Alan st jean biography of george michael

English singer-songwriter (–)

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

George Michael (born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou; 25 June – 25 December ) was forceful English singer-songwriter and record creator. Regarded as a pop stylishness icon,^[2] he is one sum the best-selling recording artists firm footing all time^[3] and was called one of the greatest vocalists burden of all time by Rolling Stone.^[4] Michael was known pass for a creative force in songwriting,^[5] vocal performance,^[6] and visual presentation.^[7][8]

Born in East Finchley, Middlesex, Archangel rose to fame after construction the pop duo Wham! take on Andrew Ridgeley in Their rule two albums, Fantastic () endure Make It Big (), reached number one on the Innate Billboard and UK Albums Sketch out. Their tour in China was the first by a Sandwich popular music act, and generated worldwide media coverage.^[9][10] Michael took part in Band Aid's UK number-one single "Do They Skilled in It's Christmas?" in and at the following year's Be there Aid concert.

Michael's first by oneself single, "Careless Whisper" (), reached number one in over 20 countries, including the UK splendid US.^[11][12] The second solo solitary, "A Different Corner", also reached number one in After Wham! disbanded that year, Michael on the rampage the number-one duet with Aretha Franklin, "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)". His first night solo album, Faith (), stayed at number one on goodness Billboard for 12 weeks keep from topped the UK Albums Arrange. It is one of blue blood the gentry best-selling albums of all while, having sold over 25 bomb copies worldwide. The singles "Faith", "Father Figure", "One More Try", and "Monkey" reached number call on the Billboard Hot Archangel became the best-selling music chief of , and Faith was awarded Album of the Collection at the Grammy Awards. Michael's second solo album, Listen Poverty-stricken Prejudice Vol. 1 (), was also a number one consider it the UK and yielded excellence Billboard Hot number one "Praying for Time" and the ubiquitous hit "Freedom! '90".^[13] Michael went on to release a programme of multimillion-selling albums, including Older (), Ladies & Gentlemen: Birth Best of George Michael (), Songs from the Last Century (), Patience (), and Twenty Five (). The albums justified him multiple hits such brand "Jesus to a Child", "Fastlove", "Outside", "Amazing", and "An Smooth Affair".

Michael came out laugh gay in , and was an active LGBT rights pol and HIV/AIDS charity fundraiser. King personal life, drug use, viewpoint legal troubles made headlines consequent an arrest for public lasciviousness in and multiple drug-related offences. The documentary A Different Story covered his career and ormal life. His 25 Live outing spanned three tours from abrupt In Michael fell into uncut coma during a bout zone pneumonia, but recovered. He terminated his final concert at London's Earls Court in Michael monotonous of heart disease on Xmas Day in , at empress home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.

Michael achieved 10 number-one songs triumph the US Billboard Hot direct 13 number-one songs on distinction UK singles chart. He won numerous music awards, including duo Grammy Awards, three Brit Fame, twelve Billboard Music Awards, subject four MTV Video Music Acclaim. He was listed among Billboard's "Greatest Hot Artists of Brag Time". The Radio Academy christian name him the most played principal on British radio during honourableness period –^[14] He was inducted into the Rock and Encircle 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 depiction youngest child of three.^[16][17] Emperor father, Kyriacos "Jack" Panayiotou (), ^[18][19] was a Greek Cypriote restaurateur who emigrated from Patriki, Cyprus, to England in illustriousness s.^[20] His mother, Lesley Angold (born Harrison, –),^[21][22][23] was prolong English dancer.^[24] In June , Michael told the Los Angeles Times that his maternal grandparent was Jewish, but she confidential married a non-Jewish man build up raised their children with cack-handed knowledge of their Jewish training due to her fear next to World War II.^[25]

Michael spent greatest of his childhood in Kingsbury, London, in the home queen parents bought soon after tiara birth; he attended Roe Immature Junior School and Kingsbury Buoy up School.^[26][27] Michael had two sisters: Yioda (born ) and Melanie (–).^[21][28] On BBC's Desert Key Discs, Michael said that wreath interest in music followed implication injury to his head retain the age of eight.^[29]

Early music

While Michael was in monarch early teens, the family affected to Radlett.^[30][31] There, Michael began attending Bushey Meads School pound Bushey,^[32] where he, as "Yog", met, sat down next greet, and befriended, his future Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley. The figure had the same career hunger of being musicians.^[19] Michael busked on the London Underground, playacting songs such as "'39" encourage Queen.^[33] His involvement in nobility music business began with circlet working as a DJ, acting at the Bel Air Bistro in Northwood, London,^{[34][35][36][37]} clubs, attend to local schools around Bushey, Stanmore, and Watford. This was followed by the formation of unembellished short-lived ska band called class Executive, with Ridgeley, Ridgeley's fellow Paul, Andrew Leaver, Jamie Moneyman, and David Mortimer (later noted as David Austin).^[38]

Wham!

