George Michael general discussion thread

He had a great talent. His duet with Aretha and the "Faith" album are my favorites, though I liked some of his Wham! stuff, too. It's a shame he so came off the rails personally.

Speaking of FF, Daily Star claims that he has settled his debt.

JBW Judicial Services Group have reportedly said "There are no outstanding payments on the account." and "The account is now closed. The case is closed."

R1 yes it's so sad the turn things have taken. It once seemed he had the world at his feet and couldn't make a bad move. But I'll continue to appreciate the good times and music, always.

The plaque is getting some critics, even though it has been approved by family, and event will be attended by Andrew and Shirlie. I don't know why people can't just be happy about this gesture. I'd like to think it could be a good starting point to clear some of the negativity - but I suppose it's unlikely people will get a clue.

The LWP re-issue got a lot of PR including the Nile Rogers remix and the documentary but nobody seemed to care.

I guess George won’t be one of those high-earning dead pop stars. At least not in the US.

I used his "Jesus to a Child" as a seed song in Pandora, and they throw a lot of good songs back at you. His messy life will be forgotten, but the music will remain.

R4 not sure if they expected it to do that great in the US (even though some of the themes on that album are probably very applicable to their situation today). The strange state of his affairs probably isn't helping.

If he was still around then there may be a few clues that he was going to try and regain some of his US audience. He was talking about doing an album similar to 'Faith', which was so successful for him in America. Engaging Nile Rodgers may have been another move in that direction. In his final interview, he talked about how much he regretted the court case against Sony which may have had long term consequences on his US career.

LWP reissue did quite well in other places though, and I have noticed that GM still seems very popular with some parts of the African American community.

No talk of tribute albums or tribute shows or holograph shows or Broadway jukebox musicals or Cirque du Soleil-type celebration shows or biopics...

Whitney got a lot of post-death interest but George? Not so much.

R7 There could have been a lot more done - there was discussion about a big tribute concert for him, supporting his charity interests, but it was declined by the family.

There was no big public memorial service, just a very small and private funeral which was delayed by several months due to an investigation. This probably added to the procrastination.

George's sisters have said that a statue for him would not have been in his tastes, and I probably agree, but I do think there should be some permanent public memorial for him - this plaque seems to be the first step in that direction so I hope it goes okay. So far it's mainly been makeshift 'shrines' outside his homes at Highgate and Goring - they're still flourishing but have been running into a few issues.

GM had finished work on a documentary to accompany the reissue of LWP just days before his death, and this was released to the public, as was the Nile Rodgers mix of one of his older songs.

Whitney came from a big showbiz family who have been in the public eye for a very long time and probably used to it. George's sisters however are very private people. I can understand why they are wary of media and being out there in public, but this may be one of the reasons why there haven't been many projects so far.

Also, they're dealing with this situation with his ex, which has become subject of interest in media. Each time it seems things may be settling, or there is some proper tribute to George, FF seems to try throwing a spanner in the works on social media.

I don't mind discussing it but don't know if we should continue to reward his attention seeking antics by giving him his own personal threads here. It is turning into debacle.

The family cut off payments to him very soon after George died, probably thinking he would just get the message and move on. They may be hoping that it will eventually blow over and they can get on with other things. But I think unlikely, as long as this dude is still living in GM's house. It is probably time to step in.

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I just heard this for the first time. It may be the cheesiest song/video ever. It reminds me of David Brent's song about Princess Diana.

His "Patience" CD was really good. I guess his star had really faded by that point. It was barely a blip in the U.S. I find myself still listening to several tracks from that one.

R10 it's awful, I never listened to it in full, but it didn't do well anyway. I don't think he really had much time for her in the end.

The 'Patience' LP got to number 12 in the US, none of the songs charted. The last song he had that charted in the US was 'Fast Love' in 1996, reaching number 8.

After 1996 he still had moderate success in Europe, Australia, etc but it was such a long time between releases, while other things were going on...

His 25 Live tour was 'the most commercially successful tour of 2006–2007 in Europe, grossing over $200 million, with positive reviews from music critics... In North America, although ticket sales waren't fast as they were in Europe, every venue was sold out in time for the concert.' (Wikipedia)

He wanted to record a duet with Amy Winehouse (forget Geri Halliwell). Something like 'This Kind Of Love' would've been a smash. He excelled at duets and is still very respected as a soul singer in the African American community.

It is very frustrating that there were so many missed/wasted opportunities this is how it's ended, even though it seems he was trying some sort of comeback to round off his career.

Fadi Fawaz wrote a few days ago online 'I do blame Vienna as we both always did.' People are wondering what he meant by that. I think he was saying that too much permanent damage was done to GM's health for him to overcome, though he tried various treatments. A shame because at first he appeard to be making a strong recovery.

Patience got a lot of release publicity in the US. Not every album gets a whole Oprah episode and an AI episode in which the kids sing the artist’s songs.

I thought they Amazing would be a big hit in the US.

As a closeted teenage boy in the late 1990's, I discovered his music. I'd heard Faith and Freedom 90 a lot on the radio and wanted to hear more. In a department store, I found a copy of the Faith album but hesitated to take it home with me. I'm surprised it was even sold in that rural town.

For me, having the courage to just get that album was empowering. I'd not realized at the time how it was a little step towards coming out. It was so exciting to hear that album, especially I Want Your Sex. That song is still one of the most provocative songs in pop music. He was so talented.

Current 'happenings':

The lady who organised this plaque unveiling for next weekend has now made her Twitter account 'protected'. There isn't much on her FB page either. She's had some fiery backlash, despite family officially approving this tribute. Andrew Ridgeley and Shirlie Holliman-Kemp will also be attending the event.

It's a shame to have this sour note on things, but it was noticed that she follows Fadi Fawaz on Twitter and occasionally compliments him. So she was getting backlash for that, especially after FF's latest badly timed spiel.

The fans are now trying to say that GM and FF weren't really together in his final year, even though he still had his belongings at Goring house and must have had a key to the place. He wasn't entirely out of GM's life.

One of the final pictures taken of GM in September, eating out. Some of the fans are saying it's not really Fadi in the picture, but maybe GM's manager or even Kenny (!)

I say it's either Fadi or one of his brothers. It's grainy pic from bad angle but guy has facial hair. Definitely not Kenny.

R13 I find that whole Oprah episode terribly awkward and painful to watch.

'Amazing' got top 10 in UK, Australia, Irish, Dutch and Swiss charts. It did not even get into top 100 in the US.

But I think he did some of his best work after his main fame period, even if he took a long time between releases. He was a perfectionist and often said, he didn't want to just keep doing the same thing and it becoming 'formula'.

R14 even though he wasn't 'officially' out until 1998, he put enough obvious clues in his music for people to work it out. He even did an album talking very frankly about his bf in 1996, when he released 'Older', and dedicated that entire album to him. Aside from spelling it out word by word, he was to all intents and purposes already out of the closet, but didn't want to give the tabloids an easy headline.

I nowadays regard 'Freedom 90' as his true coming out statement, and it's still very powerful.

Well, at this time, rumours are circulating that the plaque ceremony has been cancelled after trouble with the association that was producing the plaque - the 'Heritage Foundation'. A planned luncheon in connection with the event has definitely been cancelled by HF, after people had paid money for it.

Everything is very confusing but I tried to find some real information. I believe the GM Appreciation Society of Bushey was also involved with this event and one of their members said a few hours ago that the plaque unveiling will still go ahead. But their FB group is closed to public view - so are many other groups. A lot of accounts have gone private. Since I quit following nearly all of them, I can't see much at all. I can only go by the information under the posted link.

The luncheon was cancelled due to a medical issue with the HF chairman David Graham, according to the explanation. Earlier this year they cancelled another luncheon for Diana Dors for the same reason, but the plaque unveiling on that occasion still went ahead.

This all seems odd though and some of the comments on link says that the foundation has gone into administration, which the event organiser denied in reply...

The President of the Heritage Foundation - Vicki Michelle MBE - abruptly resigned April 3.

Watford Observer stated a few days ago :

[quote]'George Michael 'superfan' Terry Daniels has worked with Bushey Meads principal Jeremy Turner and the Heritage Foundation to organise the blue plaque, alongside the George Michael Appreciation Society. There is space for more than 2,000 people to attend the unveiling which will take place at the school at midday on Sunday April 15. No tickets are required.'

Andrew Ridgeley had tweeted that the blue plaque was by 'English Heritage'. But Terry Daniels posted on Twitter 'I have personally been in touch with Andrew Ridgeley and Shirlie Kemp to confirm that the official blue plaque is not English Heritage as they only accept applications on LONDON LANDMARKS and after a 20 year period has passed.'

Many people wondered why not the normal 20 year wait - well that's obviously why. It's very unfortunate but the Highgate mob seem very happy that this event has been marred by some mixups and mishaps. They see this tribute and people organising it as being in competition with and a threat to their shrine etc.

I do understand the family wish to have privacy but can't help but feel, things could've been organised better, and perhaps a lot of these disputes could have been avoided with things being overseen better at Highgate, the estate working with local heritage groups to organise a formal tribute, take care of situation with Fadi Fawaz etc. But nearly everyone directly involved has gone to ground and all others trying to do what they can with limited means and being kept in the dark.

I guess however this disorder is all kind of reflective of the state GM's life was in, the last couple of years, and it continues. Very sad and discouraging. I get why people just want to remember him by the music and avoid everything else.

Andrew and Shirlie no longer attending the plaque unveiling ceremony this weekend. What else can go bad?

If George's official team would accept one of the formal tribute offerings, fans wouldn't be trying to take it on themselves and this sort of thing wouldn't be happening. I think that Andrew would like to see some acknowledgment of GM too but his own hands are tied.

[quote]Andrew Ridgeley@ajridgeley Regretfully, Shirlie & will not attend the GM Blue Plaque event @ Bushey Meads School, this Sunday. I’m v. saddened the alleged financial impropriety related 2 the proposed tribute lunch have compromised the well meant efforts 2 stage an appropriate public tribute from GM’s fans.

Oh dear. Maybe we need a few more years for the drama to dissipate before George can be properly memorialized.

Isn’t the Brown family and associates STILL fighting over the legacy of James Brown? Sometimes this stuff takes years and years to work out.

Just think how long it will take for the family of Prince to stop squabbling.

The problem with Brown's and Prince's family is the prior dysfunction in them; Brown had numerous offspring by different women and Prince (who lacked a will!) had two separate sets of older siblings who are unrelated. GM just has the sisters and had a will didn't he? Not sure why there's still so much ongoing drama, doesn't seem like there's anyone in charge overseeing things.

Who care about the drama etc. His music and his voice were wonderful- boatloads of it. Turn A Different Corner tears me up every time I hear it.

Andrew spoke up which at least gave fans some clarity. However it also means that once again, George's name is in the media for all the wrong reasons. If there is still a plaque unveiled this weekend, it's sadly going to be marred by this situation.

I do believe that the fans who tried to organise this event had good intentions and Andrew wanted to support them, before it all went south. (The family had approved the wording on the plaque.)

The people who put forward this plaque are also trying to get a 'bronze sculpture' of him in Goring. I don't know how this really differs from the statue idea which was already declined. But this outcome will probably affect the goodwill for that too.

After this I doubt there will be approval for any permanent memorial proposals that originate from members of general community, vs official team. Because the people who are involved in these matters are very conscious of what's in the media. I know that from personal dealings.

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The documentary has been shown frequently on cable lately...It's heartbreaking. The 'duet' of Chris Martin and George singing "A Different Corner" is played over the ending credits; it's beautiful.

R24 yes it's sad, he nearly really got over Anselmo. I think part of him was afraid of getting emotionally close to someone because he always seemed to lose them.

I'm such a sap - if I'm out somewhere and 'Careless Whisper' starts playing I still get tearful! He drew out emotions in people, even if they never met or spoke to him, and I think that's another reason why some of the grief has been so pronounced.

I don't think he would've wanted us to be sad all the time though - it would be nice to also celebrate his life.

A few things about 'A Different Corner' - I think he did just about all the work on that himself. The writing, singing, instruments, arrangement, production.

I also believe that Kanye West may have got the idea for his video of 'Love Lockdown' from the video of 'A Different Corner'. To my ears the musical style also feels a bit similar.

I probably find the live versions of it in 2012 - after he was very sick - even more poignant, because there seemed to be an added vulnerability to it after that experience.

"Careless Whisper" and "A Different Corner" are two of the most heartwrenching songs in his catalog. He wrote and recorded them both before he met Anselmo. He was inherently melancholy and disaffected.

Love you R25

That was beautiful.

George was a water sign, hence your tears.

I cant imagine the pain in his life.......until I hear that voice and those songs.

Genius.

It’s so sad to know that after his outing, GM became a “gay” artist and that people were suddenly embarrassed to be known as a fan. I’m old enough to remember the Wham! and Faith eras when George was just another supremely talented and successful pop star.

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I think homophobia is also part of the reason his career is not as celebrated after his death. He came out at a time when been gay was still uncool and add the public bathroom incident to the equation. The Sony court case is just as important but people's altitude towards him changed when he was labelled a gay pervert. Then you had the female fans who had fantasied about him feeling lead on and moving on.

Were GM's true love baby mama and secret son going to be at the ceremony today?

The Lovelies say it, it must be true!

watching Live in London-2009-----what an amazing guy.

He led a great life.

What an inspiration for everyone of us.

I wasnt the biggest fan back then.

I WAS WRONG

Just wish he had included New Zealand in one of his tours. Xxx

So what exactly was the reason for heart failure at such a relatively young age?

R30 it's a longer listen - goes for about an hour - but this is a podcast produced last year about the subject for anyone really interested in it. I appreciated that it was from the American perspective.

[quote]When Elton John came out as bisexual in 1976, it was a really big deal. It was covered on the evening news. There were angry letters and a decline in sales. And for a generation of queer musicians, like George Michael, it was a lesson: Be careful what you reveal about your sex life to the public. On this episode, we look at the friendship, collaboration, and chart rivalry of the two British icons, who collided on the Billboard Hot 100 for one week in 1988—and later topped the chart together.

It is to be hoped, neither of them would have to endure the same today. But then I think the age of performers such as Elton, Freddie and George Michael may be over.

R34 this is a recent article about a new study into this form of heart disease.

In a recent statement posted on Twitter George's final partner Fadi Fawaz said 'I do blame Vienna, as we both always did.' It is supposed that this refers to when George nearly died from pneumonia part way through his Symphonica tour in late 2011. Perhaps it left some long term effects of left his system too weak for a full permanent recovery, or to fight off other ailments despite various treatments? (I have no medical expertise or experience whatsoever, so I can't say anything definite.)

He appeared to be making a good recovery and went back on the road but in the end couldn't finish the tour, and after that things were very silent.

Various lifestyle factors over a longer period of time may also have contributed.

Sadly, a study found several years ago that "in high-prejudice communities, gays and lesbians have a 25 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those who live in gay acceptance areas".

GM's pneumonia scare prompted speculation that he had contracted HIV. The type of heart disease stated on his death certificate is also common with HIV. Because in the end his death was deemed to be due to 'natural causes' we don't know the full details of his medical conditions. I don't regard this theory with certainty.

But Fadi Fawaz may have such knowledge and so it is a waiting game to see what may be revealed. In the past 24 hours, as George's plaque was being unveiled (a moment that should just be about him), FF has posted another flurry of tweets. Seemingly just trying to draw attention to himself again. First this is posted:

[quote]"I swear on my mothers life and my life I will revenge till the last breath of my life. Whatever it takes and I will do anything to revenge. The future is sad. I promise my special Self -portrait will be seen it might take years. I swear on my mothers life that is."

Then later:

[quote]"Today both of my numbers got blocked somehow and passwords to my all profiles have changed. So im not reachable. Just seen today’s tweets . Not going to defend myself this time coz i just won’t help :)"

Ending with:

[quote]"I know my Twitter is not mine so I tend to speak my mind because you made it fine so I am playing the clown not to go down till you leave me alone and find your way home I go where II belong. X"

Back to George - a video of the unveiling of the plaque at his former school.

The new plaque:

Even I can't believe this. And I don't think he's talking about an 'airline' on this occasion.

Some still defending him, trying to say this is his 'grief therapy' and he is being 'ironic'. Maybe he got 'hacked' yet again? Just - Idk. It's crazy.

I don't think I care what he has to say or reveal. It's not likely to make difference to me as a fan. That's all I gotta say.

What a big hole mess. The leach is now the family responsibility.

He is responsible for himself. Why should the family take care of him ? He has no respect for them and no self respect either. He has proved this in his latest pathetic sm posts.

This is just awesome. Not many people can hold a stage with Re at her peak. Damn!

Epic and live

Was Michael HIV POZ?

I still get chills every time I watch this video. God almighty that man had talent.

[45] Damn straight - George could lift us up, spin us around, and wipe the floor with us after. He was one of a kind and his legacy will grow and endure. His music will last forever...."The rest is rubbish."

I did not like that Oprah interview at all. The interview had nothing to do with the album, but the man himself. George could have revamp his career in the US if he wanted to. Hell America people loves a story of the hero fighting and winning against the odds that were against him/her. [29] 'He had some loyal audience among general public, but because of snootiness and the controversies, he will probably never get official recognition from the 'Establishment' this statement is so true. I feel as if the "Establishment" is trying to erase both George Michael and Janet Jackson from the music history books. Janet is trying to reclaim her rightful status however with Georg being dead and his family being privet this is a hard task for some fans.

I thinks that is wrong that George Michael does not have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame nor is not inducted in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame. I hate the fact that people always bring up bathroom gate when his name is mention. George's fan (the Lovelies) on twitter spend their time reposting that loser and fighting over which loser was good for George. Neither one where/are any good for him and I whish his lovelies would stop with this crazy in fighting over Fadi and Kenny.

Kenny is more refined than the porn star Fadi

Thanks to those who posted the music clips - you beat me to it today. That's what we should be trying to remember.

At first I thought - at least now FF has shown his hand, his supporters may go quiet and maybe we can go back to the man and his music. But that was stupid hope on my part because now some of the old trolls are returning with their murder theories. They're just as annoying. Many of them I guess middle aged women with nothing better to do. By going too far with those accusations, I think they've probably ended up helping his cause.

They'll never be able to prove anything, and it's quite obvious George had some serious health issues he was dealing with. I don't think it's all been disclosed to public - it's been decided that it is private personal business and disclosure not a requirement. But there was always concern something like this may happen one day. As much I don't like FF's behaviour, nobody could really help George unless he wanted it. Kenny was not able to succeed either.

I've given up joining in social media on it - even Andros is being painted as a hero again, bleh.

R30 You are absolutely right about homophobia being a huge part of why George hasn't received his due. People still harbour reprehensible attitudes toward anyone who doesn't conform to their version of what they think is “normal.” I remember the rancor and intolerance gay men endured in the 80s and poor George was caught right in the middle of a cultural cataclysm. I can’t imagine the mental anguish he suffered while constantly being held up for inspection and peddled as a poster child for “immoral” gay sexuality. At the same time, he was plumbing the depths of his seared soul creating some of the most soul crushing and voluptuous pop music ever written.

“Then you had the female fans who had fantasied about him feeling lead on and moving on.”

[italic] Some [/italic] of those females moved on too but a whole lot more swooned at George’s vulnerability and candor. For many, he became even more attractive. He was tough and fearless without the toxic liability of classic male machismo and this is very appealing to women. And let’s face it – George was hot as fuck. In America, Sony failed to promote any of George’s music after the court battle, so people simply weren’t exposed to him …

I predict his legacy will evolve as we move away from his death, and music history will eventually regard him as the cultural and musical phenomena he was. We’ll always love your splendid, gorgeous, badass self, George.

Who the fuck are you R51?

That was GORGEOUS -and as gorgeous as any of his songs.

I hope to god you are involved in the arts professionally.

Are you??

You're one badass yourSELF!

R51 yes well said.

Wouldn't you know it? FF claims he's been 'hacked' again.

I didn't believe he was hacked the first time. The phrasing was too similar to messages posted later on his Twitter.

Just sick of him regardless.

Fuck he had great pipes

I believe that sadly, George's beloved dog Abby has passed away. According to some online accounts I trust.

Don't know what is happening with FF today. There have been so many strange tweets from Fadi lately. Now he is saying again he was hacked. Somehow he managed to log into his Twitter in the middle of it to say 'my Twitter is not mine' before these other bizarre postings! It doesn't make sense.

The timing was during a ceremony for George at his old school. He could've at least waited until that event was over.

Animals can be more trustworthy and loyal companions than the human variety sometimes! R.I.P. Abby with George now. Video he once shared online with followers:

Warning - emotional and very haunting. George singing Careless Whisper acapella in the studio. Golden voice.

"There's no comfort in the truth, pain is all you'll find..."

I found "Nothing Looks The Same In The Light" on Wham's first LP after he died. Never heard it before but clearly he was George Michael from day one. Writing elegant pop songs about love that was conflicted, insecure and slightly sad.

Can you believe he wrote 'Careless Whisper' when he was only 17 years old?

He was such a remarkable, unique talent. It is just too sad how things turned out for him.

He also write a Different Corner at 19.

Michael said during the BBC One special for his concert at The Palais Garnier in 2014 about this tune, "I think you can tell that 'A Different Corner' is genuinely the sound of a man who's heart's been broken. I was 19 and the best critique I ever heard of that song was from a friend of mine who said, 'It's beautiful, pathetic, but beautiful.'"

That man was very talented. I truly believe he should be in the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.

