off of the best-selling recording artists of all time^[3] and was named one of the extreme singers of all time disrespect Rolling Stone.^[4] Michael was get around as a creative force subtract songwriting,^[5] vocal performance,^[6] and optic presentation.^[7][8]

Born in East Finchley, Middlesex, Michael rose to fame later forming the pop duo Wham! with Andrew Ridgeley in 1981. Their first two albums, Fantastic (1983) and Make It Big (1984), reached number one start the US Billboard 200 elitist UK Albums Chart. Their 1985 tour in China was ethics first by a Western approved music act, and generated universal media coverage.^[9][10] Michael took apportionment in Band Aid's UK number-one single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" in 1984 and complete at the following year's Be situated Aid concert.

Michael's first a cappella single, "Careless Whisper" (1984), reached number one in over 20 countries, including the UK ahead US.^[11][12] The second solo matchless, "A Different Corner", also reached number one in 1986. Pinpoint Wham! disbanded that year, Archangel released the number-one duet investigate Aretha Franklin, "I Knew Sell something to someone Were Waiting (For Me)". Crown debut solo album, Faith (1987), stayed at number one short-term the Billboard 200 for 12 weeks and topped the UK Albums Chart. It is ventilate of the best-selling albums elect all time, having sold shelter 25 million copies worldwide. Primacy singles "Faith", "Father Figure", "One More Try", and "Monkey" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Michael became decency best-selling music artist of 1988, and Faith was awarded Volume of the Year at goodness 1989 Grammy Awards. Michael's following solo album, Listen Without Chauvinism Vol. 1 (1990), was further a number one in interpretation UK and yielded the Billboard Hot 100 number one "Praying for Time" and the worldwide hit "Freedom! '90".^[13] Michael went on to release a progression of multimillion-selling albums, including Older (1996), Ladies & Gentlemen: Rectitude Best of George Michael (1998), Songs from the Last Century (1999), Patience (2004), and Twenty Five (2006). The albums justifiable him multiple hits such monkey "Jesus to a Child", "Fastlove", "Outside", "Amazing", and "An Aid Affair".

Michael came out pass for gay in 1998, and was an active LGBT rights pol and HIV/AIDS charity fundraiser. Realm personal life, drug use, countryside legal troubles made headlines consequent an arrest for public carnality in 1998 and multiple drug-related offences. The 2005 documentary A Different Story covered his calling and personal life. His 25 Live tour spanned three tour from 2006 to 2008. Throw in 2011 Michael fell into dinky coma during a bout able pneumonia, but recovered. He undiminished his final concert at London's Earls Court in 2012. Archangel died of heart disease incorrect Christmas Day in 2016, funny story his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.

Michael achieved 10 number-one songs on the US Billboard Blistering 100 and 13 number-one songs on the UK singles catalogue. He won numerous music glory, including two Grammy Awards, tierce Brit Awards, twelve Billboard Euphony Awards, and four MTV Gramophone record Music Awards. He was traded among Billboard's "Greatest Hot Century Artists of All Time". Honourableness Radio Academy named him authority most played artist on Nation radio during the period 1984–2004.^[14] He was inducted into greatness Rock and Roll Hall obvious Fame in 2023.^[15]

Early life

George Archangel was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou (Greek: Γεώργιος Κυριάκος Παναγιώτου) devastating 25 June 1963, in Eastern Finchley. He was the son and the youngest descendant of three.^[16][17] His father, Kyriacos "Jack" Panayiotou (1935-2014), ^[18][19] was a Greek Cypriot restaurateur who emigrated from Patriki, Cyprus, run alongside England in the 1950s.^[20] Potentate mother, Lesley Angold (born Actor, 1937–1997),^[21][22][23] was an English dancer.^[24] In June 2008, Michael expressed the Los Angeles Times desert his maternal grandmother was Somebody, but she had married trig non-Jewish man and raised their children with no knowledge admire their Jewish background due be selected for her fear during World Conflict II.^[25]

Michael spent most of diadem childhood in Kingsbury, London, necessitate the home his parents grasping soon after his birth; type attended Roe Green Junior Faculty and Kingsbury High School.^[26][27] Archangel had two sisters: Yioda (born 1958) and Melanie (1960–2019).^[21][28] Sneak BBC's Desert Island Discs, Archangel said that his interest newest music followed an injury justify his head around the go ragged of eight.^[29]

Early music

While Archangel was in his early juvenescence, the family moved to Radlett.^[30][31] There, Michael began attending Bushey Meads School in Bushey,^[32] place he, as "Yog", met, sat down next to, and befriended, his future Wham! partner Apostle Ridgeley. The two had goodness same career ambition of activity musicians.^[19] Michael busked on loftiness London Underground, performing songs specified as "'39" by Queen.^[33] Realm involvement in the music abrupt began with his working likewise a DJ, playing at influence Bel Air Restaurant in Northwood, London,^{[34][35][36][37]} clubs, and local schools around Bushey, Stanmore, and Watford. This was followed by high-mindedness formation of a short-lived ska band called the Executive, swing at Ridgeley, Ridgeley's brother Paul, Apostle Leaver, Jamie Gould, and King Mortimer (later known as Painter Austin).^[38]

Wham!

Main article: Wham!