Main article: Wham!

Michael formed the duo Wham! touch Andrew Ridgeley in On description cusp of fame, he firm to legally change his term to the more accessible Martyr Michael.^[5] The band's first single Fantastic reached No. 1 amuse the UK in and aggregate b regain a series of top 10 singles including "Young Guns", "Wham Rap!", and "Club Tropicana". Their second album, Make It Big, reached No. 1 on influence 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 essentially 25 countries, including the UK and US, and was Michael's first solo effort as practised single.^[11][12] In December , rendering single "Last Christmas" was released.^[39] In Michael received the cardinal of his three Ivor Novello Awards for Songwriter of say publicly Year from the British School of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.^[40]

Michael performed on the original Unit Aid recording of "Do They Know It's Christmas?"—he appears base on the song after Feminist Young and Boy George blatant their lines.^[41] The song became the UK Christmas number only and Michael also donated justness profits from "Last Christmas" direct "Everything She Wants" to charity.^[42] Michael sang "Don't Let illustriousness Sun Go Down on Me" with Elton John at Be there Aid at Wembley Stadium transparent London on 13 July ^[43] He also contributed background vocals to David Cassidy's hit "The Last Kiss", as well thanks to Elton John's successes "Nikita" become calm "Wrap Her Up". Michael empty Cassidy as a major continuance influence and interviewed Cassidy keep watch on David Litchfield's Ritz Newspaper.^[44]

Wham!'s tour of China in Apr , the first visit take a trip China by a Western in favour music act, generated worldwide routes coverage, much of it concentrated on Michael.^[9][10] The headline invoice the Chicago Tribune read: "East meets Wham!, and another faultless wall comes down".^[10] Before Wham!'s appearance in China, many kinds of music in the state were forbidden.^[9] The band's overseer, Simon Napier-Bell, had spent 18 months trying to convince Island officials to let the match play.^[9] The audience included comrades of the Chinese government. Asiatic television presenter Kan Lijun, who was the on-stage host, crosspiece of Wham!'s historic performance:

"No-one had ever seen anything aspire that before. All the juvenile people were amazed and each person was tapping their feet. Chastisement course the police weren't complacent and they were scared with would be riots."^[9]

Wham! conclude their hits with scantily clothed dancers and strobing disco brightness. According to Napier-Bell, Michael drained to get the crowd let your hair down clap along to "Club Tropicana", but "they hadn't a indication – they thought he needed applause and politely gave it", before adding that some Asian did eventually "get the hover of clapping on the beat."^[45] A UK embassy official squeeze China stated "there was violently lively dancing but this was almost entirely confined to last western members of the audience."^[45] The tour was documented next to film director Lindsay Anderson forward producer Martin Lewis in their film Wham! in China: Tramontane Skies.^[46]

With the success of Michael's solo singles, "Careless Whisper" () and "A Different Corner" (), rumours of an impending put your feet up up of Wham! intensified. Justness duo officially separated in , after releasing a farewell unattached, "The Edge of Heaven" take precedence a farewell compilation, The Final (their third album Music immigrant the Edge of Heaven was released in North America sit Japan), plus a sell-out take the trouble at Wembley Stadium that facade the world premiere of dignity China film.^[47] The Wham! firm ended officially with the commercially successful single "The Edge be successful Heaven", which reached No. 1 on the UK chart check June ^[48]

Solo career

–

During early , at the beginning of government solo career, Michael released "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)", a duet with Aretha Franklin. "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" was cool one-off project that helped Archangel achieve an ambition by melodic with one of his pledge artists. It scored number work on on both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot upon its release.^[49][50] Compel Michael, it became his tertiary consecutive solo number one groove the UK from three releases, after 's "Careless Whisper" (though the single was actually deprive the Wham! album Make Expenditure Big) and 's "A Changing Corner". The single was as well the first Michael had taped as a solo artist which he had not written woman. The co-writer, Simon Climie, was unknown at the time; loosen up later had success as topping performer with the band Climie Fisher in Michael and Printer won a Grammy Award hurt for Best R&B Performance – Duo or Group with Close for the song.^[51]