R52 - I am in the arts and obviously, a George fan. I cover a lot of political and cultural shenanigans… Love the video you posted - "Cowboys and Angels." It's one of his best. People will eventually focus more on George’s legacy – his music. Of course, the tabloids continue to make all sorts of assumptions about him, particularly since he can no longer defend himself. He was often messy – that’s called being human – and sometimes he was a train wreck but hell, no one is perfect. Plus, George owned his own shit. His “tabloid” actions were always mitigated by his enormous talent that continues to move people to joy and tears. Cheers.

On their first demos they had the remarkably mature 'Careless Whisper' alongside very different Wham Rap. People who heard it must have wondered what is going on here? But that became reflective of his entire career I suppose. He always excelled at both the dance music and balladry.

First instrument he started learning was violin and even though he said he was bad at it his former school music teacher said she tried to keep him going with it because he was easily the best player among her pupils. She noticed the natural talent but that he didn't like to show off with it. Andrew seemed to be the one who encouraged him to express it.

Nowadays I also think I hear the violin influence in Careless Whisper. The sax line especially. Maybe not so surprising that he went Symphonic.

[quote] He was such a remarkable, unique talent. It is just too sad how things turned out for him.

Based on his artistry, the content and substance of his material, he seemed destined to meet a sad end. He had spectacular success but I think he knew from the beginning that all would go awry.

R62 by the second Wham! album, towards the end of the first, I think reality had hit. There's another song 'Blue' from that era which is great song but quite foreboding lyrics. Couldn't really be released as a Wham song and probably just one of those tracks that got shelved while other things were going on.

Reports now about Abby appearing. Meg's ashes are supposed to be with George, Abby will probably be laid to rest the same way. It's all just terribly sad.

In brief about FF. He's said on Instagram that the only person he is still in contact with, among friends and family, is his mother. Somebody asked him on there why he didn't get a job. He replied 'It's too late for that now...' Meanwhile, there's a weird video posted on his Twitter but messages from the 'hacking' still there. If it was a true hacking, you'd think the account would've been shut down by now and those messages deleted. I don't buy any of it but it's created another storm.

Since this is a general discussion thread, I just want to say that I’m pissed he didn’t promote “Freeek!” in 2002. I loved that song and it was so underrated. He went on Radio 1 to do an interview before it came out and that was it. No live performances at all. He was lucky it even managed to chart in the UK at #7 without ever performing it.

I love Freeek as well its one of my top four singles from George

I never knew he never performed that song. It is one of the few upbeat songs he had released that wasn't about sadness. I never knew why he never recorded another funky dance song. His songs became less enjoyable for me with the sad lyrics.

R66 I completely agree! He should have recorded more fun stuff like “Freeek!” instead of all that depressing shit on the rest of the “Patience” album.

I think George was chronically depressed. Even his uptempo songs were thematically sad (i.e "Fastlove", "Freedom", etc.).

When I feel down I tend to go back to very early Wham! I think the joy in it was real, not forced. He later said he felt this was a part of the band's early appeal. It was based on a real friendship between him and Andrew, and they truly were having 'the time of their lives'. However it was all too brief before aspects turned sour.

If not for arrival of AIDS and all the effects of that, I think that things may have turned out quite differently.

Incidentally, I read Sean Smith's new biography about George last year. Hesitated before buying it because of some probable Rupert Murdoch connections behind it. But was better than I expected. It shed very little light on what was happening in George's final years. Anyone wanting further info about that would probably be disappointed. But other than that quite well researched, corrected a few inaccuracies that are in other biographies, and had spoken to some more people who knew him personally before all the fame. It didn't sidestep the public controversies, but I thought presented them in a fairer light than some of the hatchet jobs done over the years. Main criticism - totally unnecessary astrological profile at end of the book! No idea why it had to be included.

FF side note - very difficult to make sense of what is going on. But The Mirror quotes an (unidentified) member of the Fawaz family as saying: “I feel that what has happened is so wrong to everyone. Our family has been really affected by what’s going on. George’s family did nothing wrong to Fadi. He got paid £250,000 in October, some of which he used to visit family in Brisbane. Everyone is worried and this row is not what George would have wanted.”

I have been wondering how his family feel about this very public meltdown and reaction to it - which is really out of hand. I have wished that someone reliable would clear things up.

I would like to ask a question here because I feel you guys are not like the Fadi bunch in the other form. I was reading some old interviews of George during the Wham years and he seem very happen. I just believe because he was depress in later years he believe he projected unto his Wham years. Because in later interviews he said he was happier during his Wham years and did not truly realize it. I found that to be strange, that was before I read he suffer from depression. But, here is my question. How come non of the George Michael bio talk about Pat Fernandez? ( I did not know her).Looking at some picture on some fan's tumbler he was with her for sometime judging by George's hairstyle. Do you guys know why she is omitted from George's bio story? Thank you (not the trolls).

R70: George said Pat was a friend who wanted more, but he didn't feel that way about her. It ended badly.

I saw this on one of George's fan page in Russian and translated it. I only had three girls. While I was meeting them, I cheated on them with other girls or guys. Sometimes I was in awkward situations, when all my girls faced each other in one place. That's where I battered to the max. The first serious relationship was with Pat. I gave her a diamond ring and she was waiting for a proposal. But I didn't give her any suggestions; she sold the tabloids a story about a threesome with me, her and a guy. I was crushed by her act. After her, I met one girl. And it wasn't Brooke Shields, as many believe. This relationship was perhaps the most emotional. And then there was Katie, who was the opposite of that. She was able to forgive and she loved me very much. Of course, I loved her too, but probably not so much to keep the relationship. And then I didn't know what I wanted and who I wanted. There was a series of men and women. Only to non-binding sex. "

This is from an interview George gave I wrote them a four-page letter which was the easiest thing I’ve ever written considering it was the only unresolved issue – to come out to my parents,” said George.

Before he met Feleppa, Michael openly dated three women, including Brooke Shields, model Pat Fernandes and makeup artist Kathy Jeung. During this time he also slept with men as he entertained the idea that he might be bisexual.

In 1997 he was quoted as saying:

[quote]'I see now that my time with Wham! were the happiest years of my life. When I listen to our records I hear two young men who are having the best time they would ever have. It's amazing - the joy in it, the spirit of it. I listen to myself singing in Wham! and I think - who is that person? And I know who he is, and I know who those two boys are - two kids at the top of a dream. I was smart musically but at the same time there was a certain childishness about it all - and that's what made the records so good. There were about 18 months when it was pure joy - the realisation of dreams.... I was 20-years-old and my dreams were coming true. There's a window in there where I was blissfully happy. It is different for Andrew.'

I think the time he is referring to is perhaps late 1982 to early 1984. There was quite a long break between their two albums, due to the dispute with their record label. But when they came back in mid 1984 they quickly hit number one in the UK and the US. Much quicker than they probably expected.

At first they were thrilled of course but then I think GM started finding it difficult to cope with. Don't know where Pat is nowadays or what to make of their relationship - the media items about them seemed very awkward. But after they split up she was supposed to have gone and told the media about how depressed he was. This was maybe 1985 or 1986. At that time, very little public sign of it but he later seemed to confirm it.

He managed to pull himself together to put out Faith, but towards the end of that time was very unhappy too, until meeting Anselmo.

It's sad to realise how far back all these issues went, but I do think there were moments when he realised he was valued and he usually tried to make the most of things. From Twitter in April 2014:

[quote]'There are no words that can describe how much I owe each and every one of you, so I shall not try. I sat in my sisters house yesterday and..watched "Symphonica" for the only the second time. I tried to see and hear it as others do. And I saw the luckiest man on earth. So much love given to one man. So many beautiful moments with family, friends,and all of you. I felt breathless for a moment. And as the words and music faded one thought played over and over again in my head. If only I had known,way back then,i'd have been one seriously happy kid. I love you. All of you...George Michael x'

(I always wanted to say - he didn't really 'owe' us anything.)

Update on the 'Heritage Foundation' situation. A new page created to defend the organisation against the controversy about the plaque - which saw Andrew and Shirlie pull out of attending the unveiling ceremony. Hopefully it's all being properly investigated.

I dunno if I trust these either and that's the story of the past 18 months.

People who denigrate him for his tabloid moments should stop and think because the only reason they're not looking down on many other stars they feel lead better lives than George Michael did is because those stars have been lucky enough to not get caught.

I had a former friend who had lived in England during the eighties and she that said GM dated a girl that was black. I did not believe if for a second then when he died someone post photograph and this pic showed up and the name said Pat Fernandes. Then I read an old interview either it was Attitude/Out not sure. Anyway he stated that she really hurt him and I'm like how. How can someone you claimed off/on over the years hurt you when you never claimed she exist after you became a superstar.

George Michael always gave me the impression of someone who was a little racist like Mark Wahlberg. I also believe because he was a little racist that is why so many of his fans are as well. Hear me out why I feel this why. Why did his family never meet the Anselmo? I know because he was closet but he could of said Anselmo was an industry friend, you lie to his family like he did to his fans.

Was it because Anselmo was Brazilian?

Kenny did meet his family. Kenny is Caucasoid so he was aloud to meet the family and develop a fan base with is crazy to me.

Fadi who is Lebanese is hated by George's family and his fans.

So my question is why Kenny the one who actually sold George out is beloved by fans. However Fadi who only talk about selling his things is hated by fans and family members. Was it because he was not a Caucasoid like Kenny, but Lebanese.

When you read some of his fans tweets about this guy it also hateful. I don't know the guy but George's fan say some disgusted things about all the other partner/breads but not Kenny who really did sell him out to the press. I think these people saw themselves in George hint why they are fans of his. Like the old saying goes you attract what you are

R77 Pat Fernandes SOLD private information about George to the tabloids and he was apparently, crushed. Unfortunately, this was a common occurrence among people who professed to be "close friends" of George. I think people who were close to him hurt him deeply over the years.

R78 You couldn't be more wrong. George was never, ever a racist - not in any way. He was a deeply tolerant and gentle soul who really, only did harm to himself. Yes, some fans are probably unhinged - you'll find that everywhere. Regarding Fadi and Kenny.... People will think what they want. Many believe Fadi has proven to be an epic leech and gold digger. In another thread, someone mentions knowing Fadi personally and he was some real bad news - "playing on George's insecurities and sadness" but also a man of despicable character. The other part - which has been dissected ad nauseam - is the fact that Fadi waited over an hour to call for help when he found George. Plus, his actions and admissions to the press after George passed have been reprehensible. His past hasn't helped him either - though no one has the right to act as judge and jury - it appears that he enabled George in some of his worst proclivities. The reality is that ALL the men George had long relationships with were users. They could sense instinctively his generous and vulnerable nature and they clung to him like glue. His soul is at rest now and we should be remembering George for his beautiful, soul-crushing music and glorious voice. He really was a legend who went through Hell to realize the glorious hinterland in his heart and mind but that won't be widely acknowledged until all this other crap has faded.

I never believe that story it was just his why of putting her down.

I believe George's father is now married to an Iranian woman so I doubt he would care if Fadi was Lebanese. He probable dislikes Fadi because he's an asshole.

George father wasn't a racist. I believe George was one. I think he dislike his dad because he was not Anglo-Saxon. George hid not just hos sexuality but the fact he was a Greek Cypriot.

Are you fucking kidding r82? George constantly talked about his Greek heritage.

When he was older not during his younger years

He talked plenty about being Greek from the beginning.

I'm not clear on everything with Pat Fernandes. She travelled with him, she appeared in Wham videos, they were photographed together quite openly and she was seen as his 'companion'. There was conjecture about the relationship. When pressed, he'd say she was a 'friend' but she evidently believed it was something more and was reluctant to let go.

When he moved on with Kathy, she didn't take it very well and sold her story to the tabloids. He said that was a disappointment to him. This was a quote in 1987, after he was asked were rumours true she was writing a book about him and he said he didn't think so. Make of it what you will. It's his own words.

[quote]Q: Do you ever speak to her now?

[quote]"I haven't spoken to Pat since the whole stuff in the papers. I'm very sad about the whole situation with Pat because basically I still love her very much. I think she's very special. It's just to me that in a moment of extreme bitterness she was given a vehicle to get at me... I feel very sad that the papers are there to allow people to let themselves down - if only very briefly - so pubicly. Pat was obviously very bitter and it showed me how hurt she was about the fact that we didn't see each other anymore. Really I think it'll take more time before I think it would be good for us to see each other. But I'm sure we will one day. I don't feel bitter about it. I just think the whole situation is still an uncomfortable one."

I don't think George cared about race at all. He just saw people as individuals, whatever their gender, race or background.

This was all in the 1980s and after that he was living and identifying as gay for such a long time, much of his fanbase just moved on and accepted it, though I think that some may still have some issues with it. They are probably those who still want to associate him mainly with the Faith era which was his peak in America. We tend to 'project' what we want to on some of the stars we follow and some keep doing that. But I think the rest of the world moved on long ago. To me, it's now redundant.

It's a shame however that some of his more extreme fans obviously show signs of prejudice and ignorance. He would have been very disappointed by such behaviour, whatever the situation, and I have been appalled at some of the racial abuse I've seen towards Fadi Fawaz even though I'm no fan of his.

To me, the situation with Fadi Fawaz has just become extremely disturbing to watch to the point where I no longer felt comfortable posting in the topic threads about him. Even if most of the posts in those threads weren't really about him. I felt there should be a thread available for those who wished to discuss George as main subject and for it to be named as such.

I could've called this a 'GM Appreciation Thread' but didn't want to limit it to just the avowed fans, I'd like to keep the discussion open.

[86] Thank you for finally answering my question. I only wonder because many bio always omit inly her from his story, but old interviews say something different. I never cared that George was gay only that he gave us good music.

Does anyone know exactly what Pat Fernandez said in the story she sold to the newspaper all those years ago? I obviously know the gist of it but would like to read it myself.

R88 it must have been October/November 1986. By that time he was going out with Kathy Jeung. I haven't read all of it - just a few bits.

The story seems difficult to track down, would probably have to look through archives. There might have been something about it on the GM forum that has been closed. Maybe someone else knows more...

Why are some of you bringing up those two women. They are irrelevant once he came out and I am stating this as a straight woman. Why drum up stories about his "beards" . they have moved on so this new discussion should be done away with. Besides they have no significance in terms of his romantic life.

[90 George never had "beards" and this is a general discussion about George. People wants to know about other parts of George life.

R90 someone asked about Pat, so why wouldn't someone else answer that person?

I was in Ireland when "Freeek!" was released. I have zero recollection of that song at that time, even though I was super aware of all the other music on rotation at that time....so I am also baffled as to why there was no promotion, esp in Europe. The song would've worked well with all the rest that was out. The song was part of some deal he was working out with a record company....I don't know all the details. But it was out in 2002 but didn't show up on an album until 2004? Strange indeed.

91 you must be one of those deranged lovelies from the previous threads who believes George loved those two women. Move on and stop questioning George sexuality. He was a proud gay man who was closeted in the 80s. Those two were nothing more than beards and that is why they are hardly discussed in relations to his romantic life. They are both irrelevant and nothing more than a friend helping a closeted very famous man hide his homosexuality.

I believe Kathy knew he was gay. But he was so lonely and miserable on the Faith tour that he needed her.

I hate keybaord warriors. What is wrong with being interested in knowing what she said about him? YES he was in the closet YES he was gay, but that doesn't mean I can't be curious FFS

[93] You must be one of those Kenny Dolls who thinks the sun rise and fall on that escort. Now crawl back to the Fadi session form where you guys say George killed himself or had HIV.

Well that was fun while it lasted....

I'll leave you bitches with this, in case you forgot about who or what we were talking about...

New here. Found this thread, and appreciate that you people want to talk about George's MUSIC! Because it is the music he really wanted us to remember him for, and that was what he was so proud of.

Twitter is my main SM, and while the majority of my tweets are not GM-related, I do interact with some fans. But I'm put off by the "lovelies" who act like he's their fantasy husband. I'm also put off by the drama going on there right now. I'd rather talk objectively about his music. (I'm a lesbian, so I probably see George a bit differently than they do anyway.)

Back to what counts now: the music. I think it is a shame that George, in the later years, didn't get the respect from the American audience that he really deserved (I'm American myself). It was, I believe, a combination of unfortunate events - Sony, the LA arrest, his coming out when he did. I think it is sad that even after he died, there wasn't a huge interest in his music. Radio stations are totally ok with playing the old Wham! stuff and 2 or 3 songs from Faith, but not really anything else (maybe Too Funky or Fastlove if I'm lucky).

His last couple of albums of original music, Older and Patience, are my favorites, as well as many "extra" tracks from Twenty Five. He seemed more open and vulnerable to me with those two albums. Faith is a great album, but obviously written for commercial appeal. LWP v1 is great too, but listening to it again, it feels like (1) he's still afraid to be real, and (2) he's reacting to the backlash over Faith's success in black music. .... But Older is fresh, tender. Patience is a bit more haphazard, but it reflected where he was at that time of his life. I just am sad that it all really ended after that. If George had lived, even if his days as a performing artist were numbered, he still could have given the world decades more of his music as a songwriter and producer. But.... in the end, it wasn't meant to be. And that makes the music we DO have bittersweet. IMHO

Well said, R98.

I've given up Twitter - it's rubbish. Maybe I'm getting too worked up about it but I just have a very bad feeling about the Fadi Fawaz situation, which seems right out of control. Everyone should probably cool it, even if it seems like he is trying to provoke a reaction sometimes...

My final note on Pat, for those who are trying to figure out that era. They were hanging out together perhaps from 1983-1985. Sometimes she was described as his personal assistant or advisor. Anyhow, she was already friendly with the gay community and other gay male celebrities, including Boy George - who liked to keep making a point of that. She was typed by that crowd as a 'fag hag'. I think GM saw her mainly as a friend but she developed feelings for him that couldn't be returned, so it ended. They both liked clubbing and she would drive him when he still didn't have his license. Picture of them below at the gay nightclub Bolts with Divine.

When she went to sell her story in late 1986, I think that George's career at the time was seen as being in something of a decline - perhaps why it hasn't been well remembered.

From what I gather she described him as being very unhappy with his pop career, and she tried to support him through that. He later spoke about his problems at that time, how he struggled with feeling like a 'fake', though he was able to look like he was coping. The depression lasted for several months after Wham, and I think he considered giving up his high profile music career altogether, before in the end deciding to continue.

In 2004 he said to Attitude magazine that she was a 'sweet girl' and that she always knew he had male partners.

The rest of what she said I think was quite frivolous. Issues with his hair etc...

I don't know how many noticed but the day after he died, she posted an old picture of them together, with no comment. There's very little else about that time in her life on her page. She still lives in London and looks to be doing okay, but I don't think she wishes to discuss these matters anymore - was a long time ago and they went in different directions - so should probably leave it there and move on from subject. I think that's all that's really known about her, but I don't think there's been a deliberate cover-up by biographers or the people involved.

There don't seem to be very good biographies about him available however. The one released last year wasn't bad, but released too soon - before the release of the Freedom documentary and his final interview. It will probably be some time yet to get one seriously accurate and thorough. He was a complex subject, so was his career.

Sorry I posted bad link above. This one should work.

That hair sure was high maintenance. Even though I think it looked better more natural. Wouldn't have been the 80s without it.

Sorry if these topics are a digression, but I'm also enjoying the discussion about the music and people's thoughts and appreciate it. It really is my main point of interest. (My family background is in music, so I have the interest if not the talent.)

[101] Thanks for link OT: Pat seems to be doing well and I am happy to know that she had a son. Good for her.

Just wanted to thank {101} for the information. Now returning back to the subject at hand George Michael

96 you got me all wrong. I am not a Kenny fan neither am I a Fadi fan. I just think it is unnecessary to beat a dead horse. What were you expecting her to say, they were in love. I am sure you were been messy by bringing up Pat. You were looking to troll this thread with the pat and Kathy nonsense.

[103] Not {96} I was just wonder whatever happen to her and why she was omitted from his story. Did not mean to make you angry by asking this question. Since my post several people have answered my question and I think them. As for [96] I cant answer for him/her or why they choose to post that. Again did not mean to cause any problems.

I THink the fact that he had the opportunity to date Brooke Shields but chose to stick with Pat and Kathy shows that no way could he handle a high profile relationship with a huge star while trying to figure out who he was. He knew that would blow up everything. When people get mad and say he lied and had beards or whatever to protect his career, it really isn't fair for us to pass judgement. He did what he had to do. These women provided friendship & companionship. The guy was lonely and miserable without Andrew. Give the guy a break. None of this stuff made me feel betrayed. I just loved his music & his smile.

If he had to date Brooke Shields it would have ruined his career and we would've never had" Faith, LWP and Older." This would've been a problem because I love those albums. Also Freeek because I bump to that on my treadmill. So I for one am glad he never dated Brooke (went out on one date. GM said so in an interview with Joan River in the 80's). I mean look what happen to Dean Cain.

The subject has become contentious on other threads, due to its nature, so I wasn't certain about answering. However, for quite a few years I've been trying to do some research into his life because I just couldn't figure out - how did such a bright young man with such great talent and the very carefree music end up how he did? (I felt much the same about Whitney Houston.)

I personally don't think there was any obvious trauma in his background, except for maybe feeling a bit emotionally deprived in childhood, and struggling to match up with his father's standards/expectations. This might have made it more difficult for him to handle relationships in later life, and why it took him quite some time to figure himself out in that area. For years he sought the warmth, affirmation and approval of an audience to make up for the lack of what he felt elsewhere. But it wasn't enough.

I don't judge him either, because of the era. For those who don't have the memory of that time, it may be difficult to fully appreciate how it was for someone in his situation. But I can understand the reasons for what he did.

I'm probably never going to find ALL the answers for myself though, and just have to deal with that, while continuing to remember and appreciate the music. Despite all that was publicly written about him over the years, and his more outspoken moments, George Michael in many ways is still an enigma.

[107] So true

R107 Well said.

