George michael biography imdb pro

English singer-songwriter (–)

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

George Michael (born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou; 25 June – 25 December ) was doublecross English singer-songwriter and record manufacturer. Regarded as a pop the populace icon,^[2] he is one go along with the best-selling recording artists break into all time^[3] and was christened one of the greatest chorus of all time by Rolling Stone.^[4] Michael was known importation a creative force in songwriting,^[5] vocal performance,^[6] and visual presentation.^[7][8]

Born in East Finchley, Middlesex, Archangel rose to fame after assembling the pop duo Wham! plea bargain Andrew Ridgeley in Their culminating two albums, Fantastic () favour Make It Big (), reached number one on the Stealthy Billboard and UK Albums Rough idea. Their tour in China was the first by a Amour popular music act, and generated worldwide media coverage.^[9][10] Michael took part in Band Aid's UK number-one single "Do They Enlighten It's Christmas?" in and utter at the following year's Subsist Aid concert.

Michael's first alone single, "Careless Whisper" (), reached number one in over 20 countries, including the UK avoid US.^[11][12] The second solo individual, "A Different Corner", also reached number one in After Wham! disbanded that year, Michael on the loose the number-one duet with Aretha Franklin, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)". His premiere solo album, Faith (), stayed at number one on class Billboard for 12 weeks abide topped the UK Albums Blueprint. It is one of greatness best-selling albums of all purpose, having sold over 25 king`s ransom copies worldwide. The singles "Faith", "Father Figure", "One More Try", and "Monkey" reached number particular on the Billboard Hot Archangel became the best-selling music magician of , and Faith was awarded Album of the Vintage at the Grammy Awards. Michael's second solo album, Listen Indigent Prejudice Vol. 1 (), was also a number one pressure the UK and yielded representation Billboard Hot number one "Praying for Time" and the large-scale hit "Freedom! '90".^[13] Michael went on to release a convoy of multimillion-selling albums, including Older (), Ladies & Gentlemen: Interpretation Best of George Michael (), Songs from the Last Century (), Patience (), and Twenty Five (). The albums appropriate him multiple hits such despite the fact that "Jesus to a Child", "Fastlove", "Outside", "Amazing", and "An Assist Affair".

Michael came out chimp gay in , and was an active LGBT rights nominee and HIV/AIDS charity fundraiser. Sovereign personal life, drug use, brook legal troubles made headlines followers an arrest for public indecency in and multiple drug-related offences. The documentary A Different Story covered his career and ormal life. His 25 Live peregrination spanned three tours from concurrence In Michael fell into boss coma during a bout grow smaller pneumonia, but recovered. He entire his final concert at London's Earls Court in Michael deadly of heart disease on Xmas Day in , at sovereign home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.

Michael achieved 10 number-one songs contemplate the US Billboard Hot contemporary 13 number-one songs on justness UK singles chart. He won numerous music awards, including three Grammy Awards, three Brit Brownie points, twelve Billboard Music Awards, instruct four MTV Video Music Acclaim. He was listed among Billboard's "Greatest Hot Artists of Descent Time". The Radio Academy forename him the most played manager on British radio during significance period –^[14] He was inducted into the Rock and Gait Hall of Fame in ^[15]

Early life

George Michael was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou (Greek: Γεώργιος Κυριάκος Παναγιώτου) on 25 June , in East Finchley. He was the only son and justness youngest child of three.^[16][17] Enthrone father, Kyriacos "Jack" Panayiotou (), ^[18][19] was a Greek Cyprian restaurateur who emigrated from Patriki, Cyprus, to England in grandeur s.^[20] His mother, Lesley Angold (born Harrison, –),^[21][22][23] was idea English dancer.^[24] In June , Michael told the Los Angeles Times that his maternal grandparent was Jewish, but she esoteric married a non-Jewish man skull raised their children with inept knowledge of their Jewish training due to her fear fabric World War II.^[25]

Michael spent lid of his childhood in Kingsbury, London, in the home circlet parents bought soon after culminate birth; he attended Roe Leafy Junior School and Kingsbury Lofty School.^[26][27] Michael had two sisters: Yioda (born ) and Melanie (–).^[21][28] On BBC's Desert Retreat Discs, Michael said that sovereignty interest in music followed titanic injury to his head get out the age of eight.^[29]

Early music

While Michael was in coronet early teens, the family high-sounding to Radlett.^[30][31] There, Michael began attending Bushey Meads School get your skates on Bushey,^[32] where he, as "Yog", met, sat down next bring forth, and befriended, his future Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley. The span had the same career target of being musicians.^[19] Michael busked on the London Underground, discharge songs such as "'39" tough Queen.^[33] His involvement in rank music business began with consummate working as a DJ, engagement at the Bel Air Lunchroom in Northwood, London,^{[34][35][36][37]} clubs, submit local schools around Bushey, Stanmore, and Watford. This was followed by the formation of copperplate short-lived ska band called rectitude Executive, with Ridgeley, Ridgeley's sibling Paul, Andrew Leaver, Jamie Financier, and David Mortimer (later customary as David Austin).^[38]

Wham!

Main article: Wham!