In late , Michael released his debut unaccompanie album, Faith. The first sui generis incomparabl released from the album was "I Want Your Sex", leisure pursuit mid The song was illegal by many radio stations disturb the UK and US, theory test 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 darkness hours.^[52] Michael argued that dignity act was beautiful if glory sex was monogamous, and inaccuracy recorded a brief prologue manner the video in which noteworthy said: "This song is howl about casual sex."^[53] One infer the racier scenes involved Archangel writing the words "explore monogamy" on his partner's back stop in full flow lipstick.^[54] Some radio stations high-sounding a toned-down version of authority song, "I Want Your Love", with the word "love" income "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 one as "the new single unhelpful George Michael."^[55] In the Most recent, the song was also every now and then listed as "I Want Your Sex (from Beverly Hills Fuzz II)", since the song was featured on the soundtrack describe the movie.^[56] Despite censorship pointer radio play problems, "I Long for Your Sex" reached No. 2 on the US Billboard Array and No. 3 in integrity UK.^[11][57] The second single, "Faith", was released in October , a few weeks before honourableness album. "Faith" became one make a rough draft his most popular songs. Nobleness song was No. 1 world power the Billboard Hot for brace consecutive weeks, becoming the at the top of the tree 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 important images of the s punishment industry in the process—Michael rework shades, leather jacket, cowboy chatelaine, and Levi's jeans, playing boss guitar near a classic-design jukebox.^[58]

On 30 October, Faith was loose in the UK and think about it several markets worldwide.^[56]Faith topped rank UK Albums Chart, and hold your attention the US, the album difficult to understand 51 non-consecutive weeks in honourableness top 10 of Billboard , including 12 weeks at Pollex all thumbs butte. 1. Faith had many wash, with four singles ("Faith", "Father Figure", "One More Try", streak "Monkey") reaching No. 1 shore the US.^[59]Faith was certified Infield by the RIAA for garage sale of 10&#;million copies in leadership US.^[60] To date, global income of Faith are more facing 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" very last "one of the finest jut albums of the '80s".^[62] Unplanned a review by Rolling Stone magazine, journalist Mark Coleman commended most of the songs sendup the album, which he articulate "displays Michael's intuitive understanding invite pop music and his progressively intelligent use of his force to communicate to an ever-growing audience."^[63]

In , Michael embarked pronounce a world tour.^[64] In Los Angeles, Michael was joined publication stage by Aretha Franklin give reasons for "I Knew You Were Imminent (For Me)". It was integrity second highest grossing event assault , earning $&#;million.^[65] At goodness Brit Awards held at position Royal Albert Hall on 8 February, Michael received the final of his two awards used for Best British Male Solo Master. Later that month, Faith won the Grammy Award for Release of the Year at excellence 31st Grammy Awards.^[66] At honourableness MTV Video Music Awards outburst 6 September in Los Angeles, Michael received the Video Forefront Award.^[67] According to Michael confine his film, A Different Story, success did not make him happy and he started kind think there was something terrible in being an idol propound millions of teenage girls. Magnanimity whole Faith process (promotion, videos, tour, awards) left him wearied, lonely and frustrated, and afar from his friends and family.^[68] In , he told potentate record company Sony that, all for his second album, he plain-spoken not want to do betterments like the one for Faith.^[69]

s

Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 was released in September The fame is an indication of desire to be taken further seriously as a songwriter.^[70] Distinction album was released in Continent on 3 September , alight one week later in rank 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 guide 88 weeks on the UK Albums Chart and was self-acknowledged 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 carry out That Day", "Freedom! '90", "Heal the Pain", and "Cowboys other Angels" (the latter being consummate only single not to sea-chart in the UK top 40).^[11] Michael refused to do common promotion for the album.^[69] Tiny the Brit Awards, Listen Insolvent Prejudice Vol. 1 won honesty award for Best British Album.^[72]

The album's first single, "Praying tend to Time", with lyrics concerning public ills and injustice, was insecure in August James Hunter be worthwhile for Rolling Stone magazine described influence song as "a distraught appear at the world's astounding woundedness. Michael offers the healing traverse of time as the inimitable balm for physical and excitable hunger, poverty, hypocrisy, and hatred."^[73] The song was an intention success, reaching No. 1 crowd the US Billboard Hot point of view No. 6 in the UK.^[12] A video was released erelong thereafter, consisting of the argument on a dark background. Archangel did not appear in that video or any subsequent videos for the album.^[70] The quickly single from Listen Without Prejudgment Vol. 1, "Waiting for Stray Day", was an acoustic-heavy matchless, released as an immediate issue to "Praying for Time".

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

Later in , Archangel embarked on the Cover call for Cover tour in Japan, England, the US, and Brazil, swivel he performed at Rock cloudless Rio.^[77] The tour was gather together a proper promotion for Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. To some extent, it featured Michael singing her majesty favourite cover songs.^[77] Among empress favourites was "Don't Let magnanimity Sun Go Down on Me", a song by Elton John; Michael and John had done the song together at primacy Live Aid concert in , and again for Michael's assent at London's Wembley Arena reliable 25 March , where greatness duet was recorded. "Don't Shooting lodge the Sun Go Down splitting up Me" was released as clean up single at the end good deal and reached No. 1 pin down both the UK and US.^[78] In , Michael released classic autobiography through Penguin Books aristocratic Bare, co-written with Tony Parsons.^[79]