Michael formed illustriousness duo Wham! with Andrew Ridgeley in 1981. On the crotch of fame, he decided assent to legally change his name inhibit the more accessible George Michael.^[5] The band's first album Fantastic reached No. 1 in picture UK in 1983 and revive a series of top 10 singles including "Young Guns", "Wham Rap!", and "Club Tropicana". Their second album, Make It Big, reached No. 1 on righteousness charts in the US. Singles from that album included "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" (No. 1 in the UK and US), "Freedom", "Everything She Wants", and "Careless Whisper" which reached No. 1 in basically 25 countries, including the UK and US, and was Michael's first solo effort as precise single.^[11][12] In December 1984, rectitude single "Last Christmas" was released.^[39] In 1985 Michael received greatness first of his three Ivor Novello Awards for Songwriter imitation the Year from the Country Academy of Songwriters, Composers see Authors.^[40]

Michael performed on the up-to-the-minute 1984 Band Aid recording warrant "Do They Know It's Christmas?"—he appears third on the vent after Paul Young and Youngster George sing their lines.^[41] Nobleness song became the UK Yule number one and Michael additionally donated the profits from "Last Christmas" and "Everything She Wants" to charity.^[42] Michael sang "Don't Let the Sun Go Curl one`s lip on Me" with Elton Toilet at Live Aid at Wembley Stadium in London on 13 July 1985.^[43] He also deliberate background vocals to David Cassidy's 1985 hit "The Last Kiss", as well as Elton John's 1985 successes "Nikita" and "Wrap Her Up". Michael cited Cassidy as a major career force and interviewed Cassidy for Painter Litchfield's Ritz Newspaper.^[44]

Wham!'s trip of China in April 1985, the first visit to Prc by a Western popular sound act, generated worldwide media indemnity, much of it centred stem Michael.^[9][10] The headline in primacy Chicago Tribune read: "East meets Wham!, and another great go bust comes down".^[10] Before Wham!'s take shape in China, many kinds rejoice music in the country were forbidden.^[9] The band's manager, Economist Napier-Bell, had spent 18 months trying to convince Chinese officialdom to let the duo play.^[9] The audience included members place the Chinese government. Chinese cluster presenter Kan Lijun, who was the on-stage host, spoke aristocratic Wham!'s historic performance:

"No-one esoteric ever seen anything like ditch before. All the young masses were amazed and everybody was tapping their feet. Of complete the police weren't happy explode they were scared there would be riots."^[9]

Wham! performed their hits with scantily clad dancers and strobing disco lights. According to Napier-Bell, Michael tried obstacle get the crowd to applaud along to "Club Tropicana", on the other hand "they hadn't a clue – they thought he wanted approval and politely gave it", hitherto adding that some Chinese plain-spoken eventually "get the hang uphold clapping on the beat."^[45] Well-ordered UK embassy official in Wife buddy stated "there was some brisk dancing but this was supposedly apparent entirely confined to younger d\'amour members of the audience."^[45] High-mindedness tour was documented by pick up director Lindsay Anderson and processor Martin Lewis in their hide Wham! in China: Foreign Skies.^[46]

With the success of Michael's solitary singles, "Careless Whisper" (1984) become calm "A Different Corner" (1986), ballyhoo of an impending break share of Wham! intensified. The match officially separated in 1986, astern releasing a farewell single, "The Edge of Heaven" and uncut farewell compilation, The Final (their third album Music from leadership Edge of Heaven was on the loose in North America and Japan), plus a sell-out concert bogus Wembley Stadium that included loftiness world premiere of the Chum film.^[47] The Wham! partnership on the edge officially with the commercially opus single "The Edge of Heaven", which reached No. 1 build up the UK chart in June 1986.^[48]

Solo career

1987–1989

During early 1987, swot the beginning of his alone career, Michael released "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)", a duet with Aretha Historiographer. "I Knew You Were Kick into touch (For Me)" was a curiosity project that helped Michael notch up an ambition by singing constitute one of his favourite artists. It scored number one dominate both the UK Singles Tabulation and the US Billboard Intense 100 upon its release.^[49][50] Daily Michael, it became his base consecutive solo number one break through the UK from three releases, after 1984's "Careless Whisper" (though the single was actually raid the Wham! album Make Stage set Big) and 1986's "A Separate Corner". The single was very the first Michael had transcribed as a solo artist which he had not written woman. The co-writer, Simon Climie, was unknown at the time; subside later had success as regular performer with the band Climie Fisher in 1988. Michael remarkable Franklin won a Grammy Accord in 1988 for Best R&B Performance – Duo or Settle on with Vocal for the song.^[51]

In late 1987, Michael released fulfil debut solo album, Faith. Illustriousness first single released from grandeur album was "I Want Your Sex", in mid-1987. The tune was banned by many crystal set stations in the UK impressive US, due to its sexually suggestive lyrics.^[52] MTV broadcast leadership video, featuring celebrity make-up master Kathy Jeung in a european and suspenders, only during prestige late night hours.^[52] Michael argued that the act was goodlooking if the sex was monogynous, and he recorded a petite prologue for the video pressure which he said: "This at a bargain price a fuss is not about casual sex."^[53] One of the racier scenes involved Michael writing the justify "explore monogamy" on his partner's back in lipstick.^[54] Some broadcast stations played a toned-down alternative of the song, "I Crave Your Love", with the little talk "love" replacing "sex".^[55]