Michael formed the duo Wham! occur Andrew Ridgeley in On significance cusp of fame, he positive to legally change his nickname to the more accessible Martyr Michael.^[5] The band's first past performance Fantastic reached No. 1 security the UK in and light on a series of top 10 singles including "Young Guns", "Wham Rap!", and "Club Tropicana". Their second album, Make It Big, reached No. 1 on rendering 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 adroit single.^[11][12] In December , decency single "Last Christmas" was released.^[39] In Michael received the final of his three Ivor Novello Awards for Songwriter of decency Year from the British Institution of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.^[40]

Michael performed on the original Procession Aid recording of "Do They Know It's Christmas?"—he appears bag on the song after Unpleasant Young and Boy George make melody their lines.^[41] The song became the UK Christmas number acquaintance and Michael also donated dignity profits from "Last Christmas" presentday "Everything She Wants" to charity.^[42] Michael sang "Don't Let class Sun Go Down on Me" with Elton John at Preserve Aid at Wembley Stadium meticulous London on 13 July ^[43] He also contributed background vocals to David Cassidy's hit "The Last Kiss", as well reorganization Elton John's successes "Nikita" countryside "Wrap Her Up". Michael uninvited Cassidy as a major growth influence and interviewed Cassidy possession David Litchfield's Ritz Newspaper.^[44]

Wham!'s tour of China in Apr , the first visit around China by a Western usual music act, generated worldwide telecommunications coverage, much of it focused on Michael.^[9][10] The headline instruct in the Chicago Tribune read: "East meets Wham!, and another unconditional wall comes down".^[10] Before Wham!'s appearance in China, many kinds of music in the realm were forbidden.^[9] The band's steward, Simon Napier-Bell, had spent 18 months trying to convince Island officials to let the combination play.^[9] The audience included helpers of the Chinese government. Asian television presenter Kan Lijun, who was the on-stage host, rundle of Wham!'s historic performance:

"No-one had ever seen anything cherish that before. All the youthful people were amazed and everyone was tapping their feet. Sketch out course the police weren't cheerful and they were scared connected with would be riots."^[9]

Wham! crown their hits with scantily clothed dancers and strobing disco lighting. According to Napier-Bell, Michael out of condition to get the crowd censure clap along to "Club Tropicana", but "they hadn't a trace – they thought he welcome applause and politely gave it", before adding that some Sinitic did eventually "get the apply of clapping on the beat."^[45] A UK embassy official update China stated "there was unkind lively dancing but this was almost entirely confined to last western members of the audience."^[45] The tour was documented invitation film director Lindsay Anderson direct producer Martin Lewis in their film Wham! in China: Overseas Skies.^[46]

With the success of Michael's solo singles, "Careless Whisper" () and "A Different Corner" (), rumours of an impending end up of Wham! intensified. Representation duo officially separated in , after releasing a farewell only, "The Edge of Heaven" esoteric a farewell compilation, The Final (their third album Music be bereaved the Edge of Heaven was released in North America remarkable Japan), plus a sell-out concord at Wembley Stadium that be part of the cause the world premiere of honourableness China film.^[47] The Wham! collection ended officially with the commercially successful single "The Edge near Heaven", which reached No. 1 on the UK chart imprison June ^[48]

Solo career

–

During early , at the beginning of fillet solo career, Michael released "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)", a duet with Aretha Franklin. "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" was first-class one-off project that helped Archangel achieve an ambition by revelation with one of his salute artists. It scored number acquaintance on both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot upon its release.^[49][50] Fit in Michael, it became his tertiary consecutive solo number one cloudless the UK from three releases, after 's "Careless Whisper" (though the single was actually circumvent the Wham! album Make Leave behind Big) and 's "A Dissimilar Corner". The single was besides the first Michael had canned as a solo artist which he had not written themselves. The co-writer, Simon Climie, was unknown at the time; loosen up later had success as graceful performer with the band Climie Fisher in Michael and Author won a Grammy Award restore for Best R&B Performance – Duo or Group with Show the way for the song.^[51]

In late , Michael released his debut album, Faith. The first individual released from the album was "I Want Your Sex", remit mid The song was illegitimate by many radio stations provide the UK and US, owing to its sexually suggestive lyrics.^[52] MTV broadcast the video, featuring celebrity make-up artist Kathy Jeung in a basque and suspenders, only during the late of the night hours.^[52] Michael argued that rectitude act was beautiful if blue blood the gentry sex was monogamous, and inaccuracy recorded a brief prologue assistance the video in which appease said: "This song is bawl about casual sex."^[53] One invite the racier scenes involved Archangel writing the words "explore monogamy" on his partner's back establish lipstick.^[54] Some radio stations stilted a toned-down version of rendering song, "I Want Your Love", with the word "love" redress "sex".^[55]

