George Michael

**George Michael** (Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, b.25 June 1963, d. 25 December 2016) was a British vocalist, musician, songwriter and producer.

He was a founder member of the pop group Wham! and after the split with Andrew Ridgley he went on to become a successful solo artist. He wrote and produced the majority of Wham!'s hits himself, without Ridgeley. The duo officially separated in 1986, after releasing a farewell single, The Edge of Heaven and a singles compilation album, *The Final*, plus a sell-out concert at Wembley Stadium. The album included Michael's two solo singles solo singles Careless Whisper (1984) and A Different Corner (1986) issued while still working with Wham!

A pivotal moment in establishing a solo career had also been his performance of Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me with Elton John at Live Aid in July 1985.

In late 1987, Michael released his debut solo album, *Faith,* a number one album in the UK and a worldwide success. He went on to have a total of four more UK number one studio albums, plus two no. 1 compilations, and a string of hit singles.

Michael came out as gay in 1998. A 2023 documentary on Wham! revealed that he had already come out to his musical partner Ridgely when the group were in Ibiza to shoot the promo video for Club Tropicana.

Michael died on Christmas Day 2016. Due a delay in establishing the cause of death, his funeral took place on 29 March 2017.

TV
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*solo appearances only*

### Top of the Pops

* *all Michael's solo appearances have been on video*

### Other TV

* 30 April 1983 - *Pop Quiz* (while still with Wham)
* 11 September 1984 - as above
* 11 February 1991 - *The Brits* - performer
* 27 December 1993 - *The Princess of Wales's Concert of Hope*
* 29 December 1997 - *George Michael Unplugged*
* 05 December 1998 - *Parkinson Meets George Michael*
* 18 April 1999 - *Here, There and Everywhere - a Concert for Linda* (tribute to the late Linda McCartney.)
* 13 March 2004 - *Parkinson* - interview and perf. of Amazing.
* 29 November 2004 - *George Michael: a Different Life*
* 27 December 2007 - *Extras* (Christmas Special)
* 01 April 2014 - *George Michael at the Palais Garnier, Paris* (rec. 2012) - rpt. 27 December 2016

## Radio

* 30 September 2007 - *Desert Island Discs* (*details here*)
* 07 March 2011 - *The Chris Evans Breakfast Show* Pop sensation George Michael joins Chris for his first interview since being released from prison. He discussed how focused he is on his future, with a new single, album and tour.
* 17 July 2012 - *The Chris Evans Breakfast Show* GM is back with his new single, 'White Light'. He exclusively tells Chris about his recovery from illness, and what musical milestones he is now aiming for.
* 18 / 25 March 2014 *Up Close with George Michael* - rpt. 29 December 2016
* 25 December 2014 - David Walliams presents George Michael and full orchestral backing in concert with music from his Symphonica tour, including songs from the Great American Songbook
* 26 December 2016 - *R2 Remembers George Michael* - tribute (Radio 2); *The World Tonight* - George Michael: The Political Pop Star (Radio 4)
* 12 October 2017 - *Front Row* - Kate Mossman reviews George Michael - Freedom (R4)

## See also

* The Sweet
* Love Action (I Believe in Love)
* Do They Know It's Christmas?
* True Faith