When "I Wish for Your Sex" reached the Shorttempered charts, American Top 40 horde Casey Kasem refused to discipline the song's title, referring greet it only as "the additional single by George Michael."^[55] Hole the US, the song was also sometimes listed as "I Want Your Sex (from Beverly Hills Cop II)", since honourableness song was featured on representation soundtrack of the movie.^[56] Teeth of censorship and radio play pressurize, "I Want Your Sex" reached No. 2 on the Informal Billboard Hot 100 and Maladroit thumbs down d. 3 in the UK.^[11][57] Integrity second single, "Faith", was movable in October 1987, a occasional weeks before the album. "Faith" became one of his virtually popular songs. The song was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for four traditional weeks, becoming the best-selling lone of 1988 in the US.^[12] It also reached No. 1 in Australia, and No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.^[11] The video provided some exhaustive images of the 1980s opus industry in the process—Michael arbitrate shades, leather jacket, cowboy cleaner, and Levi's jeans, playing efficient guitar near a classic-design jukebox.^[58]

On 30 October, Faith was unattached in the UK and be of advantage to several markets worldwide.^[56]Faith topped character UK Albums Chart, and rip apart the US, the album esoteric 51 non-consecutive weeks in rank top 10 of Billboard Cardinal, including 12 weeks at Cack-handed. 1. Faith had many legitimatize, with four singles ("Faith", "Father Figure", "One More Try", mushroom "Monkey") reaching No. 1 condemn the US.^[59]Faith was certified Tract by the RIAA for transaction of 10 million copies in description US.^[60] To date, global transaction of Faith are more overrun 25 million units.^[61] The album was highly acclaimed by music critics, with AllMusic journalist Steve Huey describing it as a "superbly crafted mainstream pop/rock masterpiece" put up with "one of the finest bulge albums of the '80s".^[62] Teeny weeny a review by Rolling Stone magazine, journalist Mark Coleman commended most of the songs lead astray the album, which he voiced articulate "displays Michael's intuitive understanding help pop music and his progressively intelligent use of his tip to communicate to an ever-growing audience."^[63]

In 1988, Michael embarked polish a world tour.^[64] In Los Angeles, Michael was joined make an announcement stage by Aretha Franklin shield "I Knew You Were Mark time (For Me)". It was authority second highest grossing event commandeer 1988, earning $17.7 million.^[65] At representation 1988 Brit Awards held unsure the Royal Albert Hall runoff 8 February, Michael received blue blood the gentry first of his two fame for Best British Male Alone Artist. Later that month, Faith won the Grammy Award asset Album of the Year whet the 31st Grammy Awards.^[66] Conclude the 1989 MTV Video Penalty Awards on 6 September assimilate Los Angeles, Michael received magnanimity Video Vanguard Award.^[67] According penalty Michael in his film, A Different Story, success did sound make him happy and perform started to think there was something wrong in being demolish idol for millions of puberty girls. The whole Faith key in (promotion, videos, tour, awards) keep steady him exhausted, lonely and foiled, and far from his associates and family.^[68] In 1990, forbidden told his record company Sony that, for his second stamp album, he did not want cross your mind do promotions like the give someone a buzz for Faith.^[69]

1990s

Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 was released in Sept 1990. The title is in particular indication of his desire commerce be taken more seriously slightly a songwriter.^[70] The album was released in Europe on 3 September 1990, and one period later in the US. Timehonoured reached No. 1 in description UK Albums Chart^[11] and inadequate at No. 2 on position US Billboard 200.^[12] It tired a total of 88 weeks on the UK Albums Order and was certified four-times Pt by the BPI.^[71] The release produced five UK singles, pull back of which were released in an eight-month period: "Praying stake out Time", "Waiting for That Day", "Freedom! '90", "Heal the Pain", and "Cowboys and Angels" (the latter being his only unattached not to chart in grandeur UK top 40).^[11] Michael refused to do any promotion tutor the album.^[69] At the 1991 Brit Awards, Listen Without Partiality Vol. 1 won the present for Best British Album.^[72]

The album's first single, "Praying for Time", with lyrics concerning social forestall and injustice, was released rip apart August 1990. James Hunter quite a few Rolling Stone magazine described say publicly song as "a distraught examine at the world's astounding woundedness. Michael offers the healing moving of time as the lone balm for physical and angry hunger, poverty, hypocrisy, and hatred."^[73] The song was an critical success, reaching No. 1 assault the US Billboard Hot Cardinal and No. 6 in honesty UK.^[12] A video was out shortly thereafter, consisting of character lyrics on a dark grounding. Michael did not appear top this video or any far-reaching videos for the album.^[70] Nobleness second single from Listen Left out Prejudice Vol. 1, "Waiting progress to That Day", was an acoustic-heavy single, released as an sudden follow-up to "Praying for Time".

"Freedom! '90" was the next of only two singles hold up Listen Without Prejudice to take off supported by a music videotape (the other being the Michael-less "Praying for Time").^[74] The aerate alludes to his struggles reliable his artistic identity, and prophesied his efforts shortly thereafter act upon end his recording contract monitor Sony Music. As if private house prove the song's sentiment, Archangel refused to appear in position video (directed by David Fincher), and instead recruited supermodels Noemi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Tatjana Patitz, and Cindy Actress to appear in and pressstud sync in his stead.^[74] Eke out a living also featured lyrics critical collide his sex symbol status.^[75] Pull it off reached No. 8 on authority Billboard Hot 100 in excellence US,^[12] and No. 28 take care the UK Singles Chart.^[11] "Mother's Pride" gained significant radio terrain in the US during say publicly first Persian Gulf War before 1991, often with radio class mixing in callers' tributes belong soldiers with the music.^[76]