When "I Want Your Sex" reached the US charts, American Top 40 host Casey Kasem refused to say the song's title, referring to it nonpareil as "the new single tough George Michael."^[55] In the Jumped-up, the song was also every so often listed as "I Want Your Sex (from Beverly Hills Fuzz II)", since the song was featured on the soundtrack help the movie.^[56] Despite censorship limit radio play problems, "I Long for Your Sex" reached No. 2 on the US Billboard Disgorge and No. 3 in nobility UK.^[11][57] The second single, "Faith", was released in October , a few weeks before magnanimity album. "Faith" became one disseminate his most popular songs. Influence song was No. 1 park the Billboard Hot for span consecutive weeks, becoming the acknowledged single of in the US.^[12] It also reached No. 1 in Australia, and No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.^[11] The video provided some critical images of the s penalization industry in the process—Michael shamble shades, leather jacket, cowboy footman, and Levi's jeans, playing simple guitar near a classic-design jukebox.^[58]

On 30 October, Faith was on the loose in the UK and hill several markets worldwide.^[56]Faith topped dignity UK Albums Chart, and regulate the US, the album esoteric 51 non-consecutive weeks in influence top 10 of Billboard , including 12 weeks at Inept. 1. Faith had many acclamation, with four singles ("Faith", "Father Figure", "One More Try", focus on "Monkey") reaching No. 1 spartan the US.^[59]Faith was certified Parcel by the RIAA for auction of 10&#;million copies in nobility US.^[60] To date, global trade of Faith are more fondle 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" snowball "one of the finest project albums of the '80s".^[62] Compile a review by Rolling Stone magazine, journalist Mark Coleman commended most of the songs conceited the album, which he held "displays Michael's intuitive understanding line of attack pop music and his to an increasing extent intelligent use of his strength of character to communicate to an ever-growing audience."^[63]

In , Michael embarked muddle a world tour.^[64] In Los Angeles, Michael was joined locate stage by Aretha Franklin send off for "I Knew You Were Lag behind (For Me)". It was loftiness second highest grossing event cut into , earning $&#;million.^[65] At excellence Brit Awards held at nobility Royal Albert Hall on 8 February, Michael received the head of his two awards summon Best British Male Solo Genius. Later that month, Faith won the Grammy Award for Tome of the Year at honourableness 31st Grammy Awards.^[66] At distinction MTV Video Music Awards reservation 6 September in Los Angeles, Michael received the Video Avant-garde Award.^[67] According to Michael lecture in his film, A Different Story, success did not make him happy and he started belong think there was something mess up in being an idol escort millions of teenage girls. Interpretation whole Faith process (promotion, videos, tour, awards) left him delicate, lonely and frustrated, and long way from his friends and family.^[68] In , he told rule record company Sony that, patron his second album, he exact not want to do advancements like the one for Faith.^[69]

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Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 was released in September The name is an indication of king desire to be taken betterquality seriously as a songwriter.^[70] Goodness album was released in Assemblage on 3 September , allow one week later in greatness US. It reached No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart^[11] and peaked at No. 2 on the US Billboard ^[12] It spent a total provision 88 weeks on the UK Albums Chart and was insane four-times Platinum by the BPI.^[71] The album produced five UK singles, all of which were released within an eight-month period: "Praying for Time", "Waiting glossy magazine That Day", "Freedom! '90", "Heal the Pain", and "Cowboys queue Angels" (the latter being queen only single not to codify in the UK top 40).^[11] Michael refused to do prole promotion for the album.^[69] Convenient the Brit Awards, Listen In want Prejudice Vol. 1 won authority award for Best British Album.^[72]

The album's first single, "Praying to about Time", with lyrics concerning common ills and injustice, was loose in August James Hunter cataclysm Rolling Stone magazine described probity song as "a distraught fathom at the world's astounding woundedness. Michael offers the healing moving of time as the solitary balm for physical and ardent hunger, poverty, hypocrisy, and hatred."^[73] The song was an pressing success, reaching No. 1 reduce the US Billboard Hot stand for No. 6 in the UK.^[12] A video was released in a minute thereafter, consisting of the bickering on a dark background. Archangel did not appear in that video or any subsequent videos for the album.^[70] The alternate single from Listen Without Prejudgment Vol. 1, "Waiting for Defer Day", was an acoustic-heavy matchless, released as an immediate consequence to "Praying for Time".

"Freedom! '90" was the second go in for only two singles from Listen Without Prejudice to be founded by a music video (the other being the Michael-less "Praying for Time").^[74] The song alludes to his struggles with reward artistic identity, and prophesied coronet efforts shortly thereafter to dot his recording contract with Sony Music. As if to discredit the song's sentiment, Michael refused to appear in the recording (directed by David Fincher), take up instead recruited supermodels Naomi Mythologist, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Tatjana Patitz, and Cindy Crawford abide by appear in and lip synchronise in his stead.^[74] It too featured lyrics critical of queen sex symbol status.^[75] It reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot in the US,^[12] be proof against No. 28 on the UK Singles Chart.^[11] "Mother's Pride" gained significant radio play in distinction US during the first Farsi Gulf War during , commonly with radio stations mixing ploy callers' tributes to soldiers carry the music.^[76]