I think he painted himself into a corner, but it's just the way it happened....millions of teeny bopper girls fell in love with him. Faith was a grown up extension of that. And by that time he couldn't put the brakes on it. If these women really were fans, then they wouldn't be mad about it. What is ridiculous is that these women had ZERO chance with him even if he was straight!!!! To get angry and feel betrayed is truly bizarre. And the gay community thinking he was ashamed...I don't think he was ashamed, but back pedalling the years of Wham and Faith Tiger Beat cover boy days was not going to be an easy task...

Wasn't Im Your Man written for Brooke Shields & that she could turn in her V card to him?

Side note: Nothing Looks The Same In The Light sounds like he wrote it after turning in HIS V Card......

George's legal team need to deal w/Fadi Fawaz once and for all. His family hasn't had a moments peace since they were contacted w/the news their YOG had passed away suddenly. Fadi wasn't in George's will and isn't entitled to anything. That needs to be made perfectly clear. Fadi continues w/his pestering tweets as if he has some sort of fan club.

[112] wrong board the Fadi board in on the sideline

[111] No in an interview in Smash Hits, 20th November - December 3rd 1985 here is half the interview where GM talks about the song.

As you may have noticed, George - assured and professional - is doing most of the talking. Andrew, now almost wide-awake, just sits there, making the odd "cheeky" remark and generally being a bit of a lad. But, keen not to come across as completely useless, Andrew does offer the occasional astute and almost eloquent remark. Very complicated business, being in Wham! "It's funny the way the press have dealt with us lately," muses George. "They're painting me as this whiter-than-white figure as opposed to Andrew who's just totally black. I'd rather be grey. It's great - Andrew is this car-crashing, sorry car-driving drunkard and that's fine; it's a brilliant image. They could easily have chased me round and found me in as many compromising positions. But they didn't - they just went for black and white. I've no desire to be a rebel but I've also no desire to be painted as the Richard Clayderman of Pop!" But isn't that the point - that Wham! the group are still bad, but George Michael, solo artiste, is someone you can take home to your mum...? "Well, the idea was for the ballads and the more romantic things to be for the George Michael solo LP and the more overtly sexual stuff could go on the Wham! LP. But now I think I should put something really filthy on my solo LP. In fact, I might do a full frontal cover! And yeah, Andrew does have a lot to do with the filthy content of the Wham! stuff. When I'm writing, he walks in and goes 'oh don't put that - put cock'! Honestly, all this clean image stuff really gets on my nerves. Like people in America were coming up to me and saying 'aaah, George, I'm rilly pleased you're givin' our kids some clean harmless fun' and I'd be going 'AAAARGH! No. I don't want this.'" While we're on the subject (i.e. sex), what's all this about Brooke Shields? Is "I'm Your Man" about her? "No, it's not. But if the papers want to attach that to it, then that's fine...I've just decided not to talk about her because, more than anybody I've met, she's a person before she's a celebrity..." And how's Pat? (Fernandes, the girl George is often "linked" with) "She's fine, I saw her last night. She's fine. Fine..." Bit of an uneasy silence here, actually. "She's managing a band, isn't she?" adds Andrew, helpfully. "Yeah!" says George, visibly brightening. "They're called Habit. Give them a little plug. You know, it keeps her off the streets and all that," he japes. Sensing he'd much rather change the subject away from women, I ask how Wham! feel about the pop competition these days. "Duran Duran make great records," George replies, "but their image? After six years they're still Bowie/Ferry casualties. I like the Arcadia single but I prefer 'Wild Boys' and 'A View To A Kill'. They're great records." "Oh...I couldn't stand 'Wild Boys'!" groans Andrew. And Culture Club? "I don't think you can write them off," reckons George. "Anyone who could write singles like 'Church Of The Poison Mind' and 'Do You Really Want To Hurt Me' can't be written off." George lost his virginity at 12, its in a old People Magazine. Double Wham!my George Michael & Andrew Ridgeley Are Making

I don't know if it was bc it was the 80s and videos werent these Jerry Bruckheimer productions at this point, but did you notice that nearly all the Wham videos were just them singing to a crowd 😂 Like the one or two that were "on location" were a huge deal. George used to say stuff like he was broke and couldn't afford a stylist etc. I wonder if the Lowe production videos were a part of that.

Well r114 he wrote CW at age 17 on the bus, he could've written NLTSITL at 12....

George looks like Kip Winger and vice versa in some of GM's Wham award videos. Do you think Andrew really missed the plane? I'm thinking he didn't.

R112- your link is not working, try posting again in the below thread if you want, which is more geared to a FF topic, or here is juat fine too .Hope that helps.

Just an FYI R113, this is definitely NOT the old GM forums, posting about the GM estate ridding themselves of FF is on-topic in pretty much ANY of the GM-related general discussion threads and moderation here is not even close to the same guidelines.

It's a shame that Andrew had to go, but Deon Estus still got to be his bass player. That had to be complicated to sort out.

[quote] Back to what counts now: the music. I think it is a shame that George, in the later years, didn't get the respect from the American audience that he really deserved (I'm American myself). It was, I believe, a combination of unfortunate events - Sony, the LA arrest, his coming out when he did. I think it is sad that even after he died, there wasn't a huge interest in his music.

George ceased to be a commercial entertainer with "Listen Without Prejudice." As soon as he stopped writing love/seduction songs that could be mistaken for odes to heterosexual love. He purposefully outed himself with that LP -- lyrically "Cowboys & Angels" is gay as hell and also quintessential GM. So there was no place for him at radio. He could never again enjoy the kind of success he experienced with "Faith "

[quote] Side note: Nothing Looks The Same In The Light sounds like he wrote it after turning in HIS V Card......

Indeed. We weren't paying attention back then. The apparently fleeting nature of that encounter was very revealing. Luther Vandross sang of love in the same way.

R98 Thank you for focusing on George’s music.

R120 You are right:

George ceased to be a commercial entertainer with "Listen Without Prejudice." As soon as he stopped writing love/seduction songs that could be mistaken for odes to heterosexual love. He purposefully outed himself with that LP -- lyrically "Cowboys & Angels" is gay as hell and also quintessential GM. So there was no place for him at radio. He could never again enjoy the kind of success he experienced with "Faith "

George is and will continue to be horribly underrated. America just dismissed him… As R98 says, a “combination of unfortunate events.” I’m Canadian and after “Faith” and Toilet Gate, his music faded from the airways up here. He was demonized for doing something that “straight” people do any day of the week – sex and drugs. At the height of the AIDS crisis during the 80s and 90s, poor George was caught in the middle of a war on tolerance and human dignity. It had to be emotionally and mentally crippling. Despite this, George was a warrior. This will eventually emerge as a part of his legacy.

Listen to “My Mother Had a Brother” - it’s simply stunning because George interprets every nuance with passion and tells us a story. Or, listen to George’s remake of Sting’s “Roxanne” – a slow haunting burn that allows you to actually understand the lyric. Blended with George’s transcendent, jazzy vocal it becomes a tale of desperate yearning.

I also agree R98 – “Older” was a masterpiece. His vulnerability and candor are devastating, and it made me consider him as a singer/songwriter of formidable artistry. “Patience” is a beautiful meditation on social injustice, lust, remorse, and the realization of one’s limitations. “Through” comes to mind here – a heartbreakingly gorgeous rendering of despair and torment. As imbibed with George’s lush, soulful vocals, it becomes gut-wrenching – a biopic calling card for his life:

“I've enough of these chains I know they're of my making No one else to blame for where I stand today I've no memory of truth Life is there for the taking, What kind of fool would remain in this cheap gilded cage…"

We’ve surely been deprived of at least another decade or 15 years of music from George – not to mention the stuff in vaults that we’ll probably never hear. It’s heartbreaking.

“Through” – take a listen if you’ve missed it:

I wonder what he looks like now, 16 months dead.

[R111] Here is what George said about "Nothing Seems the Same In the Light" in a Gay Times interview:

One Wham song that always sounded interesting – the mood is so different from all the others – is Nothing Looks The Same In The Light. it seems like you’d had a brief encounter, but had been abandoned soon after?

That was about six months before the conversation with Andrew. Two things brought me to the conclusion that I had to come out to Andrew and Shirley. I’d had something go on in Cyprus that had made the level of my attraction to men fairly clear. And about six months before, I’d stayed over at this guy’s house. He’d tried to have sex with me and I’d been too scared. I wanted to stay in the bed for the night. I wanted to be close to this guy, which had never happened before, and it hit me in a very profound way that something else was going on. And that’s what that song was about.

Basically, I had a little crush on him for, like, a week. And then I called him – I was extremely naive about how these things worked – and I said: “Can I come over?” And he went; “Erm, well, I’ve got someone here tonight, but you can come over tomorrow”. I just didn’t get it. I was so offended. I thought that was outrageous. That was the only time I ever went to a gay club and got picked up. So that was formative for me. Just after that album came out we went to do the video for Club Tropicana. That’s when I spoke to Andrew.

I don't believe his outing hurt his career. It was the Sony lawsuit that cause his career to come to a stand still. In Freedom doc George said so himself. Winning that AMW in R&B1989 cause him not to receive airplay on black station and the lawsuit allowed Sony to stop him from being played on a lot of station. That is why George is repeatedly saying in the doc "It all was a waste of time." Side note the song "As" George recorded with Mary J. Blige was not allowed on the his US grst hits cd. That was because her record company would not release it. So it was more then bathroom gate that stop George's career.

In my option he should have released a double Cd for LWP and a Faith like side that the executives wanted, but George wanted his freedom hints why the song "Freedom came about. Sony believe that the Faith image is what cause his album sell when George knew it was his talent not the clothes.

[123] I take anything GM said in later year with a grain salt(as we say in the south). He was trying too hard to ease his past live and marketing himself as a gay artist. At this point in his life he was treating his straight fans as if they never exist. While trying to prove to the gay community that he was ashamed and he was always this gay artist. Which was not true. I believe George was sexually confuse at one point in his life and he should have owned. However people were so judgmental and wanted to put him in a box that society says you need to check this box, and George was not really ready for that.

People were telling him he needed to be a role model; a role he never ask for, so he change things to fit the narrative to please other. My option my anger some, but it my option. From the many interviews I have read and stories change from interview to interview. Something's were constant other are not. I just think George was give a responsibility he never ask for and it become to much for him.

R110 should perhaps also be remembered he was so young when starting in the business. Only about 19. There wasn't yet the concern about AIDS. I don't think they foresaw all the future consequences.

I think those are true observations of the LWP album. He didn't want to play a part anymore.

My feelings about it (I'm a fan but think I can be objective) and after this I'm moving on...

He got tired of doing promotion and if you read the 80s interviews it's easy to see why. Same stupid inane questions each time. Little to do with the music but never failing to ask 'Do you have a gf?' At one point he went to NME just to be asked something different or more meaningful.

Pop had a bad name for itself in late 70s and early 80s. But that's what Wham unabashedly were. A backlash against a youth culture that had become associated with gloom and negativity. So to a degree they embraced it and he admitted as such in Freedom 90 lyrics. They were young and on a joyride that couldn't last.

10 years later he decided he still wanted to make and sell music, but didn't want his personal life up for grabs anymore.

One thing I will say - he did use Kathy for appearance purposes and to try and hush the rumors, when he made his solo bid for America. Whatever he said later, I think that is quite obvious. It was PR, even if he also appreciated her as a friend.

But it was a different era, three decades ago, and I do think he felt very conflicted about doing it. I believe he was also trying to protect his family but that wasn't the only reason.

After Faith, he was no longer playing that act and was trying to come out in a more subtle way. There would've been resistance from the record label, for sure. So yes I think it was a factor in what happened to his career in the US after Faith, whether directly or indirectly.

In the 80s very few performers were coming out as bi or gay. It even took Boy George several years to be clear about it. And I've seen many claims that during the 70s and 80s, most UK acts were advised to be less camp in style if they wanted to make it in America.

Judging by how popular Lady Gaga became, it's a lot more even now. But that acceptance came a bit late for GM.

There were things he could've perhaps handled better but hindsight judgment is a lot easier.

Fully expected trolls here and people with own agendas from elsewhere. They don't bug me.

George's own statement -

I hate when young people who were no alive wants to change History. Then try to tell you what happen, seeing how I was of age then.

R115 during the first album, they said they were getting very little money, due to a bad record deal. They signed a sportswear sponsorship deal to raise money, and adopted the 'casual' look, which became part of their image.

The Careless Whisper video went way over budget because George wasn't happy with his hair. There was little money left for the next video, which was Go Go. So the production on that was very cheap.

George had some genius videos later but Go Go - what can I say? It was the 80s. If they'd known how successful the song was going to be, I think maybe they would've done it a bit differently.

Young GM before all the hair experimentations.

I never understood why Go-Go get such a bad wrap. The video was fun and very camp which makes the song very enduring. I can not image this video any other way. Beside we would have never gotten the iconic Choose Life shirts and George and Andrew in those extremely short shorts.

R130 - hahaha, each to their own! It HAS become 'iconic' in a way I suppose...

R123 do you happen to know who he wrote Blue for? He says the song is very personal to him in the Live from China version. Thank you for your insight.

Whoever think the way he was outed had no effect on his career in the states, has not been paying attention. The Sony court case and the way he was outed dampped his star power in the us. It was the late ninties and America was still very much homophobic and George was not your average popstar. He was a sex symbol that women lust after and they probably felt a sense of betrayal. He had to deal with criticism from the gays who felt he should have came out earlier and women who felt led on.

I keep reading some poster's are saying that the straight women could not deal with George being gay. Then why after he was outed his females fans still loved him no matter what. George got a lot of push back from the gay community with many saying he was ashamed and a fraud. In a latter interview George is quoted as saying (they) some in the gay are not even buying my music. GLAAD never presented George with an award nor given a tribute to him. After George died some of the comments on OUT magazine were rude and uncalled for, there where some on this site as well. I got the impression that some in the gay community wanted him to be gone and forgotten.

To answer another poster about the interview question about his personal life and George got tried of answering those question. I watch and read some of these interviews before he was outed and the subject always went back to music. Which to me was a breath of fresh news. Because after George's outing it was only about his sexuality and not music. I believe that is why he did not fully promote Freeek because the interviewer would have tied it to his sexuality.

Note: that gay hack asshole James Gavin is currently working on an in depth biography of George Michael. If you think Michael was an evil prick, you'll probably love this book.

When the bathroom incident occurred, my only thought was "Gee George, you really had to go to a public toilet to get laid?" That was the only thing I was puzzled over. Around the same time was when Pee Wee Herman found himself in the same sort of trouble, and I found more disgust in that. But being a huge fan of George, I could forgive him for anything. So ppl that ditched him after that didn't strike me as true fans.

I have a question, why is there no mug shot of George? I'm not looking to point & laugh, I just find it odd that we have mug shots of so many celebrities in LA but I've never seen his.

r136 that was actually my first thought as well. I thought it odd that George Michael (who was mid-30s at the time and still very attractive) would be in a public toilet of all places. He easily could've gotten some dick and didn't have to resort to that.

Wasn't One More Try written for Pat Fernandez??

He was talking about Anselmo quite frankly in 1997, before the arrest. On front page of the Mirror: "George Michael has spoken for the first time about his deep love for another man... In an extraordinary interview with his friend, Mirror columnist Tony Parsons, the pop star reveals how his feelings for Brazilian Anselmo Feleppa changed his life."

The Older album was also dedicated to Anselmo and the message was quite obvious, even if he wasn't spelling it out letter-by-letter.

He never did anything non consensual and those charges were nothing compared to some of the scandals affecting some big name celebrities recently. It was classed as a misdemeanor, not a felony.

Don't know why it was a surprise to so many people. Or why it should've stopped people listening to his music.

Because he really slowed down making music. After older, it was a greatest hits album, and a cover album. I was pleased to see his video Amazing in 2004, I was so happy he was back, but I also thought Where have you been?

[135] Why is this guy received a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work - Biography / Auto-biography nomination. Is he a another Andrew Morton or J. Randy Taraborrelli type of author?

Wasn't George the only son in his Greek family? It's often that much more difficult being an only son, who happens to be GAY, in families where you are expected to reproduce, and carry on the family name. I would be surprised if cultural pressures didn't make it more difficult for George to accept himsrlf.

I wish J. Randy Taraborrelli would do an bio of George it would give you a better understanding of who is was. J. Randy also write some great books that later become best sellers

He got away with a lot. Drugs in his car. All the accidents and driving under the influence. He also payed dearly for a lot. He's lucky he didn't kill anyone. When people say America abandoned him, it wasn't Americans. Radio was the only way to hear music then. The American music industry abandoned him. And black record companies abandoned him. He abandoned the publicity side of his career. Therefore we never heard his stuff in our everyday lives. And him cruising and getting busted in the bathroom had little to no effect on people in the US. It was a blip. We didn't even remember who he was almost. The cop reading his arrest notice couldn't even pronounce his name correctly. I saw his interview on CNN at the time and my first thought was he looks so so different and a little scary. Very dark. And the other thing I thought was why is he saying all this in an interview. It's his business. Nobody cares. Now he's making it a bigger deal than is necessary.

[quote] I take anything GM said in later year with a grain salt(as we say in the south). He was trying too hard to ease his past live and marketing himself as a gay artist. At this point in his life he was treating his straight fans as if they never exist. While trying to prove to the gay community that he was ashamed and he was always this gay artist.

It was all owing to the way he was outed. Being arrested for solicitation of anonymous gay sex in the age of AIDS, and in a filthy public restroom pointed to a level of depravity that was unsettling even for his gay fans. Most of us, even the closeted ones, did not find sex that way. He felt a tremendous need to counteract the shame that he'd visited on his gay brethren. So on the outside he just morphed into an unapologetic, flag-waving gay musician. However, he was still personally conflicted, suffered from shame and struggled with his loss of mainstream acclaim.

[144] You are correct. Many people acts as if his fans cared and we did not. It was George who put that burton on himself. Many fan wished he brought the Symphonica Tour to the United States, but unfortunately George did not do this. which was a shame because his American fans loved him, I just believe George thought he let us down when he never did. Miss R.I.P Mr. Panayiotou

[quote] And black record companies abandoned him.

There were no "black" record companies. Black radio did not abandon him. He stopped making music that was compatible with that radio format. Perhaps he abandoned black radio after receiving blowback about dominating the awards cycle in R&B categories. LWP did not contain any R&B/soul-oriented tracks that could be played alongside the new jack swing of the early 90s.

BTW, you can still hear "One More Try" and "Careless Whisper" on adult R&B and smooth jazz radio today.

R138 definitely not.

R142 I believe so, for a long time.

I thank God every day I am not famous and my life is my own. Especially with modern media. As a private person, I couldn't cope.

R147 I should have said black music stations but actually there were black record labels. Motown, Babyface, Sean Combs, and others.

[149] sound angry like who you

sorry [149] I that was meet for [148] phone being rebellious.

R146 I cried every day for three months after he died. Because I was horrified at the fact that he may have died without truly knowing how much we really loved him.

R148 lol the two versions of what is behind One More Try is that it's about Pat or it's about a love triangle involving a girl and another guy.

When did Brad Branson die, and did GM have anything to say about it?

Oh god not every song is about Brad Branson . That Carless Whiskers doc that the Sun and Andros produce got people thinking that shit was true. George said during his last tour that A Different Corner was written when he was 19 years old not in 1985. This what gets me upset about some of his fans/lovelies who take Andros word as truth when the man himself say something its consider a lie. This is crazy .

I don't take every song literally. I don't know who he might have written 'Blue' about, but I think it may have been composed towards the end of recording their first album. To me, it sounds like a cry for help. In 1983. It was put on the B side of the final single of that LP, without the verses.

Perhaps they thought the lyrics were too heavy and vulnerable at the time for wide scale release, but I think the song remained close to his heart, hence that intro.

In late 80s he was probably the biggest star in America for a brief time but then it just seemed he walked away from it. He proved to himself he could get there but it was at high personal cost, so he didn't do the sort of follow up many may have expected. After that he was trying to figure out how he could continue in the biz on a more manageable level. He didn't want to 'play the game' the same way anymore and sure as hell there was backlash. Part of it was conscious. He wanted to avoid the same fate of other stars, but it still didn't succeed.

Perhaps at an earlier time it was easier for performers on a certain level to rest on their laurels a bit, fade for awhile, and then make a comeback. Anyhow, outside of the US, GM still had songs on the charts and extremely successful tours. Not just in the UK either but much further afield. While in the US mention him and many are 'Who???'

He was messed up for sure however and it started 30 years ago. Writing already on the wall. The way he went downhill was so mind boggling and such a senseless waste. Some things were beyond his control, some not. He did his time when he knew he was wrong. Now we are left with a very mixed legacy, from a torturous time in our own history. Hopefully never again. But there were also positive things he achieved and produced. The rest is now old news and history.

A more obscure tribute from one of his backing singers in 80s, interesting...

(Wham dolls omg... I remember at time though, making George and Andy puppets. Yes I was strange kid.)

R155 the reason Blue was put on the B-side without any verses was they did have the time to properly finish the song. The record company asked George and Andrew to write and record the song in 11 hrs. So they did not have the time to write the full song and record. That is why the short version. Then they developed it during the various performances

Thanks - I didn't know that story. Seems to be more here. It's an interesting track. I tend to think George may have had some lyrics in mind but they are different mood to rest of the LP, coming towards the end of that period. I saw that they were under pressure to get the album out within a time frame and he was still writing. Many tracks apparently fell by wayside.

There are indications it was eventually recorded in full in the studio - where it is now is the question. It would be a great rediscovered recording.

I saw one report in late 1983 that said it would be a solo single for George. Certainly it was along the lines of what was being planned for his solo career, but they might have had it mixed up with Careless Whisper. Then everything seemed to be held up by legal action.