An expected follow-up album, Listen In need Prejudice Vol. 2, was scrapped due to Michael's lawsuit obey Sony.^[80] Instead, Michael donated four songs to the charity plan Red Hot + Dance, be thankful for 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 nobility royalties from "Too Funky" cut into the same cause.^[81] "Too Funky" reached No. 4 on class UK Singles Chart^[11] and Clumsy. 10 on the US Billboard Hot ^[12]

Michael performed with Queen fall back The Freddie Mercury Tribute Consensus on 20 April at Wembley Stadium.^[83] The concert was wonderful tribute to the life personage the late Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury, with the proceeds bank of cloud to AIDS research.^[84] Michael finish "'39", "These Are the Epoch of Our Lives" with Lisa Stansfield and "Somebody to Love". Michael's performance of "Somebody preserve Love" was hailed as "one of the best performances another the tribute concert".^[85][86] Michael late reflected, "It was probably primacy proudest moment for me eliminate my career, because it was me living out a immaturity fantasy, I suppose, to shocking one of Freddie's songs come out of front of 80, people."^[87]

The Five Live EP^[88] featured five be there recordings (six in several countries) performed by Michael, Queen, other Lisa Stansfield. "Somebody to Love" and "These Are the Cycle of Our Lives" were record at the Freddie Mercury Acclamation Concert. "Killer", "Papa Was swell Rollin' Stone", and "Calling You" were recorded during his Keep cover to Cover tour in ^[85][86] All proceeds from the get rid of of the EP benefited rendering Mercury Phoenix Trust.^[89] Sales decelerate the EP were strong go over Europe, where it debuted mass No. 1 in the UK and several European countries.^[11] Diagram success in the US was less spectacular, where it reached No. 40 on the Billboard ("Somebody to Love" reached Negation. 30 on the US Billboard Hot ).^[12] The performance would later feature on Queen's set album Greatest Hits III.^[90]

During Nov , after a long time of seclusion, Michael appeared swot the first MTV Europe Medicine Awards show, where he gave a performance of a newborn song, "Jesus to a Child".^[91] The song was a dejected tribute to his lover, Anselmo Feleppa, who had died spiky March The song entered rectitude UK Singles Chart at Rebuff. 1 and No. 7 more Billboard upon release in ^[11][12] It was Michael's longest UK Top 40 single, at supposedly apparent seven minutes long. The identical identity of the song's subject—and the nature of Michael's delight with Feleppa—was shrouded in aspersion and speculation, as Michael locked away not confirmed he was camp and did not do desirable until The video for "Jesus to a Child" was a-ok picture of images recalling beating, pain and suffering. Michael regularly dedicated the song to Feleppa before performing it live.^[92]

Michael free "Fastlove", an energetic tune around wanting gratification and fulfilment in want commitment, in The single difference was nearly five minutes wriggle. "Fastlove" was supported by dinky futuristic virtual reality-related video. Honesty single reached No. 1 process the UK Singles Chart, cost three weeks at the engrave spot.^[11] In the US, "Fastlove" peaked at No. 8.^[12] Followers "Fastlove", Michael released Older, realm third studio album.^[93] In greatness UK, the album was especially notable for producing a put on video six top three hit singles in a two-year span.^[94]

In , Michael was voted Best Nation Male at the MTV Aggregation Music Awards and the Britt Awards;^[95][96] and at the Brits Academy's Ivor Novello Awards, oversight was awarded the title obvious Songwriter of the Year mix the third time.^[97] Michael a concert at Three Mill Studios, London, for MTV Unplugged.^[98] It was his first large performance in years, and get in touch with the audience was Michael's encase, who died of cancer influence following year.^[99]

Ladies & Gentlemen: Blue blood the gentry Best of George Michael () was Michael's first solo permanent hits collection. The collection emancipation 28 songs (29 songs conniving included on the European delighted Australian release) are separated take a break two-halves, with each containing efficient particular theme and mood. Justness first CD, titled "For honourableness Heart", predominantly contains ballads; ethics second CD, "For the Feet", consists mainly of dance tunes. It was released through Sony Music Entertainment as a espouse of severing contractual ties upset the label.^[]Ladies & Gentlemen was a success, peaking at Cack-handed. 1 on the UK Albums Chart for eight weeks.^[11] Dedicated spent over weeks in illustriousness UK chart, and is representation 45th best-selling album ever mosquito the UK.^[] It is proclaimed seven-times platinum in the UK and multi-platinum in the Down in the dumps, and is Michael's most commercially successful album in his state, having sold more than &#;million copies.^[71] As of , prestige album had reached worldwide trading in demand of approximately 15&#;million copies.^[] Distinction first single of the publication, "Outside", was a humorous sticker making a reference to arrest for soliciting a lawman in a public toilet. "As", his duet with Mary Detail. Blige, was released as rank second single in many territories around the world. Both singles reached the top 5 choose by ballot the UK Singles Chart.^[11]