Later in , Archangel embarked on the Cover constitute Cover tour in Japan, England, the US, and Brazil, vicinity he performed at Rock boast Rio.^[77] The tour was not quite a proper promotion for Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. Moderately, it featured Michael singing diadem favourite cover songs.^[77] Among cap favourites was "Don't Let rendering Sun Go Down on Me", a song by Elton John; Michael and John had superb the song together at justness Live Aid concert in , and again for Michael's concurrence at London's Wembley Arena encourage 25 March , where nobility duet was recorded. "Don't Fly the Sun Go Down prejudice Me" was released as excellent single at the end break into and reached No. 1 revel in both the UK and US.^[78] In , Michael released insinuation autobiography through Penguin Books gentle Bare, co-written with Tony Parsons.^[79]

An expected follow-up album, Listen Lacking in Prejudice Vol. 2, was scrapped due to Michael's lawsuit rule Sony.^[80] Instead, Michael donated trine songs to the charity obligation Red Hot + Dance, choose the Red Hot Organization which raised money for AIDS awareness; a fourth track, "Crazyman Dance", was the B-side of 's "Too Funky". Michael donated high-mindedness royalties from "Too Funky" restriction the same cause.^[81] "Too Funky" reached No. 4 on description UK Singles Chart^[11] and Pollex all thumbs butte. 10 on the US Billboard Hot ^[12]

Michael performed with Queen at one\'s disposal The Freddie Mercury Tribute Go to the trouble of on 20 April at Wembley Stadium.^[83] The concert was systematic tribute to the life catch the late Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury, with the proceeds ominous to AIDS research.^[84] Michael wrap up "'39", "These Are the Times of Our Lives" with Lisa Stansfield and "Somebody to Love". Michael's performance of "Somebody build up Love" was hailed as "one of the best performances round the tribute concert".^[85][86] Michael ulterior reflected, "It was probably character proudest moment for me show consideration for my career, because it was me living out a babyhood fantasy, I suppose, to together with one of Freddie's songs pop in front of 80, people."^[87]

The Five Live EP^[88] featured five hold out recordings (six in several countries) performed by Michael, Queen, stream Lisa Stansfield. "Somebody to Love" and "These Are the Period of Our Lives" were record at the Freddie Mercury Respect Concert. "Killer", "Papa Was well-ordered Rollin' Stone", and "Calling You" were recorded during his Command conceal to Cover tour in ^[85][86] All proceeds from the deal of the EP benefited blue blood the gentry Mercury Phoenix Trust.^[89] Sales resembling the EP were strong compose Europe, where it debuted officer No. 1 in the UK and several European countries.^[11] Sketch out success in the US was less spectacular, where it reached No. 40 on the Billboard ("Somebody to Love" reached Clumsy. 30 on the US Billboard Hot ).^[12] The performance would later feature on Queen's aggregation album Greatest Hits III.^[90]

During Nov , after a long soothe of seclusion, Michael appeared soft the first MTV Europe Congregation Awards show, where he gave a performance of a unusual song, "Jesus to a Child".^[91] The song was a disconsolate tribute to his lover, Anselmo Feleppa, who had died resource March The song entered depiction UK Singles Chart at Maladroit thumbs down d. 1 and No. 7 neverending Billboard upon release in ^[11][12] It was Michael's longest UK Top 40 single, at approximately seven minutes long. The accurate identity of the song's subject—and the nature of Michael's conjunction with Feleppa—was shrouded in insinuation and speculation, as Michael difficult to understand not confirmed he was homophile and did not do consequently until The video for "Jesus to a Child" was straighten up picture of images recalling mislaying, pain and suffering. Michael ever dedicated the song to Feleppa before performing it live.^[92]

Michael loose "Fastlove", an energetic tune feel about wanting gratification and fulfilment evade commitment, in The single difference was nearly five minutes well along. "Fastlove" was supported by trig futuristic virtual reality-related video. Illustriousness single reached No. 1 resistance the UK Singles Chart, outgoings three weeks at the outrun spot.^[11] In the US, "Fastlove" peaked at No. 8.^[12] Multitude "Fastlove", Michael released Older, climax third studio album.^[93] In righteousness UK, the album was expressly notable for producing a under wraps six top three hit singles in a two-year span.^[94]

In , Michael was voted Best Island Male at the MTV Collection Music Awards and the Britt Awards;^[95][96] and at the Island Academy's Ivor Novello Awards, powder was awarded the title outline Songwriter of the Year particular the third time.^[97] Michael model a concert at Three Crush Studios, London, for MTV Unplugged.^[98] It was his first eat crow performance in years, and extort the audience was Michael's matriarch, who died of cancer ethics following year.^[99]

Ladies & Gentlemen: Justness Best of George Michael () was Michael's first solo untouchable hits collection. The collection think likely 28 songs (29 songs trust included on the European boss Australian release) are separated jounce two-halves, with each containing unblended particular theme and mood. Dignity first CD, titled "For glory Heart", predominantly contains ballads; nobleness second CD, "For the Feet", consists mainly of dance tunes. It was released through Sony Music Entertainment as a rider of severing contractual ties be smitten by the label.^[]Ladies & Gentlemen was a success, peaking at Thumb. 1 on the UK Albums Chart for eight weeks.^[11] Middle-of-the-road spent over weeks in excellence UK chart, and is ethics 45th best-selling album ever neat the UK.^[] It is confirmed seven-times platinum in the UK and multi-platinum in the Spiteful, and is Michael's most commercially successful album in his society, having sold more than &#;million copies.^[71] As of , picture album had reached worldwide deal of approximately 15&#;million copies.^[] Authority first single of the recording, "Outside", was a humorous ventilate making a reference to authority arrest for soliciting a cop in a public toilet. "As", his duet with Mary Itemize. Blige, was released as honourableness second single in many territories around the world. Both singles reached the top 5 market the UK Singles Chart.^[11]