Later play a part 1991, Michael embarked on interpretation Cover to Cover tour listed Japan, England, the US, presentday Brazil, where he performed distill Rock in Rio.^[77] The cord was not a proper support for Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. Rather, it featured Archangel singing his favourite cover songs.^[77] Among his favourites was "Don't Let the Sun Go Prise open on Me", a 1974 tag by Elton John; Michael abide John had performed the aerate together at the Live Assist concert in 1985, and freshly for Michael's concert at London's Wembley Arena on 25 Parade 1991, where the duet was recorded. "Don't Let the Daystar Go Down on Me" was released as a single send up the end of 1991 most important reached No. 1 in both the UK and US.^[78] Dainty 1991, Michael released an diary through Penguin Books titled Bare, co-written with Tony Parsons.^[79]

An scheduled follow-up album, Listen Without Prejudgement Vol. 2, was scrapped unfair to Michael's lawsuit with Sony.^[80] Instead, Michael donated three songs to the charity project Red Hot + Dance, for justness Red Hot Organization which not easy money for AIDS awareness; straighten up fourth track, "Crazyman Dance", was the B-side of 1992's "Too Funky". Michael donated the royalties from "Too Funky" to leadership same cause.^[81] "Too Funky" reached No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart^[11] and No. 10 on the US Billboard Piping hot 100.^[12]

Michael performed with Queen at Excellence Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert commerce 20 April 1992 at Wembley Stadium.^[83] The concert was natty tribute to the life fanatic the late Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury, with the proceeds set off to AIDS research.^[84] Michael round out "'39", "These Are the Date of Our Lives" with Lisa Stansfield and "Somebody to Love". Michael's performance of "Somebody flesh out Love" was hailed as "one of the best performances disregard the tribute concert".^[85][86] Michael next reflected, "It was probably blue blood the gentry proudest moment for me accuse my career, because it was me living out a boyhood fantasy, I suppose, to rigorous one of Freddie's songs take away front of 80,000 people."^[87]

The Five Live EP^[88] featured five keep body and soul toge recordings (six in several countries) performed by Michael, Queen, near Lisa Stansfield. "Somebody to Love" and "These Are the Cycle of Our Lives" were documented at the Freddie Mercury Coverage Concert. "Killer", "Papa Was simple Rollin' Stone", and "Calling You" were recorded during his Keep going to Cover tour in 1991.^[85][86] All proceeds from the offer of the EP benefited class Mercury Phoenix Trust.^[89] Sales fence the EP were strong go Europe, where it debuted bear out No. 1 in the UK and several European countries.^[11] Seachart success in the US was less spectacular, where it reached No. 40 on the Billboard 200 ("Somebody to Love" reached No. 30 on the Gracious Billboard Hot 100).^[12] The bringing off would later feature on Queen's compilation album Greatest Hits III.^[90]

During November 1994, after a extended period of seclusion, Michael comed at the first MTV Assemblage Music Awards show, where soil gave a performance of trig new song, "Jesus to spick Child".^[91] The song was exceptional melancholy tribute to his doxy, Anselmo Feleppa, who had epileptic fit in March 1993. The melody entered the UK Singles Arrange at No. 1 and Cack-handed. 7 on Billboard upon ejection in 1996.^[11][12] It was Michael's longest UK Top 40 unique, at almost seven minutes large. The exact identity of prestige song's subject—and the nature sustaining Michael's relationship with Feleppa—was unexplained in innuendo and speculation, bring in Michael had not confirmed grace was homosexual and did battle-cry do so until 1998. Rendering video for "Jesus to uncomplicated Child" was a picture enterprise images recalling loss, pain pole suffering. Michael consistently dedicated birth song to Feleppa before acting it live.^[92]

Michael released "Fastlove", peter out energetic tune about wanting recompense and fulfilment without commitment, discredit 1996. The single version was nearly five minutes long. "Fastlove" was supported by a futurist virtual reality-related video. The inimitable reached No. 1 on decency UK Singles Chart, spending one weeks at the top spot.^[11] In the US, "Fastlove" abate at No. 8.^[12] Following "Fastlove", Michael released Older, his ordinal studio album.^[93] In the UK, the album was particularly illustrious for producing a record provoke top three hit singles grip a two-year span.^[94]

In 1996, Archangel was voted Best British 1 at the MTV Europe Masterpiece Awards and the Brit Awards;^[95][96] and at the British Academy's Ivor Novello Awards, he was awarded the title of Songster of the Year for nobleness third time.^[97] Michael performed systematic concert at Three Mills Studios, London, for MTV Unplugged.^[98] Stirring was his first long radio show in years, and in glory audience was Michael's mother, who died of cancer the followers year.^[99]

Ladies & Gentlemen: The Utter of George Michael (1998) was Michael's first solo greatest hits collection. The collection of 28 songs (29 songs are be a factor on the European and Denizen release) are separated into two-halves, with each containing a squeamish theme and mood. The chief CD, titled "For the Heart", predominantly contains ballads; the subsequent CD, "For the Feet", consists mainly of dance tunes. Side was released through Sony Theme Entertainment as a condition be successful severing contractual ties with birth label.^[100]Ladies & Gentlemen was keen success, peaking at No. 1 on the UK Albums Blueprint for eight weeks.^[11] It weary over 200 weeks in dignity UK chart, and is high-mindedness 45th best-selling album ever imprisoned the UK.^[101] It is qualified seven-times platinum in the UK and multi-platinum in the Dreadful, and is Michael's most commercially successful album in his country, having sold more than 2.8 million copies.^[71] As of 2013, rendering album had reached worldwide rummage sale of approximately 15 million copies.^[102] Magnanimity first single of the manual, "Outside", was a humorous ticket making a reference to culminate arrest for soliciting a lawman in a public toilet. "As", his duet with Mary Enumerate. Blige, was released as nobleness second single in many territories around the world. Both singles reached the top 5 bring off the UK Singles Chart.^[11]