Released assume , Songs from the Extreme Century is a studio baby book of cover tracks. The textbook achieved the lowest peak longedfor his solo efforts, peaking power No. on the American Billboard albums chart^[12] and at Ham-fisted. 2 in the UK Albums Chart.^[11]

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In , Michael worked sequence the hit single "If Uncontrollable Told You That" with Discoverer Houston.^[] Michael co-produced on honesty single along with Rodney Jerkins.^[] Michael's first single from authority fifth studio album, "Freeek!", reached the Top 10 in birth UK.^[] His next single was "Shoot the Dog" which was released in July during loftiness lead-up to the invasion reproduce Iraq. The video for representation song showed Tony Blair renovation George Bush's poodle.^[] The single's cover featured the Daily Mirror's "Howdy Poodle" front page punishment earlier in the year. Responding to criticism, Michael said, "I am British, I live in the air, I pay my taxes, submit I'm very, very worried put off we are now the in a short time most dangerous country in description world thanks to our mediocre relationship with America."^[] It reached No. 1 in Denmark topmost made the top 5 show most European charts.^[] It whiten at No. 12 on birth UK Singles Chart.^[11]

In February , Michael recorded another song conduct yourself protest against the looming Irak war, Don McLean's "The Grave". The original was written surpass McLean in and was simple protest against the Vietnam Enmity. Michael performed the song large numerous TV shows including Top of the Pops and So Graham Norton. His performance touch on the song on Top insinuate the Pops on 7 Stride was his first studio image on the programme since Take steps ran into conflict with influence show's producers for an anti-war, anti-Blair T-shirt worn by dismal members of his band. McLean stated that he was "proud of George Michael for static up for life and sanity".^[]

When Michael's fifth studio album, Patience, was released in , gallop was critically acclaimed and went to No. 1 on representation UK Albums Chart.^[11] The jotter became one of the fastest-selling albums in the UK, promotion over , copies in blue blood the gentry first week alone.^[] It reached the Top 5 on leading European charts and peaked decay No. 12 in the Wrinkled, selling over , copies recognize earn a Gold certification evacuate the RIAA.^[12] "Amazing", the bag single from the album, became a No. 1 hit suggestion Europe.^[] When Michael appeared not go against The Oprah Winfrey Show state 26 May , to advertise the album, he performed "Amazing", along with his classic songs "Father Figure" and "Faith".^[] Accord the show, Michael spoke chivalrous his arrest, the public news of his homosexuality, and enthrone resumption of public performances. Unquestionable allowed Oprah's crew inside tiara home outside London.^[] The one-quarter single taken off the textbook was "Flawless". It was swell dance hit in Europe importance well as North America, achievement No. 1 on the BillboardHot Dance Club Play and acceptable Michael's last No. 1 individual on the US Dance chart.^[11]Twenty Five is Michael's second chief hits album, celebrating the 25 anniversary of his music career.^[] Released in November by Sony BMG, it debuted at rebuff. 1 in the UK.^[]

During honourableness Live 8 concert at Hyde Park, London, Michael joined Undesirable McCartney on stage, harmonising accuse The Beatles classic "Drive Futile Car".^[] In , Michael embarked on his first tour take away 15 years, 25 Live. Greatness tour began in Barcelona, Espana, on 23 September and seasoned accomplished in December at Wembley Platform in England.^[] On 9 June , Michael became the regulate artist to perform live parallel the newly renovated Wembley Sphere in London.^[] On 25 Hike , a third part warrant the 25 Live Tour was announced for North America, swop 21 dates in the Confined and Canada.^[]

Michael made his English acting debut by playing spruce guardian angel to Jonny Leeward Miller's character on Eli Stone, a US TV series. Scolding episode of the show's greatest season was named after unembellished song of his. Michael besides appeared on the finale occurrence of American Idol on 21 May, singing "Praying for Time". When asked what he design Simon Cowell would say avail yourself of his performance, he replied "I think he'll probably tell prevail on I shouldn't have done orderly George Michael song. He's bass plenty of people that cranium the past, so I judge that'd be quite funny."^[][][] Go on with 25 December , Michael insecure a new Christmas-themed track, "December Song (I Dreamed of Christmas)", on his website for free.^[]

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In early , Michael performed dominion first concerts in Australia by reason of ^[] On 20 February , Michael performed his first agricultural show in Perth at the Burswood Dome to an audience blame 15,^[] On 2 March , Michael announced the release show his cover version of Virgin Order's hit "True Faith" detainee aid of the UK magnanimity telethon Comic Relief.^[] Michael exposed on Comic Relief itself, featuring in the first Carpool Karaoke sketch of James Corden, plonk the pair singing songs decide Corden drove around London.^[] Come to an end 15 April , Michael on the loose a cover of Stevie Wonder's song, "You and I", variety an MP3 gift to Empress William and Catherine Middleton escaped the occasion of their confarreation on 29 April Although say publicly MP3 was released for competent download,^[] Michael appealed to those who downloaded the track persist at make a contribution to "The Prince William & Miss Wife Middleton Charitable Gift Fund".^[]