I think of it as being akin to The Beatles 'Help!' which John later said was literally a plea for help amid Beatlemania.

(That backing vocalist with the story got credit on the live version but I think then she was known as Janey Hallett, and they misspelled it as Jenny Hallet... looks like her in the video. And I thought the other girl was Yioda! George once said Yioda was doing backing vocals on tour. But the credits are someone else.)

The nice thing is that when you go through the stories by people who really knew him before all the issues, or prior to being famous, they generally describe him in good terms (except for those who may have had an axe to grind because they didn't get what they wanted).

I think that was the real person. When I first started looking for more information I didn't know what to expect, given what media were saying, but in the end I came away with a better opinion.

Here is a story about the AMA's in 1986 about George and Andrew missing his flight.

Part 2 to the story

Here is part three.

I only will post part of the Wham break-up because I don't want to get into any copyright trouble. This is a good book before people starting changing their stories.

I just glanced at another GM thread on DL... I'm staying here. That one is crazy city and this one is relatively normal, with normal fans. Let's continue to stick to the music.

R162 - Woah, it's kinda shocking to see George act pull the "don't you know who I am?" in response to paying for a meal. It really gives validity to how different of a person he was then.

And I don't think you have to worry about being flagged for copyright on here - post away. The images inside threads don't show up elsewhere.

Here is something about Pat.

I found some of Simon's book interesting, and he tells a good story. Not sure about some sections about it however and it seems different story to what I've seen elsewhere.

I don't think he got very close to George. George never really trusted him, and kept things strictly professional, which I think was understandable. When they wanted out of their early contract they were fighting a big label, and they needed an aggressive team. They chose Simon and Jazz (Jazz died few years ago so can't get his side of story now).

Simon had once represented Marc Bolan - a titan ego if ever there was one. If George was more difficult, that's saying something. But he had high standards and wasn't willing to compromise. Simon got along better with Andrew, who wasn't carrying the same responsibilities. Andrew later claimed Simon had a crush on him...

Towards the end of the book Simon talks about meeting George later, after there was no more professional relationship, and George being far more relaxed and easier to get along with, like a different person.

There are two incidents Simon describes which I think we're tell tale signs of something but he treated them in very offhand manner. Now with what's happened, maybe it's more noticeable.

I just paid insane money for an old out of print biography from late 80s. Of course, it's only gonna tell part of story. But I think it may contain some info that has since been lost. Will see when I get. But reading stuff from that era, with what's since happened, can be disturbing. And I wouldn't have noticed it then, being too young. Now it's painfully obvious and you see how things have changed.

[168] What book is it? I hope not Andros book because the lovelies seems to think he ( Andros ) really knew George.

R169 no! It's Bruce Dessau. Also happen to have Bare.

R185 the GM fan community sure are dysfunctional. I've been in some closed FB groups and they were so out of order, I couldn't stand them. Everyone has different ideas and thoughts about 'our YOG' and trying to lay claim to him. It's stupid. Usually disintegrates into bitter arguments then everyone quits after turning on each other.

FF is quiet for now. I hope some people closer to him are trying to sort things out with him, but that situation is entirely unpredictable. Hope it's not affecting management of estate. Things seeming so chaotic isn't helping. What a situation.

Totally off base - Wham amine version 1980s, rare collectibles! Frozen in time like some fan mentalities. George looks cranky and Andrew wants another beer... Well have good day/evening all, check back later...

If it's outrageously priced, my guess would be "Bare". I'd like to read that one myself, even though we know it's not going to be very truthful.

Can't imagine paying mega $$$ for Andros' book, even though it would probably still be an interesting read. He is arrogant and self-important but he was very close to George, and privy to plenty of insider info for many years.

R170 haha that's how I picture them. George was really a handful early in his career. I don't think he was especially nice to his inner circle or business contacts but in public he was usually on point. He was always opinionated but with impeccable manners . His very early interviews are interesting because he is charming and awkward at the same time. But a generally negative cynical person imo.

[170] No, but I read Bare and its inline with many of George's bio only him being gay does not come up. However I just read this book called "Making of a Superstar" and George gave an interview with Tony Parsons that was in this book I will post it here.

Here something about George's sexuality still looking for that interview.

Here it is should post this one first and the ;147] second. I may do that any sorry guys for the confusion.

[174] reposted.

There was an individual who had to Bare book posted on Facebook was missing a few pages but you got an ideal what the book was about. I am going to see if its still up and relay the information to you [170].

R177 I think what you're talking about re: Bare may be at the link I posted @ R171.

R172 anime George is obviously not happy about state of his hair. Serious humidity. Where's Melanie???

(Man for the days when concerns were that simple.)

Yes he could be difficult. They entered business at young age and were probably naive. But they had to grow up quickly. They were trying to manage themselves but were burned early in the piece with an awful contract. In 1985 though he was still only 22. I try to when I was that age. Still had a lot to learn.

I've seen an old picture of him when he was about 19 and he looks on top of the world, totally overjoyed. I swear it was probably just after they got their first contract and a few hundred quid.

Sometimes it comes through - the slightly childish side. But he was 10 years older than me so I couldn't figure things in those terms at the time.

If he was hard on others, he also was on himself. He knew what he wanted and would be very fussy about it. But fortunately he had the talent to back up the attitude.

Many early interviews really were stupid. They improved a bit when he went solo. But he was still being guarded.

* (Correction - when I try to think back to being 22. That's going back some time.)

[178] No it was on Facebook I read the book there online, however some of the pages were missing. The poster stated she pull the book down last mouth but, will repost sometime in the near further.

Is it me are is there a spotlight on his junk.

I mean

R176 I think those interviews are in full at these links I will post.

The Tony Parsons interview from 1985:

Later on he obviously fell out with Tony Parsons very badly.

Out of the pop magazines, I think he liked having Paul Simper as an interviewer, and did several features with him.

Insane that a song got banned in late 1980s by BBC just for having the word 'sex' in title, considering other very suggestive songs in the charts. I've also read that the 'Bad Boys' video (which GM ended up hating) was banned by MTV. That's how careful you had to be. These things now seem quite tame compared to what there is now.

This is NME intrview he did in 1985, it's very long. Parts of it very awkward to read now. He begins to talk about the 'ambiguity' of his image, then steps away. (Something I've noticed - nearly every artist I've liked tends to have some sort of 'ambiguity' about them or androgyny. Don't know why but just is.)

That 'Making Of A Superstar' book is the one I just ordered, and the date is the 1991 edition. Decided although I don't particularly like Andros, hell with it I'm getting his book anyway. Found a second hand copy. Least he doesn't get the money. Can see what there may be that is of real interest and I will share if folks here interested.

The old George Michael forum that was shut down had some old rare interviews on it, and I managed to save them before it was closed.

[185} Good luck with that trashy book by Andros.

The lady in the photo have been id.

Linda Norris: "It's me with George Michael in Ibiza outside the Tropicana bar. I'm lucky to meet him. I didn't know who he was, my sister knew, he wasn't so well known. I suppose it's 1983? I remember he had a jumpsuit and a little pig tail. I had suede shorts and pink boots on me!! I wish I knew where the other pics are, but I'm lucky that I have this picture. I was completely amazed after meeting him, and I think he got better and better, ever since in love with him.

To the person who posted at R171, here is a temporary link. Please let me know when u got it, and I am pulling. I think it's unlikely to ever be printed again.

Btw to everyone, Simon Napier-Bell's book is available as ebook for reasonable price, for those interested.

R166 gosh I must've read that and forgotten. Seems so unlike his normal character. Perhaps another sign things weren't going well. He talked about his behavior back then in Bare - that he started getting antagonistic with people. Geez...

R182 I could see George doing that on purpose. R185 I would read Andros' book if I had it. Not a fan of Andros by any stretch but I agree he had a bird's eye view.

[188] Thank you

R191 nps.

R190 - yeah, with the badminton antics! Sorry - someone had to mention it sooner or later. Another thing which caused fuss at the time but just seems kinda silly now.

[post redacted because independent.co.uk thinks that links to their ridiculous rag are a bad thing. Somebody might want to tell them how the internet works. Or not. We don't really care. They do suck though. Our advice is that you should not click on the link and whatever you do, don't read their truly terrible articles.]

(Tried posting a story that I think shows what GM had to deal with in the 80s... not accepted. Not wishing to go back to the subject but a first hand description of that era is probably the best, by someone who lived through it themselves.)

George's autobiography that was posted a few replies up is rather interesting. Just on the idea alone - who writes an autobiography before they turn 30? It is actually rather well written by Tony Parsons, though. Despite how much George was hiding at the time, it still comes off as fairly candid. Gives you a good feel for some of his adolescence and early adulthood which hasn't really been discussed much.

i know many fans regard Tony as a traitor for scathing articles about George in later years, and he now does items for The Sun. But this is his story about how they decided to do the book. I have great difficulty with things that happened with George later in life, even though I remained fan of the music and held out hope he'd eventually get it together again. But he used drugs as a crutch and I've seen how that can affect an individual's personality. I lost a sibling due to their drug issues in their 30s. In the end they were hardly recognizable as person I knew and had grown with, in personality and appearance. They looked more like in their late 40s or 50s.

I'd get angry with them but in the end it was just sad and pathetic. George's family have been through the same. I can understand why they are being protective of his memory and who he was to them before things got out of control.

Anyhow, Tony's story:

[italic]"After I interviewed him a couple of times for The Face and we discovered that we enjoyed getting drunk together and he could trust me, I suggested we write his life story together one day.

I had in mind when he was 60. “Let’s do it now,” he said, aged 26.

We decided to split the proceeds 50/50 — an unprecedented deal for a ghostwriter and a superstar.

When his US managers heard about our arrangement, they went through their LA roofs, informing my agent that Hollywood would freeze over before their illustrious client split the proceeds with a nobody like me.

“You don’t even have to think about it any more,” George Michael told me. “Just write the book.” George slapped his managers into line. We duly split the considerable proceeds between us. Even now, all these years on, his generosity takes my breath away."[/italic]

Can someone post pdf link for Bare/?

I wonder it Tony consider writing a new bio on George

R195 quote: "Gives you a good feel for some of his adolescence and early adulthood which hasn't really been discussed much."

Have you seen this? Some memories shared by his best friend in junior school - Michael Salousti, one of the 'Michaels' who may have inspired his stage name. Knowing some people in the Greek community called Michael may have made it feel less like giving up the Greek heritage.

Some of this would appear to predict how he was in adult life. He could be hardheaded and ruthless in his career - which he probably inherited from his father, who must've been a capable and driven businessman. But there was also a kind streak, without the need to show it off. That was his mother's influence most likely.

GEORGE MICHAEL- Singer's last work, documentary

"George Michael: Freedom- The Director's Cut"

to screen at International Documentary Edge Festival in Auckland and Wellington

Nice to see the documentary getting some traction. Still wish we could see the version George was working on and intended fans to see.

He was still very popular in Australasia, New Zealand. I'd like to see the original version of the movie but I doubt we ever will. Perhaps there was something he was trying to say and now we'll never know.

I didn't know what people were talking about with this Swedish woman saying she had a son with GM, but just saw this picture of a guy. Something about it just doesn't seem natural, like it's been photoshopped and GM's features sort of superimposed on it.

Does this guy tweeze and shape his eyebrows just like George did (before he probably got electrolysis on the unibrow), while he doesn't bother trimming the beard masking the rest of his face?

If this story appeared in the 'Woman's Day' magazine abroad, I can tell you that magazine is just a load of shite and has been for many years. They print outright LIES based on nothing except nameless 'sources'.

There have been so many frauds and scammers due to George's secretive lifestyle recent years. James Eschauzier is still around, trying to get the attention of Andros, Alex, Andrew Ridgeley. I think the Georgious have engaged with some of these dubious people through social media, although Ridgeley is unlikely to fall for it.

Hardly worth mentioning though so last time I will.

Proof anyway - this was supposed to be the baby mama. Entirely photoshopped. And it seems Paul James has been going around with different accounts on Twitter trolling people. It's just madness.

He surely had his share of crazy fans but sometimes those fans overstep their boundaries. Spreading fake rumors should ban any of those deranged lovelies from this thread. Let's not entertain them with the swedish story.

R202 You should post this pictures in the thread about the swedish woman. But be careful! There is a totally strange troll who took this thread over. You will get trashed!

R204 it's evidently been going on DL but I don't follow those threads and will probably stay out of it. They can keep it in their own discussion.

Not going back to it again and yes they should leave his private life alone. They're continuing what he hated and it's obviously a hoax. I can only say - pls be mindful of so much of this going on atm and probably just best to avoid these characters if you see them online.

All he would have to say:

If only those deranged lovelies can take his advice and stop spreading fake rumors online. 203 that can be applied to his crazy fans.

Avicii’s Death Is A Tragic Reminder Of The Dangers Of The Music Industry

There is an Avicii thread somewhere in case you don't know.

Dont pollute this thread with the Swedish woman fake story. Such a bunch of BS

Npier-Bell as it happens has recently done a film about mental health in the music business. One of his more recent clients was Sinead O'Connor, who recently has had some very public nervous breakdowns. (As much as I am sympathetic to the issue and liked some of her work, I feel mainly frustrated at her nowadays.)

Surprised however he has done this doc considering that as manager, I don't think he saw it as his role to get involved in these issues.

Simon seems like quite a canny, shrewd guy but even though he was manager of Wham for three years, I don't know if he really had that much understanding of George, who was probably more likely to confide in Dick Leahy.

Simon seemed to put George's inability to trust him down to some unknown bad incident in his childhood. Truth is I don't think any artist in their right mind would've trusted him completely. In the beginning, Wham were trying to manage themselves but eventually, a manager was required. Someone who could get things done without too much fuss and be a bulldog, because they had big aims. Simon fit the bill but there were certain things they wanted to keep control of themselves. I can imagine George putting on attitude with Simon sometimes to remind him who was really in charge.

The amount of control George wanted for himself must have been more work and pressure for him at times. Sometimes I wonder if that was why he went after random encounters with guys when he could've been more selective - surrendering control - but Idk. Maybe nothing to do with that.

Just how I feel but I think he could've had the mechanisms to deal with fame if he didn't have to put on such an act in the 80s, and his personal life had worked out better He had a support network around him and seemed to know what he was doing in most areas.

Flashback to 80s feud between Wham, Duran, Culture Club hehehe...

It's The Sun but anyhow.

Sorting out this will may be a protracted affair. GM's estate may not be as big as was estimated by media, but I'm sure still substantial.

Oh the Sun magazine that loved and respected George. The Sun magazine that printed positive stories about George. This is the magazines with whom George had a great relationship with its owner. I believe they were spotted having lunch/dinner together right. If that's the case then we should believe any and everything they print.

GMs family have put up a letter on the website asking fans to wind up the Memorial Garden. Right decision

R209 no need to even respond to the topic as it is FRAUD, I'd just ignore it wherever it is.

R214 yes it is. It's been a long process but looks like they're getting to the stage of making some decisions. David Austin appears to be breaking the silence with media, and now this announcement.

With Abby (R.I.P.) no longer being kept at Highgate, as that was her home, I am wondering if they will continue to hold onto both properties, or they'll eventually be put on market. Some 'fans' have petitioned for the houses to be turned into museums and opened to public. This announcement isn't stopping them. I don't think it's really appropriate, considering those were the places he went to for refuge and privacy. He showed the inside of his country home on Oprah, but didn't seem entirely comfortable doing so. (It was very nice but very much like an ordinary old fashioned English country home, and I think that's what he wanted.) Also I don't know if would be suitable for the residential communities, where there's usually little disturbance.

But hopefully some official permanent memorial in time. The family are very private and they probably have mixed feelings towards the musical business that George ended up so at odds with and they probably feel took their 'Yog' from them. But at the same time there is the desire to recognise and celebrate the talent and work he left behind.

On some level I think they have to try and be involved to ensure future correct management of his estate, use of his image and memory etc.

He wished to be remembered for the music, more than the image. After the 80s, the image became irrelevant to me except nostalgia. It was his past, he'd moved on.

I could only identify with him in some ways, but being half Anglo, half Mediterranean myself - I know that can be quite a mix! Sometimes he was quite calm, composed, etc in public. But now and then, he'd get fired up and let fly. That's familiar to me lol.

After his death I think that some of the best tributes I read were by his black fans on another board. They DO appreciate him for the music, because he knew that 'soul' music was not about trying to sound the way 'a black singer should sound like'. It has to come from the heart, and you can't easily fool that audience.

I'm the OP and I'd let my registration expire here due to some serious health issues (I'll get back to being okay but I will be out of action for awhile and need to focus my energies on recovery). Reactivated after seeing this announcement, to sum up my thoughts. I waited so long for a thread to start like this one, decided to do so myself. Now looks like there are duplicates... but the discussion will continue on the site for those interested so all good, that was the sole intention. This isn't specifically a fan site but right now there's no solid fan site and at least here can speak freely. Not likely I'll be missed here! But all the best guys.

[215] Thanks for starting this discussion on George. On that Fadi forum they only wanted to talk about the rumors and put their own spin on George's death. Anyway I enjoy this forum because it was very informative. I hope you get well soon and take care of yourself first and for-more. Anyway I enjoy your writing and I for one will miss you. Good luck [R215].

R216 thank you, I have found some of this emotionally draining so have to step back a bit. Ty also to people who contributed interesting thoughts.

R215 Wishing you good health and speedy recovery from your health issues.

Grateful for the opportunity to discuss GM with sane, like-minded fans who are able to agree or disagree civilly without it deteriorating into a rant-filled troll fest.

It's a shame the old fan forum went under. Even though at the end there was much infighting, it was also a treasure trove of information and rare resources for fans, both old and new. Perhaps someday it will reopen, or someone will start a new one.

He wanted his legacy to be his music and his philanthropy- I do sincerely hope once some time has passed , that he gets his wish.

R215 Thank you for opening this thread. I was too long tied to those other useless gossip and all the negativity, but you helped me to come back to what really matters: the great artist GM was. So, I hope you will come back here and wish you all the best with your health issues. Take good care of yourself.

Sydney Opera House Celebrates George Michael With Special Music Event

Robbie Williams pays tribute to George Michael | 60 Minutes Australia

I have believed for some time that George’s legacy has yet to be fully realized. His ability to render Love pain and grief with equal gravitas and poetry remains unmatched. When he sang we all understood - he made us feel. Link is to a beautiful tribute to George's artistry from an opera buff:

In remembering George Michael, don't forget the decades we spent shaming him

Genre snobbery and homophobia made his eulogy a careless whisper instead of a cultural reckoning.

R223 "George Michael never received the cultural reappraisal he deserved while he was alive." True, but George's "cultural reckoning" is coming. It will take a while but it will happen.

"I have to keep working hard, and I have to keep believing in what I do to actually achieve that," says George Michael, age twenty-four, cocky and rich and determined to show up anybody who might still hate him. "I don't think there's any reason it shouldn't happen." -- George

"People get very put out when someone is as forceful in their views and in their methods as George is." -- Andrew

Bless his poor soul... there was so much more George wanted to do.

Its a shame he did all of that hard work in his twenties only to destroy it in his forties. Don't take this statement as an insult, but I think its sad that many don't remember how talented George was. I was watch and reading a few of GM old interviews and they were very entertaining. Its only when you get to the later interviews George only talks about his sex life. Its as if he went from being a musically genius to a porn star. Then he began putting down some of his music which is crazy in my option.

This is extremely sad given the fact he wrote such strong songs that age well. When I watch his old interviews and see how driven he was, I can only imagine the younger George being highly disappointed in what he later became.

I remember listening to an old interview, which he states that he resented his career not going down the drain after the personal suffering he experienced. He seems like he wanted to self sabotage what was left of his legacy with the drugs and arrests. His career always seems to write itself in more ways and intact but the artist himself was falling apart.

One of the more lyrical tributes to George citing the cultural significance of his artistry, from NPR music:

"Michael's coming of age as a gay man coincided with his artistic maturity the way Motown acts like Wonder and Marvin Gaye grew as musicians while writing about their blackness: Neither he nor they could separate one from the other. The rising AIDS death toll in the '80s and early '90s and the homophobia it inspired shaped Michael's solo career almost exactly the same way racism and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspired much of Wonder and Gaye's greatest work."

[227] I think not. That is an insult to everything the black struggle represent. How dare they write such a disgusting article. Why not compare him or his clause to the women's right to vote. I get they want to build George up but this is a reach even for me as a fan. I don't see this struggle as what blacks had to endure I get it the liberals are changing history to fit there narrative and that is wrong. George and others hid their homosexuality while being black can not be hidden. The rights that whites had were not given to blacks from slavery to Jim Crow laws. Blacks were still being lynching as late as the 1960's which is not so long ago. I don't like the way liberal media is washing away the true struggles of black Americans as if it was nothing and comparing their fights to other fight that did not lead to laws were you where not consider a person. The author was wrong for comparing George to a man that was shoot because he wanted his children and race to have the same opportunities as other individuals in a country his and other families build on free labor.

George Michael was your most popular artist in this year's All Time Top 500, with 20 songs overall.

R227 Great article thanks for sharing

Smooth Radio has listed Smooth's All Time Top 500 for 2018 and George was number 2 behind Ed. At least George had 20 of his song in the list. I am really getting sick of Ed.

That's real nice, George would've been happy - his music is definitely staying in people's consciousness. That's what matters at end of the day. I don't think Ed will have quite the same run.

Flashback to 30 years ago, Paul Simper interview with George about his enormous Faith tour.

(Paul commented on this 'Bless him making a cup of tea for the fan who faints in his flat ❤️')

And... I just got this book by Andros delivered. It's used but the 2017 version.