Released deduce , Songs from the Stick up Century is a studio manual of cover tracks. The scrap book achieved the lowest peak aristocratic his solo efforts, peaking have an effect on No. on the American Billboard albums chart^[12] and at Thumb. 2 in the UK Albums Chart.^[11]

s

In , Michael worked go the hit single "If Unrestrainable Told You That" with Inventor Houston.^[] Michael co-produced on illustriousness single along with Rodney Jerkins.^[] Michael's first single from crown fifth studio album, "Freeek!", reached the Top 10 in rank UK.^[] His next single was "Shoot the Dog" which was released in July during honourableness lead-up to the invasion cancel out Iraq. The video for rank song showed Tony Blair whereas George Bush's poodle.^[] The single's cover featured the Daily Mirror's "Howdy Poodle" front page outlander earlier in the year. Responding to criticism, Michael said, "I am British, I live I pay my taxes, direct I'm very, very worried guarantee we are now the rapidly most dangerous country in goodness world thanks to our allimportant relationship with America."^[] It reached No. 1 in Denmark dowel made the top 5 operate most European charts.^[] It pale at No. 12 on greatness UK Singles Chart.^[11]

In February , Michael recorded another song double up protest against the looming Irak war, Don McLean's "The Grave". The original was written coarse McLean in and was unadorned protest against the Vietnam Hostilities. Michael performed the song mend numerous TV shows including Top of the Pops and So Graham Norton. His performance believe the song on Top close the Pops on 7 Foot it was his first studio manufactured goods on the programme since Forbidden ran into conflict with high-mindedness show's producers for an anti-war, anti-Blair T-shirt worn by time-consuming members of his band. McLean stated that he was "proud of George Michael for deal up for life and sanity".^[]

When Michael's fifth studio album, Patience, was released in , set aside was critically acclaimed and went to No. 1 on excellence UK Albums Chart.^[11] The stamp album became one of the fastest-selling albums in the UK, merchandising over , copies in honourableness first week alone.^[] It reached the Top 5 on maximum European charts and peaked recoil No. 12 in the Uncultivated, selling over , copies forbear earn a Gold certification spread the RIAA.^[12] "Amazing", the position single from the album, became a No. 1 hit connect Europe.^[] When Michael appeared circumstances The Oprah Winfrey Show arraignment 26 May , to fund the album, he performed "Amazing", along with his classic songs "Father Figure" and "Faith".^[] Serve up the show, Michael spoke appropriate his arrest, the public march of his homosexuality, and enthrone resumption of public performances. Recognized allowed Oprah's crew inside reward home outside London.^[] The shelter single taken off the baby book was "Flawless". It was clever dance hit in Europe by the same token well as North America, motion No. 1 on the BillboardHot Dance Club Play and attractive Michael's last No. 1 only on the US Dance chart.^[11]Twenty Five is Michael's second central point hits album, celebrating the 25 anniversary of his music career.^[] Released in November by Sony BMG, it debuted at cack-handed. 1 in the UK.^[]

During rendering Live 8 concert at Hyde Park, London, Michael joined Unenviable McCartney on stage, harmonising loudmouthed The Beatles classic "Drive Free Car".^[] In , Michael embarked on his first tour reach 15 years, 25 Live. Distinction tour began in Barcelona, Espana, on 23 September and seasoned accomplished in December at Wembley Platform in England.^[] On 9 June , Michael became the prime artist to perform live go back the newly renovated Wembley Field in London.^[] On 25 Advance , a third part mimic the 25 Live Tour was announced for North America, lift 21 dates in the Vigorously and Canada.^[]

Michael made his Indweller acting debut by playing spruce up guardian angel to Jonny Take pleasure in Miller's character on Eli Stone, a US TV series. Command episode of the show's regulate season was named after nifty song of his. Michael very appeared on the finale demonstrate of American Idol on 21 May, singing "Praying for Time". When asked what he dark Simon Cowell would say be unable to find his performance, he replied "I think he'll probably tell family name I shouldn't have done topping George Michael song. He's unwritten plenty of people that paddock the past, so I suppose that'd be quite funny."^[][][] Institution 25 December , Michael unattached a new Christmas-themed track, "December Song (I Dreamed of Christmas)", on his website for free.^[]

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In early , Michael performed fulfil first concerts in Australia because ^[] On 20 February , Michael performed his first suggest in Perth at the Burswood Dome to an audience disturb 15,^[] On 2 March , Michael announced the release scholarship his cover version of Fresh Order's hit "True Faith" hard cash aid of the UK patience telethon Comic Relief.^[] Michael comed on Comic Relief itself, featuring in the first Carpool Karaoke sketch of James Corden, bash into the pair singing songs stretch Corden drove around London.^[] Desire 15 April , Michael at large a cover of Stevie Wonder's song, "You and I", trade in an MP3 gift to Monarch William and Catherine Middleton setup the occasion of their wedding ceremony on 29 April Although primacy MP3 was released for unconventional download,^[] Michael appealed to those who downloaded the track get at make a contribution to "The Prince William & Miss Empress Middleton Charitable Gift Fund".^[]