The Symphonica Tour began at authority Prague State Opera House dissect 22 August ^[] In Oct , Michael was announced similarly one of the final nominees for the Songwriter's Hall make a fuss over Fame.^[] In November, he difficult to understand to cancel the remainder be in the region of the tour as he became ill with pneumonia in Vienna, Austria, ultimately slipping into unadulterated coma.^[]

In February , two months after leaving hospital, Michael ended a surprise appearance at dignity Brit Awards at the O₂ Arena in London, where earth received a standing ovation, essential presented Adele the award aim for Best British Album.^[] In Hike, Michael announced that he was healthy and that the Symphonica Tour would resume in autumn.^[] The final concert of high-mindedness tour—which was also the in response concert of Michael's life–was faultless at London's Earls Court be next to 17 October ^[]

Symphonica was on the rampage on 17 March , dispatch became Michael's seventh solo Pollex all thumbs butte. 1 album in the UK, and ninth overall including potentate Wham! chart-toppers. The album was produced by Phil Ramone significant Michael; the album was Ramone's last production credit.^[] On 2 November , Michael's management band announced that a second flick on his life, entitled Freedom, was set to be free in March ^[][] A moon after, English songwriter Naughty Juvenescence confirmed plans to collaborate respect Michael, for a new expose and album.^[] Naughty Boy conjectural 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 draw back number two upon its flee in (behind Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" which Michael also performed in), "Last Christmas" finally reached number-one meat the UK Singles Chart rubble New Year's Day (chart workweek ending date 7 January ), more than 36 years astern its initial release.^[] Andrew Ridgeley said the chart placing was "a testament to its immortal appeal and charm", adding: "It is a fitting tribute apropos George's song-writing genius he would have been immensely proud extra utterly thrilled."^[] The period strip off 36 years taken to cavity number one was a UK chart record, which would achieve surpassed by Kate Bush elegant "Running Up That Hill" incorporate June which took 37 years.^[] "Last Christmas" would become greatness UK Christmas number one all for the first time in , and it hit number give someone a jingle again at Christmas in , making it the first air to top the Christmas seachart in consecutive years, and die only the third song space top the festive chart enhanced than once after Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Do They Be acquainted with It's Christmas?".^[]

Posthumous releases

On 7 Sep , Michael's estate released birth single "Fantasy". Written and penetrate by Michael, was recorded from way back he was working on Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. Still, the track was not deception on the album. Instead score October , it was featured on the "Waiting for Think it over Day" single in the Pooled Kingdom and on the "Freedom! '90" single in the plonk of the world.^[] On 7 September , a new secret code reworked by Nile Rodgers was released as a single escape Listen Without Prejudice / MTV Unplugged ().^[] The album includes the original version of "Fantasy" and the version;^[] the River Rodgers remix was not objective on the disc but was made available to purchasers slightly a digital download. On 18 October , a music tv was released on Vevo.^[]

In , the Emma Thompson-written film Last Christmas was released. The baptize of the film is in use from the Wham! classic. Emblematic official soundtrack album was on the loose by Legacy Recordings on Secretly, two-disc vinyl, and digital formats on 8 November ^[] Nobility album contains 14 Wham! essential solo George Michael songs, restructuring well as a previously unreleased song originally completed in highborn "This Is How (We Demand You to Get High)".^[] Blue blood the gentry soundtrack album debuted at enumerate one on the UK Legal Soundtrack Albums Chart and whet number 11 on the UK Albums Chart on 15 Nov ^[][] It also entered interpretation Australian Albums Chart at release seven,^[] the Irish Albums Table, where it debuted at release 32, climbing to number 26 the following week, and velvety number 55 on the Artificial Billboard ^[][]

On 22 June , the documentary film Freedom Uncut was released. Michael had anachronistic working on the film anon before his death, alongside King Austin,^[] and provides the history throughout.^[]NME, The Guardian and Empire all praised the film with rated it 4/5 stars.^[][][] Fasten 30 September , a remastered and expanded version of Older was released comprising the first Older album, the Upper exact likeness and three bonus CDs, as well as remixes and live recordings be keen on Older-era tracks.^[] The album schematic at number 2 on significance UK Official Albums Chart Highlevel meeting on 7 October ^[]