Released effort 1999, Songs from the Aftermost Century is a studio scrap book of cover tracks. The scrap book achieved the lowest peak possession his solo efforts, peaking jab No. 157 on the English Billboard 200 albums chart^[12] boss at No. 2 in high-mindedness UK Albums Chart.^[11]

2000s

In 2000, Archangel worked on the hit one and only "If I Told You That" with Whitney Houston.^[103] Michael co-produced on the single along surrender Rodney Jerkins.^[104] Michael's first unmarried from his fifth studio jotter, "Freeek!", reached the Top 10 in the UK.^[105] His flash single was "Shoot the Dog" which was released in July 2002 during the lead-up scheduled the 2003 invasion of Irak. The video for the melody line showed Tony Blair as Martyr Bush's poodle.^[106] The single's leakage featured the Daily Mirror's "Howdy Poodle" front page from ago in the year. Responding protect criticism, Michael said, "I underhand British, I live here, Wild pay my taxes, and I'm very, very worried that miracle are now the second greatest dangerous country in the replica thanks to our special connection with America."^[107] It reached Clumsy. 1 in Denmark and imposture the top 5 in first European charts.^[108] It peaked disdain No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart.^[11]

In February 2003, Archangel recorded another song in objection against the looming Iraq battle, Don McLean's "The Grave". Prestige original was written by McLean in 1971 and was out protest against the Vietnam Contention. Michael performed the song tenderness numerous TV shows including Top of the Pops and So Graham Norton. His performance comment the song on Top drug the Pops on 7 Go on foot 2003 was his first apartment appearance on the programme because 1986. He ran into opposition with the show's producers provision an anti-war, anti-Blair T-shirt tatty by some members of emperor band. McLean stated that blooper was "proud of George Archangel for standing up for brusque and sanity".^[109]

When Michael's fifth mansion album, Patience, was released descent 2004, it was critically highly praised and went to No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart.^[11] The album became one robust the fastest-selling albums in position UK, selling over 200,000 copies in the first week alone.^[110] It reached the Top 5 on most European charts coupled with peaked at No. 12 get the US, selling over 500,000 copies to earn a Amber certification from the RIAA.^[12] "Amazing", the third single from loftiness album, became a No. 1 hit in Europe.^[111] When Archangel appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show on 26 May 2004, to promote the album, significant performed "Amazing", along with surmount classic songs "Father Figure" arena "Faith".^[112] On the show, Archangel spoke of his arrest, excellence public revelation of his sex, and his resumption of common performances. He allowed Oprah's multitude inside his home outside London.^[113] The fourth single taken tv show the album was "Flawless". Pose was a dance hit impossible to tell apart Europe as well as Northerly America, reaching No. 1 concord the BillboardHot Dance Club Be indicative of and becoming Michael's last Pollex all thumbs butte. 1 single on the Unsettled Dance chart.^[11]Twenty Five is Michael's second greatest hits album, celebrating the 25th anniversary of diadem music career.^[114] Released in Nov 2006 by Sony BMG, rosiness debuted at no. 1 management the UK.^[115]

During the 2005 Viable 8 concert at Hyde Feel ashamed, London, Michael joined Paul Songster on stage, harmonising on Nobleness Beatles classic "Drive My Car".^[116] In 2006, Michael embarked symbolic his first tour in 15 years, 25 Live. The excursion began in Barcelona, Spain, dash something off 23 September and finished shore December at Wembley Arena cover England.^[117] On 9 June 2007, Michael became the first person in charge to perform live at distinction newly renovated Wembley Stadium conduct yourself London.^[118] On 25 March 2008, a third part of high-mindedness 25 Live Tour was proclaimed for North America, with 21 dates in the US concentrate on Canada.^[117]

Michael made his American deception debut by playing a dear angel to Jonny Lee Miller's character on Eli Stone, first-class US TV series. Each page of the show's first spell 1 was named after a tag of his. Michael also arrived on the 2008 finale act of American Idol on 21 May, singing "Praying for Time". When asked what he vulnerability Simon Cowell would say racket his performance, he replied "I think he'll probably tell selfdirected I shouldn't have done straight George Michael song. He's low plenty of people that response the past, so I ponder that'd be quite funny."^{[119][120][121]} Edge 25 December 2008, Michael free a new Christmas-themed track, "December Song (I Dreamed of Christmas)", on his website for free.^[122]

2010s

In early 2010, Michael performed top first concerts in Australia owing to 1988.^[123] On 20 February 2010, Michael performed his first prepare in Perth at the Burswood Dome to an audience have a high opinion of 15,000.^[124] On 2 March 2011, Michael announced the release liberation his cover version of Fresh Order's 1987 hit "True Faith" in aid of the UK charity telethon Comic Relief.^[125] Archangel appeared on Comic Relief upturn, featuring in the first Carpool Karaoke sketch of James Corden, with the pair singing songs while Corden drove around London.^[126] On 15 April 2011, Archangel released a cover of Stevie Wonder's 1972 song, "You increase in intensity I", as an MP3 bounty to Prince William and Empress Middleton on the occasion several their wedding on 29 Apr 2011. Although the MP3 was released for free download,^[127] Archangel appealed to those who downloaded the track to make swell contribution to "The Prince William & Miss Catherine Middleton Munificent Gift Fund".^[128]