I saw what he's said to the tabloids - he's disgusting and desperate. Probably doesn't really know what he's talking about. Ronnie Franklin lashed out at him on Twitter:‏

[quote]Ronnie Franklin @ronnie_franklin May 6 Replying to @GMichaelNews I don’t normally comment on what’s in newspapers but it really makes me angry when rubbish is printed from someone who hasn’t been involved in George’s life for over 20 years. He knows nothing, all speculation and hearsay.

I'll still be giving this book a read but a VERY hard headed one. He's a worm but grew up with George, was in his entourage for a long time, George once described him as one of his closest friends along with David and Andrew. Andros was in that company. With what's happened, many wonder if Andros's story contains anything that may give more insight from GM's earlier background (I don't consider him an authority in more recent times). Perhaps it may save others trying to seek the same information from having to part money for it, putting more in his pockets. There may have been more of it in the old GM forum but that is now lost. All this seems to be leading to just more guessing and conjecture. I'd like to make my own judgement once and for all based on what he's actually said. And then I am done with this so-called 'cousin'.

I'm very happy that people are talking about the music here but I don't object to other questions or mention of media items if they don't take over... This is after all a self described 'gossip' site and this thread was listed as 'general'. It's not a specific 'appreciation' thread and was primarily created simply because I thought George Michael was worthy of his own discussion without FF and there should be place for it. After all FF's empty headed games and antics, I no longer wished to add to the run of attention being given to him by endless threads about him in this forum. If people do wish for a appreciation thread only, perhaps a separate one should be created along those lines and I for one would totally support it. Please post link here if that is done.

So I'll be back when more to say. It's a big book but what I'm interested in, probably only about 2 per cent of it. I'm sure a lot of it is just Andros's own self serving waffling about himself ugh...

* I'm not trying to push anyone off this thread - as far as I'm concerned all are welcome to be here, whatever it is they wish to discuss, music or general. If some of it really doesn't interest you however, perhaps consider making another more directly related to the topic you are interested in.

R234 Pls do share if you see something insightful and new in the Andros book. Don't want to buy the book and put money in the Leech's pocket

R235 first chapter pretty much a waste of time! I think the book is self published and very poorly edited - some paragraphs are printed more than once in the wrong place, grammatical errors nearly every page. (Andros also claims to have dyslexia.)

There is no mention of George and Andros's grandfathers being specifically related, only that they were best friends. George's father Jack and Andros's father Dimitrius (Jimmy) also became friends, and so on.

The Georgious were tailors (think they're still in that), while Jack went into the restaurant business. Because of their values instilled from their simple, traditional Greek-Cypriot upbringings, both Jack and Dimitrius felt that doing the best for their families meant working hard and being providers, even if that meant they weren't as involved in home life.

It sounds like the loss of Leslie, George's mum, may have had a very big impact on and put a general strain on relationships between the two families. I guess will be more about that later.

I'm up to point where George was about 16 or 17, and the start of his first group The Executive.

I can tell you that so far, nothing much that isn't already on the record. Except I always suspected that a reason why George's parents didn't like Andrew in the beginning was because they thought he was gay, with his flamboyant clothing sense, makeup etc. That appears to have been the case. Jack was also opposed to GM pursuing a music career because 'he thought all pop stars were gay' and he wasn't having that for his son. George defied him but at same time, wanted his approval.

George as a child sounds prone to mischief at times - not as much as Andros, who was usually the instigator - but sensitive, as others who knew him back then have described him, and was reflected by his early fascination with nature, bugs, insects etc. (He would even get upset if Andros stomped on the ants he was observing!) Jack tried to tried to toughen his son up by teaching him boxing, which George wasn't enthusiastic about.

Andros also had a father often at work, he also had a male role model figure in his life, with his English grandfather. I don't think George did. Lesley's father had committed suicide before he was born, and her family may not have approved of her marriage to a Greek immigrant, so it seems they weren't around much.

If George didn't have his self-confident friend Andrew, it's difficult to see how he would have made it in the entertainment industry.

So that's it so far. I'll report back when I finish this book and am able to take it all in. In meantime, an article I enjoyed reading.

[237] With all the grammar and misspelled words in that book. I just want to wish you good luck.

R237 Thanks for the updates. I have read some excerpts from the book. Also heard from a friend that Andros has written very uncomplimentary things about GMs Dad. Look fwd to your next update

R239 yes I've heard about that, though I think it must be later in the book. He obviously HATED Kenny. Didn't care for David. Thought Andrew was okay.

Here is a blog that Andros wrote some years ago, which is a summary. You can see he tries claiming some credit for Wham!'s success, saying he helped get their music into the clubs through his DJing connections. I think some of his information is a bit mixed up (possible his memory is confused) but will get back to that later.

(Ftw DJ Rusty Egan says that Mark Dean of Innervision played him the Wham Rap promo copy, and he booked them after first listen. The promo copy shown below still had George's original name on it. On the more common and better polished tour program for 'Club Fantastic' tour Andros didn't get a mention. Wham Rap didn't chart first release, despite them getting a write up in NME in June 1982, and Neil Tennant giving it a top review in Smash Hits. BBC wouldn't play it, probably because the lyrics were somewhat brash and subversive for the time - though George and Andy later said weren't meant to be taken seriously. 'Young Guns' got in the top 40 after some lucky TV spots. They'd honed their act and choreography in the clubs and presented well on TOTP. It went on from there.)

Is this from Andros book [241]. Because I see how this does not match to what George and varies member of Wham had stated. George honed his choreography in his bedroom with Shirlie this was stated on the 2017 British Awards. There's countless interviews that mentions that George, Andrew, Shirlie sometimes David was always together. Even when they film Careless Whisper Andrew, David and Melanie where with him in Miami. George was also known to push HIS /Wham singles to the DJ. There is a photo of him doing such, to the point (even after Wham became successful) they were tried of him. When George was a DJ at a restaurant he played Careless Whisper to see the crowds reaction. He did a similar thing at Hazel O'Connor party he and Pat where also in her music video.

here is the link: www.eadt.co.uk/.../the-day-hazel-o-connor-got-a-bucket-of-water-poured-over-georg

My point is that Andros is making himself more important role then he had. He was just George's drug man that's all.

Epub or Pdf link for Bare and Andros book pls

R242 Yes - that's it. He tries to make himself sound important in everything. But as I'm reading through, seems more like he was just the drug runner.

I'm loathe to quote large sections directly, because I know he goes around trying to claim copyright on all that he can. But he claims that he was so instrumental as a club DJ, he helped 'Young Guns' get into the top 40 so that Wham! got their first spot on TOTP. Then he says 'My job was done! George Michael had arrived.'

Actually, the song was just outside the top 40 and there was a bit more to it than that. Details are on wiki. But since he could never make it as a pop star himself, he tries to push himself as a music promoter, relying on his ties with George and Wham. But he's struggled doing that independently.

Andros had an outfit called 'Boogie Box High' and in the 80s they had a top 10 hit in the UK with a cover of 'Jive Talking' by the Bee Gees. George contributed the vocal. He wasn't credited, but it was generally known that it was him. That was in all the pop magazines and likely the reason why people bought it. Not because of Andros's skills or talent.

I'm about two thirds the way through this book, and not quite sure what he's inferring about George's father. Have to read all to know.

But it seems like none of the Georgious were invited to George's funeral, and that has caused a massive falling out between the two families. Jack and Dimitrius (Andros's dad) apparently no longer speak to each other. I wonder how much of it has to do with Andros always going to the media?

[244] I always believe that Andros was jealous of George. Who was consider the fat, ugly one who wore glasses, but the grown into a beautiful person both inside and out. He sold pictures of George's mother to the press and know he's out here trying to destroy George's elder father for a buck. I believe that Andros think that he can bully the family into giving him some of George's fortune then he will stop talking/making up things as they come. What Andros do not realize is that many of George's fan see though his lies and miss correct information.

Credits on the 'Club Fantastic' tour program. No Andros.

(With Jack - Andros is not specific so far. I think there may have been an issue in George's parents marriage, if there's anything at all. But I can't be definite until I finish the book, so I better get back to it.)

Well got to the end and really, as I said Andros seems to be implying that Jack's marriage had some trouble, and I can't see anything else. It's such a common situation many couples go through, I don't think it's an earth shattering revelation. And given Jack is elderly man now and what he's already been through, I don't know if it's worth going into detail.

(I thought there'd be something a lot more serious in the book, after seeing some of the theories thrown around, but I did not come across it.)

Apart from all this George seemed to have quite a comfortable, even privileged upbringing, without any obvious trauma. But with his disposition, he was probably more easily upset by some relatively minor things (this persisted a long time). It probably wasn't so much anything that happened to him growing up that caused him trouble, but how he felt he was somehow lacking, didn't measure up, or was missing out on something. My theory anyhow.

Anyway, Wham did do a lot of club appearances in the beginning. Sometimes six different clubs in one evening. Despite saying he didn't really think it helped that much with chart success, he later recalled: "We had to do those PAs; there is no way we could have rehearsed in my mum's living room and expected the thing to translate straight way on to live television. Those PAs were the best practice in the world."

But there's no way that I think they needed Andros's help - not when they'd already caught the attention of club DJs like Egan and had been booked at Camden Palace. Neither do I think Andros is the one who got them in music publications like NME and Smash Hits.

I've read quite a few biographies - the problem is I don't the best memory and can get them mixed up! But on looking back, Dick Leahy is supposed to be the one who stopped 'Young Guns' from being a second failure in a row, and he had far more experience/connections than Andros! (Some biographies say that after 'Wham Rap' didn't do well, CBS didn't bother pressing many copies of 'Young Guns' and the store supplies ran out.) The song crept back up to 42 after Leahy got into gear, and they were lucky to get a TOTP spot which put them on their way.

I don't know why Andros is claiming credit for it and it really is laughable! He was only a few months older than George, nowhere near the talent, and would've got absolutely nowhere without him.

Nothing is really said about Melanie and Yioda and their lives since losing their mother, though after that event things apparently weren't the same, there weren't as many family gatherings etc.

After George died, Andros says his father was visiting Jack and the sisters at the ranch farm. But after not being invited to George's funeral, Dimi no longer speaks to Jack - after a friendship going back 80 years.

As far as George's music - Andros claims to still have copies of unreleased songs in a safe. One is a ballad I've seen mentioned sometimes since the 80s called 'Stephen' and about six others from 'Trojan Souls' project. So what's to happen with them?

Anyway, that's the gist of the book. That's what I got for more than 50 bucks! I'll agree with him that GM chose his partners very badly after losing Anselmo, which put him in a messed up frame of mind. But little else I have time for.

Where all this goes next, who knows?

People who lived comfortable priviledged upbringings can still experience trauma. To state that his middle class or upper middle class upbringing cannot be traumatic is ridiculous. You and I do not know for sure but I just wanted to clarify those stupid notion some people state as fact. I am also stating my experience based on people I grew up with, everything looked great or good from the outside but there were dark secrets within their families.

R249 emotionally, it may have been difficult for him (especially a child with his sort of nature), despite having all the other things a kid may have wanted.

There's a quote by him: “It’s not the something extra that makes a star. It’s the something missing.”

I just don't think we can assume that all his problems later on were caused by something from that period of his life, and make all these speculations. No child has everything perfect, all families have issues. He did try to work things through with his family later on, on an adult level.

In early pictures, I see a very happy youngster. Not sure exactly when this image is - but there was a time they were enjoying the ride and 'felt their dreams were coming true'.

Unfortunately though, that vibe didn't seem to last, with one thing and another that happened along the way. By 1985, there was a perceivable difference, which he seemed aware of himself.

A great shame, things could've been so different. If we lived in a more understanding world. I truly see that as perhaps his greatest difficulty.

After that digression, I am done with Andros.

The Highgate mansion now up for rent? Not really that surprised as it would be currently unoccupied.

R251 What does Andros say about Kenny? He never liked him. But then Andros. except for Anselmo, never liked anybody who got close to George, including Geri

Well snake recognize snake so maybe each saw themselves in the other. Almost as if Andros and Kenny were mirror images of each other.

R253 - you just said it!

R252 he said from the start Kenny came between him and George. That Kenny pretended to not know who George was in the beginning, but was drawn to fame and wealth and partying. He even says that before George and Kenny went public with their relationship, Kenny was also seeing a very famous actor who was in the closet and I guess still is. But Andros won't name him.

Andros doesn't really have a lot to say about Andrew, except that he was one of the few who wasn't fake, and what you saw was what you got with him.

I have no idea what to believe with some of what Andros says, but I think Kenny showed his true colors by selling GM out to The Sun, shortly after George's funeral, and other ways he's conducted himself. I think it's also quite obvious, George never really got over Anselmo.

The whole situation seems pretty messed up. Andros made a FB post recently firing back very angrily at the family, saying they neglected George in final years. I think that George became distant from family in recent years and his personal affairs were quite a mess. But he admitted years ago, when he was going through a difficult time he tended to close himself off from the family to 'protect' them and so they wouldn't see how bad things were.

I've seen many say that at least with Kenny, he was still out and about, and would go visit Jack fairly regularly. But in the last few years he would only see a very small group of people and had stopped going out. Friends would try to get in contact but hit a brick wall. And especially after his mother died, George apparently became very hard headed and sometimes unreasonable.

^ Thanks for the update. Andros is very bitter that he lost out on an affluent lifestyle as a hanger-on of George. His claims that he played any role in George's rise as a star is a lie and pathetic. Also his assertions that if he was around he would have protected George better etc is laughable. Even before the bereavements, the dope smoking and drugs were around aided by Andros. So what would he have done to save George? In the end the only person who could have saved himself was GM. His self-denials and hard-headed nature and a refusal to admit that he had a serious problem did him in

R255 I agree. I think everything he went through in 80s and early 90s put him in a difficult situation and he was quite broken up about it. But he just wouldn't listen to anybody. It's difficult for anyone to understand how hard it is, if you haven't been in that situation yourself. You're up against a far more powerful enemy.

I was in a FB group for a short time and someone posted that her father lived in same neighbourhood as Jack, they were around same age and both had horses, so sometimes they'd talk. She said that even though George hadn't been around much lately, the family were absolutely devastated behind the scenes. When they had the funeral, I think they wanted that to at least be private among themselves, after all the intrusions they've been through over the years. So they wouldn't have appreciated Andros going to the media to share details he'd heard, which is probably what got the Georgious excluded. But then Kenny went and told The Sun about it afterwards anyway.

I'm kinda kicking myself now for buying and reading this book. But there it is.

George was one of my all-time top-5 male voices. I've loved him since I was 10, when his picture wallpapered my bedroom, and I was stunned and gutted when he passed over Christmas 2016. Such an astonishing talent at every facet of everything he touched. I would have loved to hear a duet between George and that other master of blue-eyed soul, Steve Perry.

And I wouldn't have cared if I'd known he were gay back then. After all I loved Erasure and the Communards, and the PSB (although I don't think I knew they were gay then).

David Austin will take questions from Alex Kain (COC Amsterdam / TNN) & the audience at the IN-EDIT Film Festival NL and we will be taking your questions with us! What would YOU like to ask David? Let us know or join us this Sunday

Someone has put Yioda's personal information online, which I don't think they should have done and I don't think they got everything right.

I think I'd like to say, Andros says in his book that George's sisters never married or had children. I've seen people talk as if there must be 'something wrong' with them because of that. There were even rumours on the old GM forum that Yioda is disabled. Well, she's actually very well educated, has done several jobs working very closely with other people - it's the sort of thing you'd have to pass personality tests for, be mentally fit and balanced etc. I just think she likes her privacy and I don't want to feel like a 'stalker', so end of.

People probably sick of this book but trying to bring it back to George - Andros says the first concert he and George went to was Queen at Earls Court, and Elton a bit later.

Actually though George said in 1982 that his first concert was "Elton John at Earls Court in 1975, I think. He was spot on, brilliant, especially considering how big Earls Court is. It was a fantastic show."

I think it may actually have been 1976 he saw Elton, and Queen at Earls Court in 1977.

I'm not totally sure about that, but both concerts are on youtube, and fascinating to watch. Freddie sang a 'new number' called 'Somebody To Love'. George may have been 13 or 14 in the audience, and I wonder if he ever thought he'd be on that stage one day?

[260] I think George got the location wrong. I thought I read in one of the old interviews posted that it was at Wembley Stadium London, UK Mid Summer Music in 1975. Because I remember thinking it was before his thirteenth birthday. Also George was a huge Elton John fan and not so much a Queen fan. He like their music, but he is on record saying Elton John, Stevie Wonder and David Gilmour as being his early influence in music. George has stated he only meet Freddie maybe three or four times in his life and wish he did not pass up the chance to perform with David Gilmour when he was ask. I think Andros is trying to match that performance with George's, by saying that George saw Freddie perform the 'Somebody To Love and latter George would perform it as some kind of strange faith. To me Andros did not really know George, I may not be explaining it correctly, but I feel as if Andros is trying to put himself in George's milestone while changing history.

I just hope George's real family and friends dot sell him out like Whitney Houston's. The secrets that are being let out to the public is sad on so many levels.

R261 yeah I'm confused, because Andros also puts Elton John at Wembley - his 1977 'farewell' concert at that venue. George said he kept his ticket from his first Elton concert, which would have had venue stamped on it, and he says it so specifically... So Idk. Several things appear to have got mixed up between biographies.

Whatever, I don't think George saw Queen first. It's always been said, it was Elton. Maybe he saw Elton at both these gigs. (I wouldn't be able to remember exact years, but now the tour records are all online...)

R262 - yeah tell me about it! It's awful! That entire Houston family is so messed up. I know someone who worked with her for awhile, said she was a real sweet person before things got bad. This news has just made me sick.

For the record though - some people wondered if there were hints of childhood abuse, in Andros's book. No, it's not in there. Definitely not.

[264] I hope this don't inspire Andros to make up a lie and take the same rode as Pat Houston just to make a buck.

This thread is [bold]George Michael[/bold] discussion thread not Whitney Houston discussion thread go make your own thread .

From the In-Edit NL Q&A with David Austin ** There will be a Box Set of Older with a VINYL rerelease ** ** There will be a special Freedom documentary DVD** But all in time!! #Patience (Which was not David's favorite record by the way, it was Older) #GeorgeMichael #Freedom

R266 That Q & A of David was interesting. In one answer he said he thought new releases were possible. Looks like the sisters will have David deal with all matters related to GMs music and take things forward in a low key manner. What do people on here think? Did anybody watch the Freedom docu and what did you think of the extended version?

I wonder if there will be a new song that we have never heard of or is it going to be remastered old songs.

I’ll bet the David Q&A was interesting. “He “thought” new releases were possible” LOL

IF there was any new material to be released I’m certain GM himself would have taken care of that.

God help the family if they leave musical decisions in David Austin’s hands.

Possible yes ... likely no ...

R270 But I thought that a dance album was nearly complete - at least several tracks were done and dusted. Gm mentioned this himself in a Danish interview. Why wouldn't they release some as singles? Could it be problems with the estate or with Sony?

Also, R269 - Not certain of GMs mental capacity in that final year. "IF there was any new material to be released I’m certain GM himself would have taken care of that." GM may not have been capable of making creative decisions in a comprehensive manner simply because he was preoccupied with his health - poor soul.

Ol' George had a lot (for someone who was as un-prolific as he was) of music that was 100% finished in his vault when he died. Let alone filmed concerts from his prime and peak during the Faith tour.

He just didn't want anyone to see it - and I doubt David Austin will be coloring outside the lines much.

A while ago I read that before any new music could be released GM himself had to approve and sign off on the final product. Apparently, this condition was written into his company rules. If that's true, alas, we will never hear any previously unreleased music from GM.

George really was trying to end his legacy. Why would he have all those martials and not release them to the public. Prince estate is releasing some of his martials from the vault.

It is a shame if his legacy ends because he died. It seems like there will be no new unheard music released now or in the future.

I guess he did not trust anyone around him to protect his legacy and promote his work to his satisfaction. It is shame he was not as interested in hiring powerful teams to make sure his work is reintroduced to a younger generation.

I hope his sister's have a change of hearts about this, because George was a great musician. He should be remember for his talent, not the scandals and lies of others who uses his name/image for profit.

R27 Absolutely agree. George was insanely talented and his artistry was reaching its zenith as he aged. It would be a shame to not release some of the music lying in vaults.... It would go a long way to cement his legacy as a brilliant musician as opposed to the considerable tabloid gossip about his personal life that is still promoted and is what he is often remembered for.

I don't think there is any music in his "vaults". George was always saying an album was almost finished but he couldn't talk about it. I don't think any new music was even started to be finished. George was done a long time ago. There is old unfinished music, the Trojan stuff, but I think Andros owns that and it's just bits and pieces.

It is quiet sad he gave up a while before he died. I wonder if his health, weight gain and lack of drive to reinvent himself caused his early death. I also wonder if they was ever any new material, which is a shame really.

George shares something similar to other deceased popstars. Like Michael and Whitney George was probably pressured to create a new album, Lose weight and he probably was not in that state to do so. All three never truly had a comeback and they died trying to resurrect their careers. Also all three struggled with addiction and it caused them their health and career.

R280 R279 I can't bear the thought that George was defeated... He was in the studio working on December 23rd and I believe HE believed there was more to come - I'm certain of it. Yes, he was in a bad place, certainly his health was compromised, and he needed people around him who truly cared, but George was tougher than we give him credit for. Of course, all that means nothing now - obviously, his heath was more fragile than he , or anyone, thought. But to think that he passed alone, on Christmas Eve no less, and was simply hopeless, is too heartbreaking - he had more verve and determination than that. He was working on music right up to the end and claimed in an interview that tracks were completed. Several people state they've heard some of these tracks so unless there is a conspiracy, there appears to be finished music somewhere. GM was known to be notoriously slow in his process - no doubt because he was a perfectionist. All the "gloom and doom" has taken center stage and I think we need to step back and consider how many times GM bounced back and laid waste to critics and naysayers. Yes, I know... It's all moot now.