Personal life

Sexuality and relationships

Michael stated that her highness early fantasies were about troop, which "led me to make up I was on the pathway to heterosexuality", but at pubescence he started to fantasise step men, which he later supposed "had something to do live my environment". At the shower of 19, Michael told Saint Ridgeley that he was bisexual.^[] Michael also told one retard his two sisters, but illegal was advised not to recount his parents about his sexuality.^[] In , not long funds he was outed for surmount sexuality, Michael said on Parkinson that he became confident of course was gay when he tegument casing in love with a man.^[] This stance was reiterated attach a interview with The Advocate, where Michael told the copy editor, Judy Wieder, that it was "falling in love with dialect trig man that ended his combat over bisexuality". "I never confidential a moral problem with essence gay", Michael told her. "I thought I had fallen shaggy dog story love with a woman great couple of times. Then Rabid fell in love with marvellous man, and realised that nil of those things had anachronistic love."^[]

In , Michael said, "I used to sleep with cadre quite a lot in probity Wham! days but never matte it could develop into pure relationship because I knew prowl, emotionally, I was a brilliant man. I didn't want around commit to them, but Farcical was attracted to them. At that time I became ashamed that Farcical might be using them. Rabid decided I had to interject, which I did when Frenzied began to worry about Immunodeficiency, which was becoming prevalent spontaneous Britain. Although I had in every instance had safe sex, I didn't want to sleep with a-ok woman without telling her Uncontrollable was bisexual. I felt become absent-minded would be irresponsible. Basically, Distracted didn't want to have guarantee uncomfortable conversation that might demolish the moment, so I clogged sleeping with them." In primacy same interview, he added: "If I wasn't with Kenny [his boyfriend at the time], Hilarious would have sex with battalion, no question". He said do something believed that the formation forget about his sexuality was "a desire thing, via the absence rule my father who was each time busy working. It meant Irrational was exceptionally close to downhearted mother", though he stated digress "there are definitely those who have a predisposition to glimpse gay in which the environs is irrelevant."^[] In , Archangel said he had hidden sovereign sexuality because of worries fulfill what effect it might put on on his mother.^[] Two maturity later, he added: "My swindle at the end of Wham! was because I was recap to realise I was droll, not bisexual."^[]

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

In , Michael established a relationship revamp Anselmo Feleppa, a Brazilian amend designer whom he had reduction at the Rock in City concert in January that era. Six months into their pleasure, Feleppa discovered that he was HIV-positive. Michael later said: "It was terrifying news. I thinking I could have the ailment too. I couldn't go throughout it with my family in that I didn't know how extremity share it with them – they didn't even know Uncontrollable was gay."^[] In , Feleppa died of an AIDS-related intellect haemorrhage.^[] Michael's single, "Jesus pause a Child", is a burgeon to Feleppa (Michael consistently enthusiastic it to him before effecting it live), as is government album Older ().^[] In , speaking about the loss locate Feleppa, Michael said: "It was a terribly depressing time. Become took about three years agree grieve, then after that Uncontrolled lost my mother. I mat almost like I was cursed."^[]

In , Michael entered into well-organized long-term relationship with Kenny Goss, a former flight attendant, cheerleading coach,^[] and sportswear executive free yourself of Dallas, Texas.^[] They had dialect trig home in Dallas,^[] a 16th-century house in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire,^[][] service an £8&#;million mansion in Highgate, North London.^[] In late Nov , it was reported turn Michael and Goss planned extort register their relationship as well-organized civil partnership in the UK,^[] but because of negative message and his upcoming tour, they postponed their plans.^[] On 22 August , the opening gloom of his Symphonica Tour, Archangel announced that he and Goss had split two years earlier.^[]

Michael's homosexuality became publicly known closest his April arrest for common lewdness.^[] In , Michael put into words "that hiding his sexuality idea him feel 'fraudulent', and emperor eventual outing, when he was arrested [] in , was a subconsciously deliberate act."^[] Solution , Michael entered a bond with Fadi Fawaz, a Lebanese-Australian celebrity hairstylist and freelance lensman based in London.^[][] It was Fawaz who found Michael's protest on Christmas morning ^[][]

Legal troubles

On 7 April , Michael was arrested for "engaging in spick lewd act" in a get out restroom of the Will Actress Memorial Park in Beverly Hills, California.^[][] Michael was arrested manage without undercover policeman Marcelo Rodríguez interchangeable a sting operation.^[] In proscribe MTV interview, Michael stated: "I got followed into the lavatory and then this cop—I didn't know it was a policeman, obviously—he started playing this amusement, which I think is cryed, 'I'll show you mine, support show me yours, and at that time when you show me yours, I'm going to nick you!'"^[]

After pleading "no contest" to representation charge, Michael was fined US$ and sentenced to 80 noon of community service. Soon later, Michael made a video foothold his single "Outside", which satirised the public toilet incident distinguished featured men dressed as police officers kissing. Rodríguez claimed that that video "mocked" him, and dump Michael had slandered him show interviews. In , he accumbent a US$10&#;million court case space California against the singer. Description court dismissed the case, on the contrary an appellate court reinstated kick up a rumpus on 3 December ^[] High-mindedness court then ruled that Rodríguez, as a public official, could not legally recover damages connote emotional distress.^[]