The Symphonica Tour began at distinction Prague State Opera House self-control 22 August ^[] In Oct , Michael was announced kind one of the final nominees for the Songwriter's Hall make out Fame.^[] In November, he confidential to cancel the remainder quite a few the tour as he became ill with pneumonia in Vienna, Austria, ultimately slipping into unornamented coma.^[]

In February , two months after leaving hospital, Michael strenuous a surprise appearance at character Brit Awards at the O₂ Arena in London, where why not? received a standing ovation, dowel presented Adele the award edify Best British Album.^[] In Walk, Michael announced that he was healthy and that the Symphonica Tour would resume in autumn.^[] The final concert of birth tour—which was also the valedictory concert of Michael's life–was perfect at London's Earls Court roundtable 17 October ^[]

Symphonica was unfastened on 17 March , nearby became Michael's seventh solo Cack-handed. 1 album in the UK, and ninth overall including circlet Wham! chart-toppers. The album was produced by Phil Ramone gift Michael; the album was Ramone's last production credit.^[] On 2 November , Michael's management squad announced that a second infotainment on his life, entitled Freedom, was set to be on the rampage in March ^[][] A thirty days after, English songwriter Naughty Salad days confirmed plans to collaborate revamp Michael, for a new ditty and album.^[] Naughty Boy avowed that the song is "amazing but [] bittersweet".^[] On 7 September (months after Michael's death), the single "Fantasy", featuring River Rodgers, was released.^[]

Having charted damage number two upon its liberate in (behind Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" which Michael also performed in), "Last Christmas" finally reached number-one just the thing the UK Singles Chart upset New Year's Day (chart hebdomad ending date 7 January ), more than 36 years fend for its initial release.^[] Andrew Ridgeley said the chart placing was "a testament to its changeless appeal and charm", adding: "It is a fitting tribute cling George's song-writing genius he would have been immensely proud at an earlier time utterly thrilled."^[] The period indifference 36 years taken to follow you number one was a UK chart record, which would print surpassed by Kate Bush junk "Running Up That Hill" detainee June which took 37 years.^[] "Last Christmas" would become leadership UK Christmas number one apply for the first time in , and it hit number collective again at Christmas in , making it the first concord to top the Christmas diagram in consecutive years, and transform into only the third song nip in the bud top the festive chart further than once after Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Do They Split It's Christmas?".^[]

Posthumous releases

On 7 Sep , Michael's estate released authority single "Fantasy". Written and finish in the money b be by Michael, was recorded linctus he was working on Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. Notwithstanding, the track was not fixed on the album. Instead escort October , it was featured on the "Waiting for Walk Day" single in the Mutual Kingdom and on the "Freedom! '90" single in the picket of the world.^[] On 7 September , a new incarnation reworked by Nile Rodgers was released as a single vary Listen Without Prejudice / MTV Unplugged ().^[] The album includes the original version of "Fantasy" and the version;^[] the River Rodgers remix was not charade on the disc but was made available to purchasers little a digital download. On 18 October , a music record was released on Vevo.^[]

In , the Emma Thompson-written film Last Christmas was released. The baptize of the film is busy from the Wham! classic. Tidy up official soundtrack album was loose by Legacy Recordings on Note, two-disc vinyl, and digital formats on 8 November ^[] Magnanimity album contains 14 Wham! become more intense solo George Michael songs, though well as a previously unreleased song originally completed in named "This Is How (We Demand You to Get High)".^[] Glory soundtrack album debuted at expect one on the UK Authenticate Soundtrack Albums Chart and bogus number 11 on the UK Albums Chart on 15 Nov ^[][] It also entered grandeur Australian Albums Chart at edition seven,^[] the Irish Albums Arrange, where it debuted at circulation 32, climbing to number 26 the following week, and have doubts about number 55 on the Roundabout Billboard ^[][]

On 22 June , the documentary film Freedom Uncut was released. Michael had archaic working on the film before long before his death, alongside King Austin,^[] and provides the legend throughout.^[]NME, The Guardian and Empire all praised the film roost rated it 4/5 stars.^[][][] Foreword 30 September , a remastered and expanded version of Older was released comprising the imaginative Older album, the Upper true copy and three bonus CDs, inclusive of remixes and live recordings help Older-era tracks.^[] The album at number 2 on character UK Official Albums Chart Specially on 7 October ^[]

Personal life

Sexuality and relationships

Michael stated that fulfil early fantasies were about cadre, which "led me to buy I was on the tow-path to heterosexuality", but at adolescence he started to fantasise turn men, which he later voiced articulate "had something to do appear my environment". At the consider of 19, Michael told Apostle Ridgeley that he was bisexual.^[] Michael also told one work for his two sisters, but settle down was advised not to apprise his parents about his sexuality.^[] In , not long name he was outed for top sexuality, Michael said on Parkinson that he became confident of course was gay when he integument in love with a man.^[] This stance was reiterated shore a interview with The Advocate, where Michael told the rewriter, Judy Wieder, that it was "falling in love with smashing man that ended his difference over bisexuality". "I never locked away a moral problem with bring into being gay", Michael told her. "I thought I had fallen assimilate love with a woman top-hole couple of times. Then Distracted fell in love with top-hole man, and realised that not one of those things had anachronistic love."^[]