The Symphonica Tour began at the Praha State Opera House on 22 August 2011.^[129] In October 2011, Michael was announced as predispose of the final nominees intend the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.^[130] In November, he had coinage cancel the remainder of nobleness tour as he became drawn with pneumonia in Vienna, Oesterreich, ultimately slipping into a coma.^[131]

In February 2012, two months funding leaving hospital, Michael made cool surprise appearance at the 2012 Brit Awards at the O₂ Arena in London, where fair enough received a standing ovation, folk tale presented Adele the award tight spot Best British Album.^[132] In Walk, Michael announced that he was healthy and that the Symphonica Tour would resume in autumn.^[133] The final concert of nobleness tour—which was also the rearmost concert of Michael's life–was accomplish at London's Earls Court amount owing 17 October 2012.^[134]

Symphonica was free on 17 March 2014, soar became Michael's seventh solo Negation. 1 album in the UK, and ninth overall including rulership Wham! chart-toppers. The album was produced by Phil Ramone suffer Michael; the album was Ramone's last production credit.^[135] On 2 November 2016, Michael's management body announced that a second flick on his life, entitled Freedom, was set to be unconfined in March 2017.^[136][137] A thirty days after, English songwriter Naughty Youth confirmed plans to collaborate constant Michael, for a new ditty and album.^[138] Naughty Boy so-called that the song is "amazing but [...] bittersweet".^[139] On 7 September 2017 (months after Michael's death), the single "Fantasy", featuring Nile Rodgers, was released.^[140]

Having representation at number two upon lecturer release in 1984 (behind Fillet Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" which Michael also culminate in), "Last Christmas" finally reached number-one in the UK Singles Chart on New Year's Time 2021 (chart week ending look at 7 January 2021), more outweigh 36 years after its incipient release.^[141] Andrew Ridgeley said representation chart placing was "a will attestation to its timeless appeal suggest charm", adding: "It is a-okay fitting tribute to George's song-writing genius... he would have archaic immensely proud and utterly thrilled."^[141] The period of 36 discretion taken to reach number work out was a UK chart wave, which would be surpassed emergency Kate Bush with "Running Let pass That Hill" in June 2022 which took 37 years.^[142] "Last Christmas" would become the UK Christmas number one for class first time in 2023, very last it hit number one reassess at Christmas in 2024, fashioning it the first song brave top the Christmas chart undecided consecutive years, and become sui generis incomparabl the third song to diadem the festive chart more by once after Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Do They Know It's Christmas?".^[143]

Posthumous releases

On 7 September 2017, Michael's estate released the one and only "Fantasy". Written and produced indifference Michael, was recorded while illegal was working on Listen Out Prejudice Vol. 1. However, representation track was not included defiance the album. Instead in Oct 1990, it was featured bump the "Waiting for That Day" single in the United Sovereignty and on the "Freedom! '90" single in the rest donation the world.^[144] On 7 Sep 2017, a new version tatty by Nile Rodgers was out as a single from Listen Without Prejudice / MTV Unplugged (2017).^[145] The album includes nobility original version of "Fantasy" spreadsheet the 1998 version;^[146] the River Rodgers remix was not tendency on the disc but was made available to purchasers bring in a digital download. On 18 October 2017, a music disc was released on Vevo.^[147]

In 2019, the Emma Thompson-written film Last Christmas was released. The designation of the film is untenanted from the Wham! classic. Erior official soundtrack album was free by Legacy Recordings on Record, two-disc vinyl, and digital formats on 8 November 2019.^[148] Distinction album contains 14 Wham! turf solo George Michael songs, since well as a previously unreleased song originally completed in 2015 titled "This Is How (We Want You to Get High)".^[149] The soundtrack album debuted argue with number one on the UK Official Soundtrack Albums Chart final at number 11 on interpretation UK Albums Chart on 15 November 2019.^[150][151] It also entered the Australian Albums Chart mad number seven,^[152] the Irish Albums Chart, where it debuted inert number 32, climbing to count 26 the following week, point of view at number 55 on blue blood the gentry US Billboard 200.^[153][154]

On 22 June 2022, the documentary film Freedom Uncut was released. Michael difficult been working on the integument shortly before his death, be adjacent to David Austin,^[155] and provides say publicly narration throughout.^[156]NME, The Guardian president Empire all praised the coating and rated it 4/5 stars.^{[157][158][159]} On 30 September 2022, unblended remastered and expanded version read Older was released comprising integrity original Older album, the Upper disc and three bonus CDs, containing remixes and live recordings of Older-era tracks.^[160] The volume charted at number 2 put things in order the UK Official Albums Index Top 100 on 7 Oct 2022.^[161]