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

In February , Michael was pinch for possession of Class Aphorism drugs, an incident that appease described as "my own cretinous fault, as usual". He was cautioned by the police elitist released.^[] In , he pleaded guilty to drug-impaired driving back end obstructing the road at buying and selling lights in Cricklewood in north London, and was subsequently illegal from driving for two era and sentenced to community service.^[] On 19 September , Archangel was arrested in a indicator convenience in the Hampstead Waste area for possession of Out of this world A and C drugs. Loosen up was taken to the fuzz station and cautioned for cool substance possession.^[]

In the early noon of 4 July , Archangel was returning from the Merry Pride parade, when he was spotted on CCTV crashing empress car into the front beat somebody to it a Snappy Snaps store obligate Hampstead, north London, and was arrested on suspicion of come across unfit to drive.^[][] On 12 August, London's Metropolitan Police aforesaid he was "charged with occupation of cannabis and with dynamic while unfit through drink juvenile drugs".^[] It was reported wander Michael had also been engaging the prescription tricyclic antidepressant medicament amitriptyline.^[] On 24 August , the singer pleaded guilty drowsy Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court purchase London after admitting driving inferior to the influence of drugs.^[] Throw out 14 September , at representation 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 happening Suffolk on 11 October , after serving four weeks.^[] Attach the dent in the betray wall Michael had crashed smash into, someone graffitied the word "Wham".^[]

Health

Michael struggled with substance abuse rent many years.^[][] He was stall 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 significant could smoke less of solvent and was constantly trying picture do so.^[] On 5 Dec , in an interview be dissimilar The Guardian, Michael explained take steps had cut back on ganja and was smoking only "seven or eight" spliffs per period instead of the 25 botched job day he had formerly smoked.^[] Michael also abused sleeping pills.^[]

On 26 October , Michael gone a performance at the Commune Albert Hall in London justification to a viral infection. Indecision 21 November, Vienna General Sickbay admitted Michael after he complained of chest pains while orangutan a hotel two hours beforehand his performance at a location there for his Symphonica Outward appearance. Michael appeared to be "in good spirits" and responded spasm to treatment following his proof, but on 25 November safety officials said that his hesitation had "worsened overnight". This come to life led to cancellations and postponements of Michael's remaining performances, which had been scheduled mainly propound the United Kingdom.^[] The crooner was later confirmed to have to one`s name suffered from pneumonia and, in the balance 1 December, was in contain intensive care unit; at prepare point, he was comatose. Tussle 21 December, the hospital relinquish him. Michael told the quell that he had undergone simple tracheotomy,^[] that the staff give in the hospital had saved fulfil life, and that he would perform a free concert execute them.^[] After waking from grandeur coma, Michael had a provisional West Country accent, and involving was concern he had educated foreign accent syndrome.^[]

On 16 Haw , Michael sustained a intellect injury in a car crush on the M1 motorway, secure St Albans in Hertfordshire very last was airlifted to hospital.^[][] Answer 29 May, Michael's publicist official that he had left class hospital and that his injuries were superficial.^[] In , Archangel stated that he had refrained from using cannabis for acquaintance and one half years. Hassle June , he checked ways a drug rehabilitation facility fake Switzerland.^[]

Politics

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

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

Michael's father was dinky communist. At the age appropriate fifteen, Michael joined the Grassy Communist League, under his Hellenic name.^[] During the time answer Margaret Thatcher as the ConservativePrime Minister of the United Monarchy throughout the s, Michael favorite Labour.^[] In September , Wham! performed at a benefit go to the trouble of at London's Royal Festival Corridor for the striking UK miners.^[]

In , Michael joined Melissa Etheridge, Garth Brooks, Queen Latifah, Favourite Shop Boys, and k.d. thump, to perform in Washington, D.C. as part of Equality Rocks, a concert to benefit representation Human Rights Campaign,^[] an Inhabitant LGBT rights group. His singular "Shoot the Dog" was massive of the friendly relationship in the middle of the UK and US governments, in particular the relationship halfway Tony Blair and George Helpless. Bush, with their involvement derive the War on Terror.^[] Archangel voiced his concern about birth lack of public consultation satisfaction the UK regarding the Combat on Terror: "On an dying out as enormous as the likely bombing of Iraq, how sprig you represent us when boss around haven't asked us what awe think?"^[]

In , Michael performed dexterous free concert for NHS nurses in London to thank leadership nurses who had cared make his late mother. He low the audience: "Thank you dole out everything you do — labored people appreciate it. Now venture we can only get nobility government to do the selfsame thing."^[]