Music Icon and pioneering LGBT rights campaigner George Michael died yesterday (25 December) at his home, according to NME.. The singer’s manager, Michael Lippman, released a statement to the BBC, It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period,’ adding that he was ‘devastated’ but that there was ‘no foul play whatsoever,’ involved in the singer’s death. The police, for their part, are treating the death as ‘unexplained but not suspicious.’
Michael, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, enjoyed initial success with Andrew Ridgeley as 80s boyband Wham!, whose hits included ‘Young Guns’, ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’, ‘Freedom, Everything She Wants’, ‘Careless Whisper’, and, of course, ‘Last Christmas’ – a song which has undoubtedly graced the stereos of many households over the last month. The band eventually split in 1986 after one final single, ‘Edge of Heaven.’ Andrew Ridgeley paid tribute to his former bandmate on Twitter, writing, ‘Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog. Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx’
Michael then went on to even greater success in his solo career, which began with an appearance on another well-known Christmas classic, Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ in 1984. However it was with the release of his debut album ‘Faith’ in 1987 that his star truly took off. The album sold more than 10 million copies in the US, spent 51 consecutive weeks in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 and won the Grammy for Album of the Year. He was then released three subsequent albums, however, they were somewhat marred by disputes with record label, Sony. Michael’s latest release was 2014’s Symphonica, which was comprised largely of live versions of songs from his 2011-12 Tour of the same name.
As well as being a musical superstar, George Michael also gave his time freely to LGBT and charity causes. Of course, his work on the charity single, ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ is well known, however he also donated to charities including Childline, Terrence Higgins Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support. Childline Patron Esther Ranzen spoke to the Press Association following his death; ‘Over the years he gave us millions and we were planning next year, as part of our 30th anniversary celebrations to create, we hoped, a big concert in tribute to him – to his artistry, to his wonderful musicality but also to thank him for the 100s of 1000s of children he helped through supporting childline.’
It has been reported by the International Business Times, however, that the singer was planning to release a new album in 2017, and had in fact already written some tracks for the upcoming record. Producer Naughty Boy, who has worked with Beyonce, Sam Smith and Emile Sande in the past, spoke to the BBC earlier this month and confirmed that an album was in the works. The producer revealed, ‘He’s got an album coming out next year, and he’s going to be doing something for my album as well. I can’t wait. I don’t know what to expect. And, to be honest, he’s more mysterious than anyone else so I’m actually excited.’
Tributes from the music industry were as quick to pour in as they were effusive in their praise for Michael. Elton John wrote, ‘I am in deep shock, I have lost a beloved friend – the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and friends.’ Brian May tweeted, ‘George ? George Michael ? No … it cannot be. Beyond sad.’ Indeed, many fans have been sharing a video of George Michael performing Queen’s ‘Somebody To Love’, which you can check out below to remember the greatness of the man and the voice.
