George Michael Dies
It is with a heavy heart that I must report the passing of the esteemed George Michael. The beloved artist departed this mortal coil on Christmas Day, the 25th of December 2016, at his residence. It is believed that a heart ailment was the cause of his untimely demise.
Many of us first became acquainted with George during his tenure with the musical ensemble Wham!Their spirited composition “Wham Rap!” captured the zeitgeist of the era, resonating particularly with the youth. In the early 1980s, following the New Romantic movement, their melodies were characterised by a vibrant energy that appealed to the younger generation.
However, it was “Careless Whisper” that truly catapulted George to stardom before his solo career. Although initially conceived as a solo project, it was released under the Wham! moniker and featured on the album “Make It Big”. Andrew Ridgeley, his bandmate, also contributed to its creation. This single achieved remarkable success, with over six million copies sold.
As a solo artist, George achieved the remarkable feat of four number one albums in the United Kingdom: “Faith”, “Listen Without Prejudice, Volume One”, “Older”, and “Patience”.
“Faith”, which sold an astounding 20 million copies, saw George (who was the subject of speculation regarding his sexuality at the time) cultivate an image of a robust, charismatic, and roguishly appealing figure.
However, it appeared that the burden of maintaining this persona began to weigh upon him. For his subsequent album, “Listen Without Prejudice”, he eschewed personal appearances in promotional materials. The video for “Freedom ’90” famously featured renowned models in his stead. This decision led to tensions with his record label and precipitated various changes in his career trajectory.
Coupled with personal tribulations, including the loss of a dear male companion, George’s life seemed to enter a period of turbulence.
Regrettably, George encountered legal difficulties on several occasions, including arrests for possession of cannabis, driving under the influence (on four separate instances), and one charge of public indecency. A driving offence resulted in an eight-week custodial sentence, of which he served half.
At the time of his passing, it was announced that a documentary about his life was slated for release in March of the following year.
As I mourn the loss of this extraordinary talent, I can only hope that George Michael has found the peace that eluded him in his later years. His musical legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.