[282] So George's body was found on Christmas Day and he passed on Christmas Eve. Then no wonder the family behave the why they did and damn both Kenny and Fadi to hell for taking advantage of the situation. If George died on Christmas Eve then he passed on his mother's birthday and was buried a day before his dad's birthday. Just sadness all around.

We shall see if he was actually working on a new song or if it was just a cover-up by his team. I will take what his industry friends and team says with a grain of salt until an actual unheard new song is released not a remastered of old songs. If there is a new song it would have been wise for his team to release it a few months to a year after he died, to keep his name alive in radios and generate interest among younger generation of consumers. Either his team is clueless about what to do then they should take a page from mj and prince team. Most of his American fans have probably moved on and if there was any new song it would have been wise to release it with the freedom doc.

R284 I'm still holding out for some new material we haven't heard... I think problems with the estate may still be wreaking havoc in the background. I can't imagine what the poor family had to deal with in terms of getting GMs estate together and sorted out after his death. - Hate to say the name but I'm sure Fadi has been a part of the problem and remains an impediment...

Delighted to announce that our documentary feature GEORGE MICHAEL FREEDOM - DIRECTOR’S CUT will have its U.K. Premiere at the @edfilmfest on George’s Birthday June 25th ❤️

CD remaster of Listen Without Prejudice will be released on June 15, 2018

George Michael: Freedom - Director's Cut - EIFF Trailer

This is what I am stating. Why is it that "new materials" are remaster of old songs. Give us something entirely new and different or we might start to believe he wasn't working on anything new.

Not sure how anyone can doubt that there are unreleased songs. Quite a few of them leaked online years back - from both the 80s (Soul Boy, People), 90s (Disco, So Damn Hard, Day and Night, just to scratch the surface), and the 2010s with the 2012 Gay Dance/House album (Where I Hope You Are, Every Other Lover). The White Light single was also from that aforementioned album.

There is also the live album from his 1991 Cover to Cover Tour (on which, while playing at Rock In Rio II, he met Anselmo), which would likely have his hits up to that point along with covers of his favorite standards (Superstition, Living for the City, Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Every Breath You Take, Lady Marmalade, etc.).

There is definitely a decent amount of stuff in his vault that could be released, but like with Prince and Michael Jackson it's a question of what to release along with tracking down the best copies. I'm somewhat happy that David Austin is in charge of that arena because he was at least around when it was all being recorded. That's something that the Prince & Michael Jackson Estates don't benefit from.

[quote] I don't think there is any music in his "vaults". George was always saying an album was almost finished but he couldn't talk about it. I don't think any new music was even started to be finished.

There is a gorgeous instrumental from the "Trojan Souls" sessions -- "Maybe It's Not Your Time." I truly hope there is a full version with vocal somewhere, it would be one of his all-time greatest just based on the melody and the background vocal arrangement.

Has anyone read this book/? Is it any good? Is it worth reading?

Nothing new and modern just old unreleased songs from 80s and 90s. So what he was working on before he died was remastering his old unreleased songs. I wonder how strong his voice was and even if he could have been able to produce a fresh very modern album.

R293 I believe George was in the midst of creating something new. Also, one's speaking voice is quite different than one's singing voice. If you listen to G talk in between sets during the Symphonica tour, his speaking voice was often very deep, gruff and scratchy - but when he sang it was angelic.

Popping back in briefly...

R292 I liked it, and was better than I expected. Even though the writer has some Murdoch connections, and it was still too soon to put out a book, but he appeared to have done his research, corrected a few errors in other biographies, etc. The book didn't ignore the controversies in his life, but I thought they were put in fairer context than I've seen elsewhere. The writer seems to have genuine respect for GM as an artist.

There was very little to shed light on the recent years, and nothing new that was scandalous - so if that's what people were looking for in the book, it may have been a disappointment to them.

But he got some personal stories from people who knew George earlier in his life. The school friend he may have got part of his 'stage name' from, a neighbour, etc. These sorts of anecdotes I think helped put together more a picture of 'Yog' as he was known to friends and family, rather than 'George Michael' celebrity.

Only thing which didn't make sense to me - there was a section about George's astrology at end of book! I have no idea the need for that!

I've said previously I think that some things have become mixed up between the biographies about George. I've read about three entirely different places where he was supposed to have seen the first Elton John concert, for example. There's Wembley, there's Vicarage Road at Watford, or there's Earl Court. I'm not sure! I don't suppose it really matters all that much, but there are a few things like that.

In Sean Smith's book, he mentions hearing the Executive early demo and that it really wasn't as bad as George later suggested. Andros says he has a few of the songs that never got released, including one I think may really be interesting, called 'Stephen'. Another book said it had been turned into 'A Different Corner' (there - that would throw up even more questions about that song!) But maybe not. I think it's supposed to be a ballad from the 80s if I remember correctly from one of George's interviews. A very personal number about grief. Sounds sad but I'd be very interested in hearing it.

R295 Thanks

[quote]three entirely different places where he was supposed to have seen the first Elton John concert

Yes it doesn't really matter it's not important

R296 I like to think maybe this performance, and this is what he saw. It's what Sean Smith goes with. I think Wembley may have been a later date. Anyhow... yeah I'd love to have been there.

The way he sounded in the last interview seem like he was done. I just got that feeling listening to him speak. I am referring to that infamous radio interview. One he got emotional talking about Anselmo, which he has never let himself be vulnerable.

I’m of the opinion GM knew his end was near and sadly took matters into his own hands. I don’t think it’s a coincidence he passed away at such a poignant time of year “Last Christmas....I gave you my heart” ...has a whole new meaning. As for his ex boyfriends...what can one say ? Both spongers and out for themselves. Fadi/Kenny wouldn’t know a hard days work if it hit them in the face....though both could be done with a bloody good slap !

What's the latest news on GM's secret true heterosexual life, his baby mama, and their son????????

WHY couldn't GM just come out as straight?????????

Hetero-erasure!!!

I read George by Sean Smith. I thought it was well written. I am currently reading Bare.

R299 - Not sure I agree with you. I just listened to “The Red Line” again and it really seemed as if he was gathering his resources to create more music. He seemed certain that the fragmented period he just endured would result in something "spectacular" – GM’s words. Yes, he sounded a bit horse but then, he always sounded like that - particularly during the Symphonica tour. He was incredibly articulate and focused during the interview. He was very emotional when talking about Anselmo - true - but part of that surely, was his remorse at never finding someone who loved him in the same way that matched his first passion. At a certain age - to revisit memories that brought us joy, while living in a turbulent and unforgiving present - we are prone to be disconsolate. Regrets appear magnified and in the case of an individual like George, who was extremely fragile, loss and regret can be devastating. Previous periods of content loom as mythical and unattainable - dreams never to be repeated…. Unfortunately, George aligned himself with men who cared more for his notoriety than for his heart and soul. Poor dear George - he never gave himself a chance.

Also, "a bloody good slap" for both the leeches would make me happy though a good beating would be better.

And R300 Please, just stop.

It is very unfortunate George Michael struggled with his sexuality in an era when aids became so relevant and being gay wasn’t accepted and his career was taking off. He was in a hell of a position for a young man. Anselmo was an answer to a prayer in some ways for George. He met Anselmo in Brazil (not in his home time or the USA). There was a freedom to their relationship that was not for the world to judge. I personally think Anselmo was his real first love. Anselmo and love were both new to George. George was feeling comfortable in his skin and the sky was the limit. The relationship was everything and more George had ever hoped for. George hadn’t experienced loss to this date. Unfortunately a devastating illness came into the picture before any bumps in the road came into George and Anselmo’s relationship. Their relationship never had a chance to run into road blocks, turn sour, become boring, etc. In George’s mind no one could ever live up to his relationship with Anselmo. It wasn’t realistic but nothing ever compared to Anselmo. The longer you live and the more you experience life the harder you become as a man or woman. George should have seen right through Kenny Goss. Right, for real Kenny didn’t know who George Michael was. It seems George saw through Fadi. Too many outside factors. Drugs and health made it hard to get rid of the leech, Fadi.

[303] I think Kenny took advantage of the fact that George's mom was ill and he was not thinking or seeing clearly. Therefore, Kenny slip in when George's let his guard down and Kenny him during the dark days of losing his mother and the bathroom scandal. George had feelings or confuse being grateful with love. Anyway Kenny only saw George's money and lied about not knowing who he was. Kenny was also giving out autographs as if he was famous when he was just George Michael's partner. The man love the fame and I remember reading that Kenny wanted to be a power gay couple like the Beckham's. Remember that circles, anyway George did not like living in the spotlight as Kenny did. That is why during the Kenny years the pap's have photos of George compare to previous times in George's life. There were photos of George with many celebrities compare to before and I believe George did that because Kenny long to be famous.

This song is one of George's favs

R300 No one said George was straight you bitch. Sexuality is not black and white I personally think he was bi or fluid.

I have gone back and forth many times regarding George’s sexuality. In a different era, time and career path I think it would have been more black and white for him. I often wonder if drugs became more relevant in order to justify his decisions.

Reference is always made concerning drama in his childhood. However, I have never read or heard anything specific to give credit to these actuations. Details would clarify quite a lot.

GM said he was gay. HE never said he was Bi or fluid.

And there's zero proof that woman was his lover and had his son.

R308 Evidence is some badly photoshopped pics and GM fans identified the original pics. Go to that George Michael Saga thread to read the explanation of why the pics are photoshopped. GM made it for her to protect her it seems. How does replacing one GM image with an older one of him and her protect her? Absolute bollocks. But she/he wont give up this BS story and continue to propagate it on Twitter and FB

[308] At one point in his early life George was Bi Sexual and had relationships with women. I don't understand why some people want to act as if the man was never with women when he was a one point. Now this crazy woman saying she had his child and he was secretly straight is a joke. This woman I guess must be that stalker who made George's life miserable. I was wondering how she was coping with his death I guess not good because she created this fiction story of a life and child with a man who called the police on her. Then she used a photo of Geri and George and stated it was her. George have some crazy fans to say the least.

A terrific article that goes a long way to cement George's legacy. It's a shame it wasn't written before he passed. I'm sure it would have warmed his poor heart.

John Norris interviews with George Michael over the years were always fair and entertaining. George seemed to respect John Norris of MTV. I agree with you. I’m sure the article and the Outside video have been seen by many that may not have been familiar with George’s work over the years. Loved George Michael’s Outside video. It displays his great sense of humor.

Not a single woman has ever come forward to say she had sex with GM. Not one. In all of these years. Well except for the batshit lady who says she had his kid. But she's nuts He was never bi or fluid. You don't identify with so strongly being gay in your teen years and then suddenly start sleeping with women for fun. That's not fun. It doesn't matter but I will never believe GM ever had an intimate relationship with a woman ever. There would be no shame in a woman coming forward to say that she had. But no one ever did.

R313 = frau

Woman coming forward? lol you're so naive darling when a woman is coming forward with sex stories it's paid by the celeb himself (or publicist) or she's a famewhore who wants publicity

[quote] I will never believe GM ever had an intimate relationship with a woman ever.

What an ignorant bitch

R308 No one is talking about that woman she's a fraud

R313 probably thinks Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Seacrest are straight because they both are accused of rape and sexual assault

[313] You don't identify with so strongly being gay in your teen years and then suddenly start sleeping with women for fun. When did George do this? The man have always said he though he was bi. There are stories of him crying over girls when he was younger. You need to stop reading the Sun magazine who wanted to paint George as some sexual pervert.

[313] there were women in the 1980s and 1990s but of course you don't remember because it doesn't fit your narrative

[320] The man is dead and people are still jealous of him.

Randomly caught myself crying in headphones today on break listening to "Mother's Pride."

He was so. fucking. talented. And I haven't even explored anything he did post-1992, although I think Faith album and Listen Without Prej album were his masterpieces.

[322] I like both those albums as well, until one day my sister gave me the Older album. It sat in my collection for weeks could not bare to hear his voice. Anyway one day I open the cd and it change my life. That album is my favorite mean not skipping a song type cd.

R322 'Mother's Pride' is a powerful track. Faith, Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 and Older are all amazing albums.

Ann Wilson to include George Michael's "A Different Corner" on upcoming covers album, "Immortal"

320 go away. You seem like the loon in the GM thread and you won't derail this thread with your bullshit. You and that frau need to stop arguing among each other. Now back to the topic of what went wrong with GM that he became reclusive in his last years.

R 322 "He was so. fucking. talented."

Hell yes. No one wrote lyrics or constructed melodies the way George did ... His songs were like a dagger to the heart and then there's that glorious voice...and he's still so underrated. So many critics heaped accolades on him after he left us but why the hell couldn't they have done it while he was still here? My heart still breaks thinking about it.

For those who are interested in seeing this.

REELZ Channel is doing a doc on George Michael life that will air this Saturday 9ET/ 8PT

George Michael's Lonely Life

George Michael was a world-wide super star selling over 100 million albums. He started pop group Wham! with his childhood friend Andrew Ridgeley in the 1980s then continued to have solo success with a career that spanned four decades. He was adored by millions and yet he died alone on Christmas Day 2016. His extraordinary life was marred by contradictions – from soaring highs to crashing lows. In the last ten years of his life, George Michael became more known for run-ins with the press and the law than he did for his music. So what tipped him over the edge?

Then on Sunday this doc will cover the autopsy of George Michael on REELZ 9ET/8PT

George Michael

George Michael was one of the most brilliant performers of his generation. In a career spanning 35 years, his talent for creating enduring music led him to become one of the greatest recording artists of all time. Following global fame with the pop group Wham!, his solo career sent him into the stratosphere and for a time, it seemed, he was unstoppable. But the death of both his lover and mother, along with the pressures of hiding his homosexuality, resulted in severe depression. Away from public view, this gifted star hid a tortured soul. He would sit at home with the curtains closed, ingesting all kinds of chemicals and alcohol – numbing himself to the pain that never went away. A string of lurid headlines documented a slide into self-destruction, which only ended with his untimely death, at the age of 53. It was attributed to natural causes, but rumor and suspicion that other forces were at play persist. Dr. Michael Hunter investigates what was going on in the singer’s body that caused him to die so suddenly, at such a young age.

I'm psyched for the suggestions re: Older album! I glad I have new material to love in the future! :-)

Thank you!

R319 that is offensive and if you feel that way this site may not be for you.

You won't get anywhere here if you are flaming/trolling. I think perhaps GM had a few fleeting encounters with women when he was very young while partying. No mobile phones with cameras to take pictures those days.

But if he could've been happy settled down with a woman that's what he would've done instead of stashing one away somewhere. That story is a fraud and scam and won't be entertained here either.

Moving on...

R313 's post is offensive

SPAZZZZZZ

R313 is an opinion they can have if they want, even though I may not totally agree. I'd encourage sensibles to just put people trying to start shit like R319 or spreading fraud/scams on ignore like I will and they can go somewhere else.

I don't know why my response is missing, but I never believe the story of the lady saying she had George's baby. My response was to [313] saying George was never with a woman at all. That story about that lady saying she had George's baby was not true and that account was shut down. The individual used a photo of George hugging Geri and said it was her and the guy photo she use was Photoshop. So I never believe the story when it was posted on Twitter. I don't see anywhere in my post that I believe that story. I hope this post get posted because its becoming trying reposting the same message only for it not to post.

R333 every mention to bisexuality is fraud/scam posts for you lol

R319's post is based on info in George's interviews it's not a scam

R313 is obviously a woman with no idea about sexuality and gay life

R333 I said I think he may have had women at earlier time in his life. I'm not discounting.

But if they're gonna use that to try and say he had secret long term relationship with a woman and child - that HAS been exposed as a scam. That's what I'm referring to, as you probably already know.

That's all the attention I'll give it, it quickly goes on ignore.

There isn’t any so called proof that George had physical relationships with women over the years. When he had Kathy with him on his Faith tour she had an adjourning room to his. I truly believe if along the way George had a child he wouldn’t have kept that a secret. Especially with the way he struggled with his sexuality from a young age. In some ways that would have taken some of the pressure off his shoulders with the media. George had a tendency to take care of his family, loved ones and friends. If he had a son or daughter that child would have been well taken care of. The child’s mother would not have been a problem for George. She would have been taken care of too. I do believe if he wanted the child’s mother to stay anonymous he would have taken care of it. Yog was in control of George’s life, his music career, his friends and he created a character that the world could love if they wanted too ... George Michael.

George Michael Shamed By Media For Sex Life After Gay Reveal

R338 There isn’t any so called proof that George had physical relationships with women over the years.

so called proof lol Fuck off

R329 - that's the great thing with George. Even though he wasn't the most prolific artist, he was so interesting and even after 30 years I'm still discovering new things about him, including in work I first heard all those years ago. He was a bit ahead of his time.

He had some errors of judgment but in other areas, I'm now admiring how smart he was. I once would never have thought that one day I would compare him in that sense to Bowie. But he had his moments of brilliance. We may never have another like him.

'STONER' GEORGE MICHAEL SMOKED 24 JOINTS A DAY TO NUMB VICIOUS INTERNAL DEMONS

De trolls and fantasists out in force. A lot of comments I'm not seeing because tuned them out. Goodnight to them all for now! Have a good one.

How Old Is George Michael In ‘Arrested Development’ Season 5?

R338

You can't prove that Kathy were a beard she has never dated any other gay man other than George Michael and neither George or Kathy admitted to be in a fake relationship

If she's a beard or a professional beard just name 3 gay men she bearded for I'm waiting ...

[341] George was a very talented man. Unfortunately people want to paint George as a stone druggie, who was a sexual pervert who was extremely depress about his life. There was more to George then that. In my option George was a better singer then Whitney even if his was a stoner, he never lost his voice. I choose to focus on his music and I hope one day a documentary will cover his music only not the subject matter of his life.

[338] Ignore some of this poster who what to erase George's whole dating history. Kathy is very private and did not long fro the spotlight like others. Kathy has a career as a make-up artist she is working and living her life. I know many hate Pat ( because she non white I get it) but she also live a private as a teacher and rising her son. Neither one sold George out and both have keep quite. But those other two live for the spotlight and would and say anything to stay in it. Kenny nor Fadi said anything about the one year anniversary of George's passing, but quick to say they were the love oh his life and entitled to his money. Some of those crazy as fans are saying George family don't deserve his money, but Kenny do.

Both Fadi and Kenny has stated that song that were written about Anselmo was for them. A Special Kind of Love~ Fadi said was for him, but it was written as a duet in 1991 with Elton. Then you have Kenny saying Save written in 1996 for the You Know That I Want To / Safe promo was for him. When clearly it was for Anselmo. I was with George for 15 years lair you was not with him when George had pneumonia. Fadi was a lover turn Personal Assistance for George, so don't judge Kathy base on these two former fame whore type partners.

I meant he not his this phone is behaving crazy today.

Evidently Kathy was a true friend to Georgia Michael. After all these years you never hear anything about her from her days with George or her life over the years. Apparently George had some very good friends for years.

Personality I like to remember him for his musical career including his beautiful voice, incredible writing skills, producing and playing the instruments on his albums. Stevie Wonder said George Michael had the gift of music. Amen to that.

He had a heart of gold.

Poster 347 proofread your comments. My goodness your statement is riddled with spelling errors and typical frau worship.

[350] Take your advice dumb-ass. I see English not your first language or you just maybe butt-hurt because the whores you stand for are being called out.

stay mad because Kenny doll and Fadi the Fraud will continue to be called out.

According to this program Kenny was the best thing in George's life.

This is the best of his unreleased songs. The studio video has disappeared from YT. Anyone know where the longer version is?

351 calm the fuck down and use your Valium. Your comments are all over the place. You are nothing but a troll trying to derail this thread with your nonsense. I am surprised you can type without having a meltdown and avoid making less grammartical errors.

R352 Kathy is a nice person but she's an addict too

I often wondered if Anselmo was a druggie and how did he get aids.

356 you are asking how Anselmo got aids. You do the math. The fact that you are suggesting drug addiction shows how naive you are or maybe you don't want to admit he might have contacted aids from unprotected sex. I don't think he and Anselmo were exclusive.

[354] You could have just ignore the post seeing how comprehension is hard for you. Stop being

R356 FYI not everyone with HIV got it from using drugs. Anselmo got the virus very early in or before the relationship with George. He had been living in New York, working in the fashion field, and he didn't have a steady partner. It was all casual, guys he met out on the town, and it is thought he caught the virus in NY.

For what it's worth Andros doesn't seem to think there was much going on between George and Kathy, and he was around a lot at the time. Between Brad and Anselmo, he says there was a French guy called Tony. When George came out to Andros, he said 'Tony is my boyfriend.' That's perhaps one time when Andros's word may be reliable.

I don't know why they're doing a show about George's autopsy, when they don't even have a copy! Just the death certificate and Fadi's incoherent information. It will be guessing, theorising from limited facts, and tabloid rumours all over again.

If drugs contributed in any way though, I think it was accidental and he took more than his weakened system could handle. Christmas can be stressful and people get carried away.

I think what he went through last few years, whatever it was, must have been terrible. He appeared to be doing well and then suddenly - disappeared and nothing. I was never convinced by the public explanation and felt it was probably a deeper crisis.

But to me, I think something like this was bound to happen sooner or later. Regardless exactly when how or why. Nothing much may have made a difference and I don't think it's as important as the bigger picture.

Sorry I never assumed Anselmo used drugs. I figured he contracted aids by having unprotected sex. The only reason I was asking is apparently drugs played a bigger part in George Michael’s life than I thought.