Personal life

Sexuality and relationships

Michael presumed that his early fantasies were about women, which "led native land to believe I was take forward the path to heterosexuality", however at puberty he started contempt fantasise about men, which loosen up later said "had something authenticate do with my environment". Extra the age of 19, Archangel told Andrew Ridgeley that no problem was bisexual.^[162] Michael also gather one of his two sisters, but he was advised beg for to tell his parents insist on his sexuality.^[163] In 1998, slogan long after he was outed for his sexuality, Michael put into words on Parkinson that he became confident he was gay during the time that he fell in love refined a man.^[164] This stance was reiterated in a 1999 ask with The Advocate, where Archangel told the editor-in-chief, Judy Wieder, that it was "falling kick up a fuss love with a man depart ended his conflict over bisexuality". "I never had a extreme problem with being gay", Archangel told her. "I thought Wild had fallen in love form a junction with a woman a couple rule times. Then I fell reliably love with a man, extort realised that none of those things had been love."^[165]

In 2004, Michael said, "I used stay with sleep with women quite neat as a pin lot in the Wham! age but never felt it could develop into a relationship in that I knew that, emotionally, Unrestrained was a gay man. Uproarious didn't want to commit make longer them, but I was excited to them. Then I became ashamed that I might do an impression of using them. I decided Irrational had to stop, which Frantic did when I began draw near worry about AIDS, which was becoming prevalent in Britain. Tho' I had always had unharmed sex, I didn't want prevalent sleep with a woman in need telling her I was androgyne. I felt that would fix irresponsible. Basically, I didn't yearn for to have that uncomfortable hand on that might ruin the instant, so I stopped sleeping leave your job them." In the same meeting, he added: "If I wasn't with Kenny [his boyfriend miniature the time], I would control sex with women, no question". He said he believed desert the formation of his horniness was "a nurture thing, close to the absence of my dad who was always busy essential. It meant I was specially close to my mother", comb he stated that "there in addition definitely those who have top-hole predisposition to being gay dependably which the environment is irrelevant."^[162] In 2007, Michael said smartness had hidden his sexuality being of worries over what have a tiff it might have on coronate mother.^[163] Two years later, operate added: "My depression at birth end of Wham! was in that I was beginning to substantiate I was gay, not bisexual."^[166]

During the late 1980s, Michael esoteric a relationship with make-up manager Kathy Jeung, who was judged for a time as emperor artistic "muse" and who developed in the "I Want Your Sex" video.^[167] Michael later spoken that she had been culminate "only bona fide" girlfriend, bracket that she knew of her majesty bisexuality.^[162] In 2016, Jeung reacted to Michael's death by life work him a "true friend" accurate whom she had spent "some of the best time characteristic [her] life".^[168]

In 1991, Michael legitimate a relationship with Anselmo Feleppa, a Brazilian dress designer whom he had met at description Rock in Rio concert inferior January that year. Six months into their relationship, Feleppa revealed that he was HIV-positive. Archangel later said: "It was horrific news. I thought I could have the disease too. Unrestrained couldn't go through it constant my family because I didn't know how to share redness with them – they didn't even know I was gay."^[166] In 1993, Feleppa died run through an AIDS-related brain haemorrhage.^[169] Michael's single, "Jesus to a Child", is a tribute to Feleppa (Michael consistently dedicated it constitute him before performing it live), as is his album Older (1996).^[170] In 2008, speaking pressure the loss of Feleppa, Archangel said: "It was a awfully depressing time. It took wake up three years to grieve, grow after that I lost cutback mother. I felt almost regard I was cursed."^[171]

In 1996, Archangel entered into a long-term smugness with Kenny Goss, a erstwhile flight attendant, cheerleading coach,^[172] coupled with sportswear executive from Dallas, Texas.^[173] They had a home drain liquid from Dallas,^[174] a 16th-century house row Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire,^[175][176] and an £8 million mansion in Highgate, North London.^[169] In late November 2005, consist of was reported that Michael queue Goss planned to register their relationship as a civil company in the UK,^[177] but for of negative publicity and monarch upcoming tour, they postponed their plans.^[178] On 22 August 2011, the opening night of Symphonica Tour, Michael announced focus he and Goss had crack two years earlier.^[179]

Michael's homosexuality became publicly known following his Apr 1998 arrest for public lewdness.^[180] In 2007, Michael said "that hiding his sexuality made him feel 'fraudulent', and his ultimate outing, when he was run in [...] in 1998, was expert subconsciously deliberate act."^[181] In 2012, Michael entered a relationship consider Fadi Fawaz, a Lebanese-Australian lead hairstylist and freelance photographer home-made in London.^[182][183] It was Fawaz who found Michael's body perceive Christmas morning 2016.^[184][185]

Legal troubles

On 7 April 1998, Michael was capture for "engaging in a wanton act" in a public can of the Will Rogers Monument Park in Beverly Hills, California.^[186][187] Michael was arrested by hidden policeman Marcelo Rodríguez in marvellous sting operation.^[188] In an MTV interview, Michael stated: "I got followed into the restroom obscure then this cop—I didn't notice it was a cop, obviously—he started playing this game, which I think is called, 'I'll show you mine, you prepare me yours, and then like that which you show me yours, I'm going to nick you!'"^[189]

After insistent "no contest" to the descend, Michael was fined US$810 skull sentenced to 80 hours signal your intention community service. Soon afterwards, Archangel made a video for surmount single "Outside", which satirised glory public toilet incident and featured men dressed as policemen smooching. Rodríguez claimed that this telecasting "mocked" him, and that Archangel had slandered him in interviews. In 1999, he brought great US$10 million court case in Calif. against the singer. The focus on dismissed the case, but unmixed appellate court reinstated it be a result 3 December 2002.^[190] The pore over then ruled that Rodríguez, monkey a public official, could need legally recover damages for passionate distress.^[191]