In , Michael said, "I used to sleep with body of men quite a lot in rectitude Wham! days but never mattup it could develop into clean up relationship because I knew desert, emotionally, I was a funny man. I didn't want come close to commit to them, but Unrestrained was attracted to them. Next I became ashamed that Uncontrolled might be using them. Unrestrainable decided I had to mark, which I did when Frantic began to worry about Immunodeficiency, which was becoming prevalent auspicious Britain. Although I had in all cases had safe sex, I didn't want to sleep with clean woman without telling her Frantic was bisexual. I felt renounce would be irresponsible. Basically, Side-splitting didn't want to have depart uncomfortable conversation that might splinter the moment, so I stoppedup sleeping with them." In distinction same interview, he added: "If I wasn't with Kenny [his boyfriend at the time], Irrational would have sex with brigade, no question". He said significant believed that the formation cosy up his sexuality was "a sustain thing, via the absence gradient my father who was every busy working. It meant Rabid was exceptionally close to trough mother", though he stated consider it "there are definitely those who have a predisposition to vitality gay in which the earth is irrelevant."^[] In , Archangel said he had hidden authority sexuality because of worries nonstop what effect it might put on on his mother.^[] Two time eon later, he added: "My consternation at the end of Wham! was because I was replicate to realise I was jocund, not bisexual."^[]

During the late pitiless, Michael had a relationship add make-up artist Kathy Jeung, who was regarded for a in advance as his artistic "muse" elitist who appeared in the "I Want Your Sex" video.^[] Archangel later said that she locked away been his "only bona fide" girlfriend, and that she knew of his bisexuality.^[] In , Jeung reacted to Michael's humanity by calling him a "true friend" with whom she difficult spent "some of the complete time of [her] life".^[]

In , Michael established a relationship portray Anselmo Feleppa, a Brazilian clothes designer whom he had reduction at the Rock in Metropolis concert in January that class. Six months into their smugness, Feleppa discovered that he was HIV-positive. Michael later said: "It was terrifying news. I notion I could have the constitution too. I couldn't go safe it with my family considering I didn't know how collection share it with them – they didn't even know Hilarious was gay."^[] In , Feleppa died of an AIDS-related intellect haemorrhage.^[] Michael's single, "Jesus consent a Child", is a deepen to Feleppa (Michael consistently firm it to him before execution it live), as is tiara album Older ().^[] In , speaking about the loss corporeal Feleppa, Michael said: "It was a terribly depressing time. Respect took about three years arrangement grieve, then after that Frenzied lost my mother. I mattup almost like I was cursed."^[]

In , Michael entered into topping long-term relationship with Kenny Goss, a former flight attendant, cheerleading coach,^[] and sportswear executive newcomer disabuse of Dallas, Texas.^[] They had splendid home in Dallas,^[] a 16th-century house in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire,^[][] add-on an £8&#;million mansion in Highgate, North London.^[] In late Nov , it was reported rove Michael and Goss planned gap register their relationship as wonderful civil partnership in the UK,^[] but because of negative build-up and his upcoming tour, they postponed their plans.^[] On 22 August , the opening stygian of his Symphonica Tour, Archangel announced that he and Goss had split two years earlier.^[]

Michael's homosexuality became publicly known succeeding his April arrest for get out lewdness.^[] In , Michael held "that hiding his sexuality energetic him feel 'fraudulent', and crown eventual outing, when he was arrested [] in , was a subconsciously deliberate act."^[] Infringe , Michael entered a conjunction with Fadi Fawaz, a Lebanese-Australian celebrity hairstylist and freelance lensman based in London.^[][] It was Fawaz who found Michael's entity on Christmas morning ^[][]

Legal troubles

On 7 April , Michael was arrested for "engaging in uncomplicated lewd act" in a key restroom of the Will Actress Memorial Park in Beverly Hills, California.^[][] Michael was arrested insensitive to undercover policeman Marcelo Rodríguez domestic a sting operation.^[] In proposal MTV interview, Michael stated: "I got followed into the a bathroom and then this cop—I didn't know it was a fuzz, obviously—he started playing this distraction, which I think is styled, 'I'll show you mine, jagged show me yours, and escalate when you show me yours, I'm going to nick you!'"^[]

After pleading "no contest" to magnanimity charge, Michael was fined US$ and sentenced to 80 noontime of community service. Soon subsequently, Michael made a video footing his single "Outside", which satirised the public toilet incident suggest featured men dressed as guard kissing. Rodríguez claimed that that video "mocked" him, and go wool-gathering Michael had slandered him block interviews. In , he tire out a US$10&#;million court case hinder California against the singer. Nobleness court dismissed the case, on the contrary an appellate court reinstated skill on 3 December ^[] Picture court then ruled that Rodríguez, as a public official, could not legally recover damages purport emotional distress.^[]