Can't see half the recent comments because they're blocked. Why are they here posting this garbage? Maybe they got the wrong thread - should be on FF Saga or GM Saga thread.

Don't know what's planned for GM's birthday this year but I may not look at it on social media. Last year I stepped away after some Lovelies posted a picture of themselves laughing and grinning in front of GM's grave. Even though the family are requesting donations to charity in lieu of tributes, I know that many are panning to take more there later this month.

[359] I don't believe anything Andros have to say. That man was so jealous of George to the point he was trying to say George wanted to be him.

358 you proved my point. You are nut.

I don't know why it's so important to some of them. It was his life not theirs. He'd moved on LONG ago and so had majority of fans. But some creepy women who stalked him still wanted to think they 'had a chance' lol. It's mental. If I had to deal with people like that I wouldn't want to go out much either.

[363] Reaction when no one agrees with him.

365 you are trolling and a waste of humanity. You are demented and need help. Your meme are juvenile and attention seeking. I actually feel sorry for you.

Why don't both [365]/[366] stat a new discussion about trolling each other. This is about George Michael.

George Michael's memorial is stripped and CLOSED after fans were given deadline to remove tributes

Does George Michael's BF Know Details About Star's Death?

It would be nice if the Fadi - Kenny arguments go the to the FF saga thread and the baby momma wrangles goes back to the George Michael Saga thread. Lets keep this thread for the music and some relevant GM updates.

[370] I agree with you

R370 I agree - lets keep it about the music. The rest is sheer insanity.

The 'George Michael: Autopsy' show is airing June 3 on REELZ I see. Radar Online aka National Enquirer is saying it's alleged GM was taking hard drugs again in final days.

I wonder if our friend Andros is making an appearance?

I think we all realise George did a fair bit of damage to himself over the years with his lifestyle over a very long period. This may have had direct and indirect implications for his health.

I think however this show will be mainly based on Rumours and gossip from the 'cousin' (failed businessman who didn't see George for 20 years - I see cranks all the time trying to get through to him) without access to actual reports, no matter how many 'doctors' who most likely never treated GM make an appearance.

But there will be a media beat up. Any excuse will do.

I hate that [373] how they keep doing negative stories on George. I just hope that one day there is a doc on George's talent. Like how he wrote , arrange and produce his music.

Where can we see the Reelz autopsy show if we don't have access to it?

I wonder how much input Fadi Fawaz had regarding the television shows on Reelz on Sunday, June 3rd regarding George Michael. Also, I wondered if he was paid.

I suppose someone will put it on YouTube but I dunno if I'll bother with it. Not defending him but I doubt Fadi took part even though they'll probably discuss the 911 call and his weird tweets.

Wouldn't be surprised to see Andros in it though..

DOC'S 'KICKBACK' Swiss rehab clinic Kusnacht Practice where George Michael spent £1.5m for treatment ‘paid singer’s psychiatrist £150k to refer him’

Huge George Michael shrine is removed outside his London home

Tragic George Michael died after 'never recovering from grief'

'DREAM COME TRUE' George Michael tribute act to perform on stage show about singer’s life after being spotted by show’s director in Scottish Sun

The singer, who had not yet even admitted to his own family that he was gay, said: “It took about three years to grieve, then after that I lost my mother. I felt almost like I was cursed.”

That “curse” might actually have been a medical condition, believes Dr Papadopoulos, who says the strong indication is that he was a victim of Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder and was unable to overcome his emotional pain.

The condition, also known as Complicated Grief Disorder, can result in “destructive thoughts and behaviours, such as substance abuse”.

Dr Papadopoulos added: “George basically never recovered from his grief but rather masked it with drugs and anti-depressants.”

Although the much-loved star’s death certificate concluded “natural causes,” it also recorded heart and liver problems.

And one of the world’s top pathologists agrees that they could have been aggravated by his condition.

Dr Michael Hunter, who studied the singer’s medical records, said: “Loneliness triggers greater levels of the stress hormone cortisone in the body and can greatly increase the risk of heart disease.”

George’s prolonged drinking, cigarette and pot smoking and use of powerful narcotics including crack cocaine would also have contributed to the organ damage, he said.

Dr Hunter added: “He had been pushing his body to the limits for more than 20 years.”

[post redacted because linking to dailymail.co.uk clearly indicates that the poster is either a troll or an idiot (probably both, honestly.) Our advice is that you just ignore this poster but whatever you do, don't click on any link to this putrid rag.]

This TV show sounds like it doesn't say anything we didn't already know, except new fancy label for it. And R365 is either a troll or very unaware person who has derailed this thread with their nonsense about George supposedly being a bisexual with hangup about race. Omg. George was under so much family and social pressure years ago to have a woman in his life. He may have tried to have a straight relationship, like some gay men feeling the pressure try to marry a woman, may even have kids, but are very unhappy and usually end up leaving or living a secret life. They were never really straight or bi in the first place.

From late twenties onwards, after being devoted to his career most of the time before then and not having much of a satisfactory personal life, he clearly identified as gay and was not interested in having another relationship with a woman - despite being surrounded by beautiful impressive women all the time whom he could have had if he wanted. Please go elsewhere with that nonsense or get over it. This isn't the place for it.

Lol even Elton woke up to himself by end of 80s. But before then...

It’s too bad no one could diagnose George Michael while he was still with us. It isn’t as if he didn’t seek help. Plus it wasn’t a secret his grandfather and uncle on his mother’s side suffered from a mental illness and committed suicide. Depression is an illness. Some people take it very lightly but it is no laughing matter.

George Michael truly was brilliant musically. I was listening to his Wham! Cd’s today. First of all his music is timeless. Case in point ... “Pitch Perfect 3” ends the movie with the Bella’s singing “Freedom”. “I’m Your Man”, Careless Whisper, “Everything She Wants”, “A Different Corner” and “Last Christmas “ are a few examples of his incredible talent. I’m a fan of “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go”, so shoot me. I was reading the credits in the Cd cases today, By Wham’s second album he played most of the instruments, sang backup, produced and sang with his incredible voice. On a good portion of his songs there is only background music. He uses his voice as the melody music. I never noticed that before today. I hope people are ready to remember him for his philanthropy ways and his gift of music. He so deserves that acknowledgment as well as his father and sisters.

Yeah M George was extremely talented and I choose to focus on that. I was reading an article that Shannon Stone had "written" in Vogue Italia about George. "THEY WONT GO WHEN I GO This song in the classical dirge sense, tells of the woes of the individual who sings his lament, that of a hopeless sinner who cannot be seen for himself; who sees those who pretend, and judge. It is beautifully performed with a choir and Michael leading as only one who truly understands this soulful piece could.

She was wrong about the choir, it was all George that's just how talented he was.

The GM episode of “Autopsy” airs tonight at 9 PM ET

R388 You are right. George was insanely talented and so underrated. I want a documentary to chronicle the extent of his artistry - not his missteps. Very few artists had his emotional reservoir or the ability to convey the depths of vulnerability he accessed. He never failed to beguile you... Christ we all fuck up at some point but this constant obsession with aspects of his personal life are sickening. He's gone - let's celebrate the part of his life he devoted to music. It's spectacular and deserves scrutiny.

Yes [390] we should celebrate George's music. That other stuff/rumors have been talk to the ground. I just happy that some people on Twitter are discussing their favorite George Michael song.

R390 - I believe that you are sincere, but R388 is a hypocrite who thinks they own this thread and appears to be the main one trying to cause trouble. Put them on block, and most of the crap is gone.

Some of their other comments:

[quote]George Michael always gave me the impression of someone who was a little racist like Mark Wahlberg. I also believe because he was a little racist that is why so many of his fans are as well. Hear me out why I feel this why. Why did his family never meet the Anselmo? I know because he was closet but he could of said Anselmo was an industry friend, you lie to his family like he did to his fans...

[quote][90 George never had "beards" and this is a general discussion about George. People wants to know about other parts of George life.

[quote]George father wasn't a racist. I believe George was one. I think he dislike his dad because he was not Anglo-Saxon. George hid not just hos sexuality but the fact he was a Greek Cypriot.

[quote]When you read some of his fans tweets about this guy it also hateful. I don't know the guy but George's fan say some disgusted things about all the other partner/breads but not Kenny who really did sell him out to the press. I think these people saw themselves in George hint why they are fans of his. Like the old saying goes you attract what you are

[quote]I had a former friend who had lived in England during the eighties and she that said GM dated a girl that was black. I did not believe if for a second then when he died someone post photograph and this pic showed up and the name said Pat Fernandes. Then I read an old interview either it was Attitude/Out not sure. Anyway he stated that she really hurt him and I'm like how. How can someone you claimed off/on over the years hurt you when you never claimed she exist after you became a superstar.

I don't know what this person is about, they seem to think they own this thread because they have tried looking back into George's history after the time has gone past and have put together their own conclusions from their own bits and pieces. They go back and forth so much I think they have their own issues projecting on GM. They want to argue about George's sexuality, call him racist, then they want to forget all that and go back to just discussing the music. They appear to be the main derailer in this thread and don't really know what they're talking about with him. I just wouldn't bother.

I believe you are the one who needs help.

[392] Post

George Michael general discussion thread 96 you got me all wrong. I am not a Kenny fan neither am I a Fadi fan. I just think it is unnecessary to beat a dead horse. What were you expecting her to say, they were in love. I am sure you were been messy by bringing up Pat. You were looking to troll this thread with the pat and Kathy nonsense.

George Michael general discussion thread Whoever think the way he was outed had no effect on his career in the states, has not been paying attention. The Sony court case and the way he was outed dampped his star power in the us. It was the late ninties and America was still very much homophobic and George was not your average popstar. He was a sex symbol that women lust after and they probably felt a sense of betrayal. He had to deal with criticism from the gays who felt he should have came out earlier and women who felt led on.

George Michael general discussion thread He surely had his share of crazy fans but sometimes those fans overstep their boundaries. Spreading fake rumors should ban any of those deranged lovelies from this thread. Let's not entertain them with the swedish story.

George Michael general discussion thread If only those deranged lovelies can take his advice and stop spreading fake rumors online. 203 that can be applied to his crazy fans.

George Michael general discussion thread I remember listening to an old interview, which he states that he resented his career not going down the drain after the personal suffering he experienced. He seems like he wanted to self sabotage what was left of his legacy with the drugs and arrests. His career always seems to write itself in more ways and intact but the artist himself was falling apart.

George Michael general discussion thread People who lived comfortable priviledged upbringings can still experience trauma. To state that his middle class or upper middle class upbringing cannot be traumatic is ridiculous. You and I do not know for sure but I just wanted to clarify those stupid notion some people state as fact. I am also stating my experience based on people I grew up with, everything looked great or good from the outside but there were dark secrets within their families.

[392]

George Michael general discussion thread We shall see if he was actually working on a new song or if it was just a cover-up by his team. I will take what his industry friends and team says with a grain of salt until an actual unheard new song is released not a remastered of old songs. If there is a new song it would have been wise for his team to release it a few months to a year after he died, to keep his name alive in radios and generate interest among younger generation of consumers. Either his team is clueless about what to do then they should take a page from mj and prince team. Most of his American fans have probably moved on and if there was any new song it would have been wise to release it with the freedom doc. George Michael general discussion thread This is what I am stating. Why is it that "new materials" are remaster of old songs. Give us something entirely new and different or we might start to believe he wasn't working on anything new.

George Michael general discussion thread Nothing new and modern just old unreleased songs from 80s and 90s. So what he was working on before he died was remastering his old unreleased songs. I wonder how strong his voice was and even if he could have been able to produce a fresh very modern album.

George Michael general discussion thread The way he sounded in the last interview seem like he was done. I just got that feeling listening to him speak. I am referring to that infamous radio interview. One he got emotional talking about Anselmo, which he has never let himself be vulnerable.

George Michael general discussion thread 320 go away. You seem like the loon in the GM thread and you won't derail this thread with your bullshit. You and that frau need to stop arguing among each other. Now back to the topic of what went wrong with GM that he became reclusive in his last years.

[392] post

Poster 347 proofread your comments. My goodness your statement is riddled with spelling errors and typical frau worship. 351 calm the fuck down and use your Valium. Your comments are all over the place. You are nothing but a troll trying to derail this thread with your nonsense. I am surprised you can type without having a meltdown and avoid making less grammartical errors.

356 you are asking how Anselmo got aids. You do the math. The fact that you are suggesting drug addiction shows how naive you are or maybe you don't want to admit he might have contacted aids from unprotected sex. I don't think he and Anselmo were exclusive.

358 you proved my point. You are nut.

365 you are trolling and a waste of humanity. You are demented and need help. Your meme are juvenile and attention seeking. I actually feel sorry for you.

[392] Post

The Fadi Fawaz Saga Part XIV Did one poster just stated that Fadi deserves something for been a spouse. You know they were never married right. He is merely just a paid boyfriend help or whatever minimal title George perceived of him.

80. Fadi fangurl alert. Sure he deserves the moon and stars. How much is Fadi promising to give you shilling for him. I mean every Fadi whore deserves a cut of her own. It is not only gays who dislike that giggolo.

Fadi fangurl, for all your explanation you seem to lack critical intelligence and your posts sound like an endless ramblings of an incoherent lunatic. Just stop embarrassing yourself and use your Valium.

249, your statement is filled with run on sentences and incorrect grammars. You should work on your writing and critical intelligence skills before coming for me. I know that Fadi gets your dick hard or shall I state he gets your pussy wet, because that will only explain why you refuse to get off his nutsack. Like I stated earlier I am worried about your mental state because you sound like someone is losing touch with reality.

David seems mysterious and a mess to me. I have never heard or read of him having his own family or life outside George. He seems very dependant on him for connections and a place to stay. He was truly one of his yes man and was probably not good for him in the long run. I will refer to him as a long time leach that his identity is wrapped up in been associated with George. Do some of you think they were long time lovers because how many "straight" men will be around a gay man with so much sex and drugs for so long and be ok with it. I do wonder if David did join in the fun and was sexually adventurous or shall I state open not only sexually but also taking part in the drugs. I remember seeing pictures of Fadi and David together and I could see tension between them. Maybe David is like Robyn Whitney secret lesbian lover.

I am not a Whitney troll dumbass. I stated my comment from what I have observed in pictures and his documentaries. I have never seen or read anywhere if David has his own family at least with golddigger Fadi you see him take picture with his brothers. David just seem like a total hanger-on type of friend.

Poster 338 you are nut. You went from defending Fadi to now shading him. I could care less for those two leaches. I am not the one defending Fadi, you are.

You seem like a mean person who become anger if they ask questions about George. You talk of someone trying to control this thread but judging from your post its you who is trying to control this discussion board. People can ask questions and give options if they like you are not the control of this board. As a matter of face you did not began this discussion, but you are hell bent on derailing this conversation from George. Not everyone is going to agree with each other, but for to try and start some sort of problems says alike about you.

R386 What's your point? George did not have an obligation to come out It was his life and his choice.

393-397 what can I say? The other fonts were obviously right about you from the beginning and responded to you reasonably, the regular posters here have been civil except for you and perhaps another who appears to be your support but isn't as OTT. You're not worth bothering with. It's a shame however that one or two have to try and make things bad for everyone else and cause a disruption.

R398 if Elton was married to a woman for four years in the 80s should we not believe him now when he says he is gay? Perhaps he is bisexual after all and just been pretending for 30 years that he is gay - for some reason I can't think of.

(Being sarcastic - nobody really asks this question. Maybe it's because he wasn't as attractive as George. But nobody really cares about Elton's first marriage, they just know it was a bad decision. Elton is most definitely gay.)

Last year Elton said: 'Many years ago, I chose Australia for my wedding to a wonderful woman for whom I have so much love and admiration. I wanted more than anything to be a good husband, but I denied who I really was, which caused my wife sadness, and caused me huge guilt and regret.'

It was wrong but he was messed up at the time and so many afraid of AIDS. Maybe he thought they could make it work but they were wrong. Elton moved on however, got himself sorted out, and is doing pretty good today. Wish it could've been same for George.

Sorry to everyone else for continuing this. Won't mention again. I think I'll go until coast is clear and things go back to normal.

Does anybody here believe the theory some people have that GM must have suffered abuse as a child. This drove his behavior as an adult with all the anonymous hookups and drugs. Simon Napier Bell and others saying something must have happened, but we dont know what exactly

R401 We cannot know but I personally don't think so. (This is going to be long because I've really tried looking into it and things seem complex. But I'm just gonna lay it on the line.)

I've never seen anything about it. Andros seems to be suggesting that Jack, George's father, cheated on Lesley and this caused some upset for the family. Not nice but situation many families go through. George said his parents had nearly split up over some differences.

He did a 'tell all' interview with Jonathon Ross that was 'canned' because it was scheduled to air after the X Factor and wasn't considered suitable for the young audience from that show. It was described as 'shocking' and 'inappropriate'. The two grim suicides in his family, his wild lifestyle excesses etc. That may have been just too much, but I doubt it was anything else.

A main issue from childhood seemed to be wanting more attention and affection from his parents, who were run off their feet busy. He wanted his father's approval but at the same time, went against him. This need for affirmation he felt he didn't get from direct family is supposed to have made him hungry for fame.

I don't know about anything else that may have happened, but it should perhaps be remembered that sometimes, it didn't take much to upset George. He had a very sensitive temperament and insecurity about his looks when younger.

I read Napier-Bells book but don't think he really knows anything in detail about George's past, because George didn't trust Simon enough to confide in him.

I believe that pressure of 'living a lie' along with exposure of fame took a toll, starting in the mid 80s. Then just as things seemed to get better, two episodes of grief.

Pat Fernandes sold her story to the tabloids in late 1986, saying that George was very unhappy, hitting the bottle hard, and had suicidal tendencies because he 'hated being a pop star'. I don't think his struggle with depression had been talked about before then, though he described it in Bare.

Despite that though, I don't think he committed suicide in the end. He may have taken something, but not in quantity considered enough to cause death of a 53 year old.

I know he's not trustworthy but as for Andros - he claims that he spoke to George towards the end of 2016 and they were making things up. He says that George was not only getting rid of Fadi, but David Austin as well! It's claimed that George told Alex the same thing. I don't know whether to believe but even if, I doubt GM was in great mental state or that he was really going to get rid of David.

I don't know however if we're ever really gonna get complete truth about everything. Ramble over!

^Interesting. Can you expand on the David Austin part? Was it in Andros's book or where did this info come from. Interesting that David is now front and center and in many ways in-charge of GMs legacy

No problem 403. The information was in the book “Bare”. It was written by Tony Parsons in 1990. Tony Parsons interviews George, Andrew, Andros, Shirlee, Gary Farrow, Dick Leahy, Jazz Summers, Simon Napier-Bell, Rob Kahane, Michael Lippman, Connie Filippello, Siobhan Bailey and Caradoc King. Each person makes statements through out the book. George states in the beginning of the book that “David Austin would have doubtless made a colorful and amusing contributor to this book, but he says that his watch was still on French time when he missed his appointment with Tony etc....”.

George and the others are very opened with their stories. George touches on his relationship with Andrew, Anselmo, his family and his career decisions. David seems to have his own life back then. They were friends at a very young. George does mention that David had girlfriends back to in the day.

402 where did you see that Andros stated Jack Panos cheated on Leslie? I would imagine George would have had a hard time forgiving his father especially with the way George felt about his mother.

[399] I see your answering your post an someone else. You have never been kind in your response if anything you have been extremely mean and hateful. I will not answer you from here on out because clearly you have an agenda when you enter these post since tha Michael Forum closed. You are the one acting as if you control who can or cant interact on this board. Newsflash you don't onward nor did you began this discussion. Clearly you are not a George Michael fan, but someone who just recently discovered George upon his passing, hint at your anger about questions George's past life. I can tell you have never owned a cd nor seen George live. You just started reading up on George throw the Sun and Daily Mirror stories and now you believe you are the holder to George Michael life. From your posting you have this hatred for David Austin and his family, why because you believe Kenny deserve George's wealth or is it Fadi. Do me a favor block me don't answer me and go crawl back under the rock to which you have come from. I usually don't block/ignore poster because its childish. However, I will make an exception to you because you are a childish individual who is miserable and wants to spread that misery around. So like the other poster on this board I will not be answering you from here on out. P>S you add nothing to the conversation just trying to derail this discussion. I hope you seek the help you need and have a nice day.

[401hat's a very interesting theory on this subject.

R402 Repeats his bs in every 50 posts

R400 This is not a Elton John thread

[quote] Does anybody here believe the theory ...

Yes

R410 Based on what?

George had later symptoms that many abuse victims experience as an adults like

Dissociation, trust issues, difficulty setting boundaries, self medicating with drugs, low self esteem, emotional and social Isolation, promiscuity, suicidal tendencies, anxiety, constant mourning, feelings of guilt, depression, anticipating an early death, ...

Does anybody have a link to the REELZ documentaries?

[413] You will have to sing up for the Reelz Now app the gain access. Here is some of information for the process.

About REELZ NOW®

REELZ NOW® is an on-demand online video service offered through participating TV providers that gives you the freedom to watch TV streaming live and access to full episodes of your favorite REELZ shows when you want to watch them.

It’s simple: Access REELZ NOW® via your desktop, laptop or device browser or get the free REELZ NOW® app, log in with your TV provider username and password, then start watching! There’s plenty to choose from and new episodes are added regularly.

REELZ NOW® is a part of the TV Everywhere viewing experience. It gives you the freedom to watch your favorite REELZ shows on your schedule, on your choice of devices, whether you’re on the go or at home.