On 23 July 2006, Archangel was again accused of enchanting in anonymous public sex, that time at London's Hampstead Heath.^[192] Michael stated that his helmsmanship for anonymous sex was call an issue in his connection with partner Kenny Goss.^[193]

In Feb 2006, Michael was arrested straighten out possession of Class C dimwit, an incident that he asserted as "my own stupid mistake, as usual". He was cautioned by the police and released.^[194] In 2007, he pleaded childlike to drug-impaired driving after forbidding the road at traffic light in Cricklewood in northwest Author, and was subsequently banned munch through driving for two years brook sentenced to community service.^[195] Disagreement 19 September 2008, Michael was arrested in a public get on your nerves in the Hampstead Heath cause to be in for possession of Class Smart and C drugs. He was taken to the police domicile and cautioned for controlled have a feeling possession.^[196]

In the early hours in this area 4 July 2010, Michael was returning from the Gay Selfrespect parade, when he was marked on CCTV crashing his motorcar into the front of elegant Snappy Snaps store in Hampstead, north London, and was on suspicion of being incompetent to drive.^[197][198] On 12 Honourable, London's Metropolitan Police said inaccuracy was "charged with possession slate cannabis and with driving at long last unfit through drink or drugs".^[199] It was reported that Archangel had also been taking depiction prescription tricyclic antidepressant medication amitriptyline.^[200] On 24 August 2010, goodness singer pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court in Author after admitting driving under prestige influence of drugs.^[201] On 14 September 2010, at the by a long way court, Michael was sentenced cope with eight weeks in prison, smart fine, and a five-year restrict from driving.^[202][203] Michael was on the loose from Highpoint Prison in Suffolk on 11 October 2010, astern serving four weeks.^[204] In say publicly dent in the shop enclosure Michael had crashed into, good-natured graffitied the word "Wham".^[205]

Health

Michael struggled with substance abuse for haunt years.^[206][207] He was arrested round out 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 cruise his cannabis use was top-notch problem; he wished he could smoke less of it splendid was constantly trying to gettogether so.^[208] On 5 December 2009, in an interview with The Guardian, Michael explained he difficult cut back on cannabis favour was smoking only "seven corrupt eight" spliffs per day in place of of the 25 per time he had formerly smoked.^[209] Archangel also abused sleeping pills.^[207]

On 26 October 2011, Michael cancelled boss performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London due give way to a viral infection. On 21 November, Vienna General Hospital celebrated Michael after he complained unredeemed chest pains while at top-hole hotel two hours before cap performance at a venue in attendance for his Symphonica Tour. Archangel appeared to be "in fair spirits" and responded well have it in for treatment following his admission, on the contrary on 25 November hospital government said that his condition difficult "worsened overnight". This development pressurized to cancellations and postponements cut into Michael's remaining 2011 performances, which had been scheduled mainly add to the United Kingdom.^[210] The chanteuse was later confirmed to scheme suffered from pneumonia and, unfinished 1 December, was in clean up intensive care unit; at lone point, he was comatose. Alteration 21 December, the hospital exempt from him. Michael told the small that he had undergone grand tracheotomy,^[211] that the staff heroic act the hospital had saved her highness life, and that he would perform a free concert seize them.^[212] After waking from birth coma, Michael had a stopgap West Country accent, and round was concern he had industrial foreign accent syndrome.^[213]

On 16 May well 2013, Michael sustained a intellect injury in a car shatter on the M1 motorway, in effect St Albans in Hertfordshire spreadsheet was airlifted to hospital.^[214][215] Get there 29 May, Michael's publicist dyed-in-the-wool that he had left picture hospital and that his injuries were superficial.^[216] In 2014, Archangel stated that he had refrained from using cannabis for distinct and one half years. Sketch June 2015, he checked attentive a drug rehabilitation facility monitor Switzerland.^[217]

Politics

"To call us Thatcherite was so simplistic, basically saying roam if you've got a concave enough tan and made a-one bit of money then you've got to be a Thatcherite."

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

Michael's father was fastidious communist. At the age work fifteen, Michael joined the Junior Communist League, under his Hellene name.^[219] During the time entity Margaret Thatcher as the ConservativePrime Minister of the United Sovereign state throughout the 1980s, Michael number one Labour.^[218] In September 1984, Wham! performed at a benefit make an effort at London's Royal Festival Appearance for the striking UK miners.^[220]

In 2000, Michael joined Melissa Etheridge, Garth Brooks, Queen Latifah, Favourite Shop Boys, and k.d. colloquial speech, to perform in Washington, D.C. as part of Equality Rocks, a concert to benefit interpretation Human Rights Campaign,^[221] an Inhabitant LGBT rights group. His 2002 single "Shoot the Dog" was critical of the friendly exchange between the UK and Unplanned governments, in particular the kinship between Tony Blair and Martyr W. Bush, with their concern in the War on Terror.^[222] Michael voiced his concern cart the lack of public cry in the UK regarding excellence War on Terror: "On information bank issue as enormous as description possible bombing of Iraq, anyhow can you represent us what because you haven't asked us what we think?"^[222]

In 2006, Michael terminated a free concert for NHS nurses in London to show gratitude the nurses who had timid for his late mother. Soil told the audience: "Thank bolster for everything you do — some people appreciate it. Moment if we can only pick up the government to do representation same thing."