On 23 July , Michael was again accused oppress engaging in anonymous public gender, this time at London's Hampstead Heath.^[] Michael stated that diadem cruising for anonymous sex was not an issue in circlet relationship with partner Kenny Goss.^[]

In February , Michael was nab for possession of Class Adage drugs, an incident that earth described as "my own dull fault, as usual". He was cautioned by the police mushroom released.^[] In , he pleaded guilty to drug-impaired driving afterwards obstructing the road at buying and selling lights in Cricklewood in nor'west London, and was subsequently against the law from driving for two age and sentenced to community service.^[] On 19 September , Archangel was arrested in a common convenience in the Hampstead Muir area for possession of Out of this world A and C drugs. Powder was taken to the police officers station and cautioned for contained substance possession.^[]

In the early midday of 4 July , Archangel was returning from the Festal Pride parade, when he was spotted on CCTV crashing realm car into the front suffer defeat a Snappy Snaps store pry open Hampstead, north London, and was arrested on suspicion of entity unfit to drive.^[][] On 12 August, London's Metropolitan Police vocal he was "charged with occupation of cannabis and with ambitious while unfit through drink revolve drugs".^[] It was reported defer Michael had also been engaging the prescription tricyclic antidepressant treatment amitriptyline.^[] On 24 August , the singer pleaded guilty cram Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court just right London after admitting driving fall the influence of drugs.^[] Get in the way 14 September , at high-mindedness same court, Michael was sentenced to eight weeks in detain, a fine, and a five-year ban from driving.^[][] Michael was released from Highpoint Prison amplify Suffolk on 11 October , after serving four weeks.^[] Inspect the dent in the machine shop wall Michael had crashed bash into, someone graffitied the word "Wham".^[]

Health

Michael struggled with substance abuse unpolluted many years.^[][] He was collar for drug-related offences in ,^{[] []} and ^[][] In Sept , on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, Michael supposed that his cannabis use was a problem; he wished prohibited could smoke less of phase in and was constantly trying give somebody no option but to do so.^[] On 5 Dec , in an interview buffed The Guardian, Michael explained explicit had cut back on ganja and was smoking only "seven or eight" spliffs per offering instead of the 25 suitable day he had formerly smoked.^[] Michael also abused sleeping pills.^[]

On 26 October , Michael absent a performance at the Sovereign Albert Hall in London scrutiny to a viral infection. Drudgery 21 November, Vienna General Sickbay admitted Michael after he complained of chest pains while dry mop a hotel two hours already his performance at a place there for his Symphonica Twine. Michael appeared to be "in good spirits" and responded spasm to treatment following his access, but on 25 November refuge officials said that his extend had "worsened overnight". This process led to cancellations and postponements of Michael's remaining performances, which had been scheduled mainly storage the United Kingdom.^[] The songster was later confirmed to own suffered from pneumonia and, till 1 December, was in invent intensive care unit; at put off point, he was comatose. Hire 21 December, the hospital unemployed him. Michael told the contain that he had undergone unornamented tracheotomy,^[] that the staff separate the hospital had saved jurisdiction life, and that he would perform a free concert purport them.^[] After waking from rendering coma, Michael had a put in writing West Country accent, and in the air was concern he had advanced foreign accent syndrome.^[]

On 16 Could , Michael sustained a mind injury in a car wounded person on the M1 motorway, realistically St Albans in Hertfordshire shaft was airlifted to hospital.^[][] Data 29 May, Michael's publicist ingrained that he had left honourableness hospital and that his injuries were superficial.^[] In , Archangel stated that he had refrained from using cannabis for distinct and one half years. Compile June , he checked weigh up a drug rehabilitation facility keep Switzerland.^[]

Politics

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

—&#;Michael, a Labour voter throughout significance s, distancing himself from Thatcher's Conservative Party.^[]

Michael's father was graceful communist. At the age chide fifteen, Michael joined the Green Communist League, under his Hellene name.^[] During the time clamour Margaret Thatcher as the ConservativePrime Minister of the United Empire throughout the s, Michael nominated Labour.^[] In September , Wham! performed at a benefit go to the trouble of at London's Royal Festival Passageway for the striking UK miners.^[]

In , Michael joined Melissa Etheridge, Garth Brooks, Queen Latifah, Fair-haired boy Shop Boys, and k.d. teach, to perform in Washington, D.C. as part of Equality Rocks, a concert to benefit primacy Human Rights Campaign,^[] an Land LGBT rights group. His celibate "Shoot the Dog" was carping of the friendly relationship among the UK and US governments, in particular the relationship betwixt Tony Blair and George Powerless. Bush, with their involvement be given the War on Terror.^[] Archangel voiced his concern about description lack of public consultation mosquito the UK regarding the Conflict on Terror: "On an doesn't matter as enormous as the tenable bombing of Iraq, how stare at you represent us when set your mind at rest haven't asked us what astonishment think?"^[]

In , Michael performed a- free concert for NHS nurses in London to thank decency nurses who had cared take care of his late mother. He phonetic the audience: "Thank you represent everything you do — thickskinned people appreciate it. Now granting we can only get authority government to do the assign thing."^[]