REELZ NOW® lets you:

Watch full episodes of your favorite REELZ series including Murder Made Me Famous, Hollywood Scandals, and Autopsy

Watch TV live, streamed to your desktop or mobile device

Create a custom watchlist for viewing when you want

Pause and resume playing shows right where you left off

Access REELZ’s full schedule and set reminders to watch

Which devices can I use? Almost all REELZ NOW® programs are available on all devices (PC, laptop, iPad, iPhone, Android phone).

How many different devices can I use? There is no limit to the number of devices you can use. However, REELZ NOW® is limited to five active uses at the same time.

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How do I use REELZ NOW®? Click on the "Sign in" button at the top of REELZ NOW® and select your cable or satellite provider. Once you enter the login information for your cable or satellite subscription, you will be brought back to REELZ NOW® where you can begin streaming your favorite shows.

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Does Reelz Channel collect and store my sign in credentials? Reelz Channel and REELZ NOW® does not collect, store or maintain your provider account information.

Hope this help because YouTube delete the episode when they are downloaded.

R403 Andros updated his book with a new chapter, about events since GM's death. I think he told the media last year that he'd recently been in contact with George again and they were arranging to meet up. He's vague on many points though.

It has to be remembered that Andros is likely to be extremely jealous of and resentful towards David - they are apparent arch enemies. George and David would sometimes have disagreements but then get over it. George also probably wasn't making the most rational decisions at times and if any truth to this story, Andros may have called him when he was just having a bad day with David on his case.

Re Jack, yeah I don't know how GM would've reacted, but perhaps he wouldn't have held his father on the same pedestal as a 'moral authority' anymore. Jack was working extremely long hours at the restaurant, and Andros seems to imply something else may have been keeping him away from the family home at times.

Emotional dysfunction but no references by Andros to serious abuse taking place in GM's childhood though. I'd like to clear that up, even though that doesn't rule it out.

George had definite trust issues. I think however that may have caused in great part by Wham's bad early contract experience, media, etc. The other symptoms can unfortunately also be common among victims of homophobia. GM was very concerned about mental health issues and high suicide rate of young gay people. I think because he had suffered the same.

[post redacted because linking to dailymail.co.uk clearly indicates that the poster is either a troll or an idiot (probably both, honestly.) Our advice is that you just ignore this poster but whatever you do, don't click on any link to this putrid rag.]

Mickey Rourke post this about George

[quote] he claims that he spoke to George towards the end of 2016 and they were making things up. He says that George was not only getting rid of Fadi, but [bold]David Austin as well[/bold]

It's obvious Andros is lying again

If it is true that George Michael’s father cheated on his mother that probably would have been a very traumatic experience for him. George took after his mother. He was kind, caring, was never motivated by money and had a great sense of humor. (The way George loved and care about his dogs over the years speaks volumes about George.) I would think it would have been difficult for George to watch his mother go through a personal crisis. I think George respected his father’s work ethic but It wasn’t about keeping up with the Jones for George. George never developed a close bond with his father the way he did with his mom. We will never know for sure but we do know he deserves accolades for his gift of music. People seem to pay a high price for having genius qualities.

George and his father

Fadi Fawaz @fadifawaz 19h ago

Fadifwz@yahoo.co.uk email me for an interview about the truth with the whole George Michael thing and all the lies that’s is going on.

Fadi is a troll

Kenny is as bad as Fadi. Two real winners.

Delighted that our intimate portrait documentary GEORGE MICHAEL FREEDOM - DIRECTOR’S CUT will be screening as part of the @Docedge Queen’s Birthday Encore Screenings tonight in New Zealand ❤️

Tabs give conflicting accounts how long George Michael stayed at Kusnacht Practice in Switzerland for rehab. Daily Mail said 1 year while Sun said 6 months.

R423 I didn't know that Kenny may be taking legal action as well. It's disturbing that George would surround himself with a small, enclosed group - and then there would be feuds and rivalries betwen these people over who was top dog, and suspicions about loyalty. It seems a potentially very toxic situation. 'Loyalty' was a big thing for GM and when he felt betrayed, he took it hard. In the end, he became very isolated. The 'Different Corner' image was like a prophecy.

In the media, George used to say he liked to keep old friends from before fame around him to keep him 'grounded'. But it just seems like when Andros was summoned, he was told to get some stash and they'd be partying. Once Andros had kids, they tried to involve George but the relationship may have changed, with George feeling like Andros now had other responsibilities.

When Lesley died, Andros says GM was shattered but then just became harder, like his father. But I don't really feel sorry for Georgiou's situation. George kept Alex on, and it sounds like Alex had his own issues. He had also lost his mother to cancer and went 'a bit off the rails', falling in with the wrong crowd. He's supposed to have come through it but he sounds like a very 'vulnerable' person. I think last year he was being left alone at Highgate too often. If they're now going to rent to tenants, maybe he will stay on as caretaker.

R419 I'm sure Jack felt he was doing right by his family, working hard to give them a good home and education. I think George understood that later. But when you don't spend time at home, have that time with family, it has an effect sooner or later with your kids, your spouse etc. You become distant. George used to describe himself as emotionally stunted for his age, and he gave that as reason for being a relatively late bloomer in his personal life. He said that Anselmo changed that in him but as we know, all that got interrupted.

(I'm sorry if I do repeat myself - I'd like to keep things open, but in some sort of fairness and reality, because there has been real craziness some places.)

Also apologise for losing my contribution no all the time. But I know I've said way more than enough, u guys turn.

Troye Sivan’s ‘Bloom’ Video is a living look book/oil painting directed by Bardia Zeinali in which Troye pays lush homage to “Vogue,” [bold]George Michael[/bold], Annie Lennox, Perfume Genius, and more

R354, the irony of your last sentence made me lol.

Autopsy: The Last Hours of George Michael and George Michael ‘s Lonely Life will be re-broadcast on Reelz this evening Thursday, June 7.

Trying to find out if George Michael pursued voice lessons once he realized he would be a singer as well as writing lyrics?

R431 He did not

George was definitely given the gift of music. He was able to use his voice as an instrument. If you listen to the songs he wrote he uses his voice as the melody and musical instruments are used as background music. George knew from a young age music would be his life. I certainly hope people have gotten past his personal life and focus on his songwriting abilities, an incredible voice, producing his music and playing the musical instruments. His music was a gift to his fans.

His instrument playing was very rudimentary. He has said so in many interviews.

True. However, I was referring to George playing the instruments on his albums.

George Michael wrote, produced performed and played every instrument on "Last Christmas" he was 21

George used his music as a instrument to support vulnerable people

George had a great sense for music but his judgment in relationships ... not so much.

Having sex with escorts is not what I call relationship but yeah you are right

Is there some book out there about this Escort/Porn Star underbelly that exists more than anywhere else in London? One of the reasons GMs life was ruined was the easy access to this world and he seemed to excessively surround himself with these types and the drugs. This in the end led to his self-destruction.

If that's what you want you can find it, like any passion or addiction.

R432 / R431 - Just wanted to point out that George did, indeed take voice and dance lessons. I've forgotten what book or article it was in. If I can find it, I'll post. Apparently, it was Boy George's vocal coach at one point, but I assume there were others - maybe someone else here has more specifics. Also, you can hear the training and technique - particularly during the Symphonica tour... it was glorious - not that one would be aware of the training. The point is to be so prepared vocally that one is able to capitalize on the innate talent and invest the emotion/passion necessary to sell the song. [Disclaimer: I studied opera for six years and other techniques as a singer so it’s more obvious to my ear when someone has a solid technique – as George did] Technical chops - which George had in spades - is not just about singing songs and would be something he had to learn. Vocal exercises/training extend range and enabled George to capitalize on his musicality, phrasing and endless soul. G was also a very hard worker - more so than most of his generation – remember he was an absolute perfectionist.

[442] Thank you for the information pertaining to George’s vocal training. I believe singing and dancing were fairly easy for George to master. Apparently songwriting was natural for him too. I knew he had to have some voice lessons. His breathing technique was amazing especially for a smoker. I would think at some point in time he realized he had a gift and smoking was not an asset. It was easy to tell he was a perfectionist. I would think not many get into the business and by the end of their first album they are performing, singing background, writing the songs, playing the instruments and producing their very own album. I can’t carry a tune but I know when someone has an amazing voice. Dancing is another story.

I live in the States and as I’m sure you know following George’s career was somewhat difficult. The internet wasn’t around back then.

George was such a perfectionist, took full control of his career and was intelligent. He seemed to know from a young age what he wanted and how to get there. He often referred to Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince and himself. Three out of four basically struggled with loneliness and drugs. I wonder if Madonna survived because she had biological children. She had to be responsible and accountable.

Just recently rediscovered L&G and my goodness, Waiting For That Day, Praying For Time, Too Funky, Spinning The Wheel and Cowboys & Angels are flat out, gold standard masterpieces. Incredible songwriting.

[quote] Just wanted to point out that George did, indeed take voice and dance lessons

Source? He was an amazing singer maybe even the best male vocalist ever but I never heard that he take voice lessons

"Precious Box" is one of the best things I've ever heard. The lyrics are so intriguing. I would love to hear more about the genesis of the song.

George Michael 'planning first tour in four years' after [bold]nightmare decade[/bold]

A source was quoted by today’s The Sun newspaper saying: “This is a big step for George. There was a time when it seemed he might never make another public appearance.”

They went on: “Friends said he was scared and had lost his confidence. But if he’s asking about the logistics of getting back on the road it shows he must be improving.

“It’s not clear if he’d be planning a major tour but festival slots and one-off appearances look extremely likely. Demand for him as a live act has never wavered.”

A source added to The Sun: “No one doubts George can sell tickets. But whether he’d fulfil his commitments is another story. A lot of companies will be unwilling to take the risk.”

Still waiting for that dance album.

Patience was great album

(in order of brilliance)

My Mother Had A Brother

Precious Box

Amazing

Round Here

Flawless

Freeek!

Through (live version is 100 times better)

Shoot The Dog

Cars & Trains

are all great

These are ok:

John and Elvis Are Dead

American Angel

boring:

Please Send Me Someone To Love

George took dance lessons from a Paula Abdul. There is a snippet on Youtube.

There was an article from the 80’s about George taking singing lessons with a woman who was also Boy George’s singing teacher.

Also, in the summer of 1988 after is vocal cord surgery to remove a cyst from his throat, George Michael was working with a singing coach to get his voice back into performance mode so he could successfully finish the world tour for his then hit album “Faith”. He took a chef, tennis coach and a voice coach away with him to recuperate. Apparently this is before he experienced the loss of loved ones.

I didn't realise George had vocal cord surgery. With all of the drugs (and booze?) it's amazing his voice held up so well over the years without losing range or power.

It was in the beginning of his career. However, when he was touring he was pretty much all business. He took care of his voice when he was performing. Lots of hot tea and cough drops. That was the perfectionist part of his makeup.

R452 GM was prone to colds and suffered from anxiety about his voice before concerts in the early days. He was making many visits to the Dr during the FAITH tour because of his voice. The tabloids as usual were slandering him with whispers of whether it was related to AIDS. He had the surgery on his vocal chords after the Mandela concert. During the 25Live tour George said he took steroids to preserve his voice. He also said that the steroids was the cause of his bloated look during the tour

It seems to me that people wanted George to have HIV/AIDS. In his early days he had a wicked sense of humor and actually seemed to enjoy the interviews that I have watched on YouTube. He was extremely talented. People didn’t appreciate his beautiful voice or his song writing abilities. His sexuality seemed to be the issue. I listen to his music all the time. He was one of the most brilliant performers o come along and should get the respect he deserves.

Thanks R453 and R454. Prednisone was pretty common as a singer's little helper during the 80s. Luckily for George, he didn't seem to suffer any lasting effects from its usage. I guess he was also fortunate enough to be in control of his touring schedule from a fairly early age which spared his voice from the ravages of overdoing it live.

During the Faith tour George suffered throat problems. He went to one doctor after another in the United States. Finally a doctor in London diagnosed George with a cyst on his vocal cord.

I have always resect Andrew. He would never sell George out like the other snakes in his later life. Piers should have realize that unlike Kenny Andrew can't be brought off with a price tag. #neversold him out.

Andrew and George seemed to have had a genuine friendship. Their friendship was unique and they had dreams at an early age. Their dreams actually came true. It would have been beneficial to George if their paths would have crossed more as they got older.

Despite the fact that G was often a train wreck, he did pen some of the most beautiful pop music ever written. Following is a quote from an article of 2017:

George Michael: The Music Is All That Matters

"Despite selling over 100m records, and his fame and fortune, it becomes clear, on revisiting his back catalogue in depth, that George Michael was actually underrated as an artist...It is so hard to articulate just how talented George Michael was and that is why it is so wasteful that, instead of analysing his life's work in detail, the British media are focusing on needless mud-slinging. Without even exploring his exorbitantly kind and generous personality, one could write entire books on George Michael's music. The best affirmation of this fact is that the paragraphs above have not even touched on his many spine-tingling performances as a world class live act - his version of "Somebody To Love" at Freddie Mercury's tribute concert or his duet with Sir Elton John on "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me", which is far more popular than the original, the amazing concert he put on as the first artist to play the new Wembley Stadium or even the goosebumps inducing rendition of "Freedom! '90" at the Olympics Closing Ceremony in 2012."

R458 the link doesn't work for me

R461 You have to enable cookies on google chrome and on FireFox you have to agree to enable cookies. I'll post the whole article if it still doesn't work. Cheers.

Gaymes Corden on the History of Carpool Karaoke — and Why George Michael Is the Original Passenger

R454 If true, that would make a lot of sense. I never understood why he looked so strange in the Live in London Concert that was released.... his face was strangely blocky and he looked like a lego man. The ugly colored glasses he favored in his later years didn't help either, though

R454 During the 25Live tour George said he took steroids to preserve his voice.

No that was for concerts post pneumonia episode

R465 I have heard GM say it in multiple interviews himself that he took steroids to preserver his voice during the 25Live tour. here is a link to one of them at the start of the Symphonice tour to Danish TV. Listen to it

Today marks 30 years since the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Concert, which included this forgotten gem from George Michael...

George Michael and Chewbacca and Anselmo

It really sucks that George’s sexuality was basically an issue throughout his life. [465] Thanks for posting George’s interview. I missed that particular interview.

He always had a great sense of humor and genuinely was a really nice person. Well we definitely found that out after his death by all his charitable gifts he donated.

[460] I agree. I hate that when Rolling stone magazine list the 100 best singer/songwriter's list and George was missing from that list. I think that had to due with the media focusing on George's personal life instead of the musical contribution he gave.

This man was a great writer, singer, arranger, producer, etc.. He wrote the music and lyrics by himself, he should be mention in the catalogue as Prince when it comes to being a great musician. However, he is not and I blame that on both George and the media. It was as if he was trying to destroy all he had work for and he did a good job of to. In later years George stated that he went from being mention in the list as Madonna, Jackson and Prince to an asterisk in the music books which is sad.

I do believe in a few years it will be about the music. I mean look at Adel, she release albums and tour then go back to her life. She is highly respected and the media keep their distance at best. George wanted that as well, but was not given that luxury. Maybe if he had stay close to those he began his career and chosen a partner who did love the spotlight maybe things would have been different.

R470 The thing is that George Michael pimped out his sex symbol status in the 1980s in order to sell records and attract young girls. Adele is a classic performer who is all business with her persona and performance, nor is she promoted as a sex object. All pop stars have to deal with the media and publicity in every corner of their life. That's part of the gig.

George paved the way for male and female entertainers that have come after him. Most musicians really respected George’s amazing talent. I think many performers learned a great deal from George’s life.

George wanted to be remembered for his songwriting. He never planned on singing his own songs. I guess he didn’t realize in the beginning what a beautiful voice he was blessed with.

Adele is the poor man's Amy Winehouse

Adele is a poser the other girls might be whoring themselves out but it takes a certain level to be a fame whore like Adele. Adele knows she falls right in line with them but tries to put on an alternative image and I just get phony from it all.

Not to mention she is a pioneer for the obese community trying to shame healthy people.

Adele is bland and boring I'll rather listen to Winehouse or Moyet!

Adelephant sings ballads so the hoi polloi are fooled into thinking she's talented. She's not. Her vocals are strained, pushed, and technically horrible. Her range is very limited. She's boring as shit to boot.

Here's the lowdown on Kenny Goss and how long was he with soulmate George Michael

[post redacted because linking to dailymail.co.uk clearly indicates that the poster is either a troll or an idiot (probably both, honestly.) Our advice is that you just ignore this poster but whatever you do, don't click on any link to this putrid rag.]

Simon Napier Balls

Hi guys just wanted to ask a question here and my post don't get deleted.

Whatever happen to that Freedom project that the estate was working on? I remember it was to launch on Sept/Oct. 2017, then was push back to Jan/March 2018. Now I don't see any traces of the project at all.

A poignant moment came when Richie remembered many of the artists who have passed away in recent years, including Prince, Whitney Houston, George Michael and David Bowie.

I wonder if George Michael’s so called friends have been posting photo’s of George to say hey George Michael’s relationship with Fadi was casual. Perhaps they are trying to discredit Fadi.

Today, June 24th, 2018, in memory of George Michael's 55th birthday.

Isn’t George’s birthday June 25?

R484 - Yes, George Michael was born June 25th, 1963. NOT the 24th. Guess the "lovelies" needed a weekend day to put on another huge, disrespectful show of "Who's The Biggest Fan" gathering, complete with crowds, DJ's, overrunning his small peaceful village home, unauthorized merchandising and also unauthorized purported fundraising in his name, as well as all the mess the family kindly and respectfully asked them to remove. I have even seen some post about wanting to erect a headstone George themselves in Highgate Cemetery since they cannot access his actual burial plot! Fucking disgusting.

You want to honor your "idol"? Pay tribute? Light a candle, play his music, introduce someone new to his music who's not familiar with it. Make a donation to a cause that was important to him.

This is a list of the charities GM supported when he was alive. Pick one that resonates with you and donate your time, your funds or spread awareness.

George Michael has supported the following charities:

Barnardo's ChildLine Children with AIDS Comic Relief Crusaid Elton John AIDS Foundation Goss-Michael Foundation Gray Cancer Institute Help a London Child Jubilee Action Macmillan Cancer Support Marie Curie Meals On Wheels Mercury Phoenix Trust Nottinghamshire Bereavement Trust Outcome Outline Positive Nation Project Angel Food Rainbow Trust Red Cross Red Hot Organization Rhys Daniels Trust Sightsavers International St John's Hospice Swan Lifeline Terrence Higgins Trust The Food Chain UK Thalassaemia Society War Child

[R485] That’s a wonderful suggestion for George Michael’s fans to make a donation to one of his favorite charities. Especially in honor of his birthday.

I have a feeling you knew George.

Happy Birthday, George. Love you and miss you, always.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOG!

Happy Birthday To You George Michael

Happy Birthday George Michael

The Double Life of George Michael: Wake me up before you go witless at this doc with way too much drama

It opens by telling us “this film is based on real events and journalistic accounts” — a fine distinction — “but contains some elements of fictional dramatisation”.

Now this is not strictly true. The dramatisation is incessant, shameless and preposterous.

I found the actors portraying George, Andrew, Shirlee, etc., left something to be desired. The documentary would have been much more believable had the actors been better at their profession and resembled their characters.

However, it was entertaining at times. Anything regarding George is worth-whiled.

I love this single sleeve. What a fantastic photo.

A message from the family posted to George's website...

Closeted Lesbian Singer and former escort for ladies Geri paid tribute to her close friend George Michael in a heartfelt post on what would have been his 55th birthday.

Kenny is obviously the sperm donor for Geri's child = BlueBell

To live in the hearts of others is never to die

Did I miss a very important fact regarding Geri. When was she labeled a closet lesbian? Is there proof Kenny is the biological father to her daughter?

High res

Did GM's "wife" and son acknowledge his birthday?

Sia tweeted this at the day George passed did she knew something that we still don't know? Was it a suicide?

Pixie Lott titillates in sexy white bikini for George Michael tribute

Kneeling down in the sand, the sexy songstress broke out into song with her soulful voice.

As a self-confessed fan, Pixie paid a heartfelt tribute to the late George Micheal for his birthday, singing I Can't Make You Love Me in the sweetest of tones.

Signing off the acknowledgement, Pixie captioned the post: “Chilllllll mornings on the beach before the studio. Happy Birthday George.”

R471 The thing is that George Michael [bold]pimped out his sex symbol status[/bold]

Maybe for one album but it was nothing compared to Clooney, DiCaprio, Ronaldo etc.

The role I played was the last lover of George Michael, Lebanese Fandi Fahaz, is the one who found him dead on Christmas Day and is also the epitome of the television. George Michael is a huge personality in the music scene, both in the UK and around the world. The British and especially the Londoners were in deep sorrow after his loss. What is undeniable is that he was low-key, with tremendous sensitivity to his fellow human being, and he himself, having suicidal tendencies, was passionate about his passions. George Michael inspired generations with his music and especially my own, it's a great honor to be part of this great production. "The Double Life of George Michael," screened in the US by Reelz TV and UK Channel 5, approaches the pop star's double life with all his passions, his love and his fall.

If you think Adele is a vocalist than you’re wrong. Bitch doesn’t even have more than 2 octave. SO OVERRATED!

R500 Yes, she did, very beautiful.

Adele has a different style. She is not in the same ballpark as George Michael. He could do it all with a magical voice. Adele has trouble staying in key.

He looks like a mass murderer in the above picture.

R508 Who? Fadi?

Interesting

R510 ?

R510 Why is he wearing an Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms hat?

Also, there are wayyyyy too many straight women in this thread.

Sorry, this goes with the above photo.

Nu's brother Ian Findlay and Nu's nemesis Paul James and Sharon whatever are still at it on Facebook. Interesting tidbit from their catfight is that Andros is supposed to hate Nu and Nu was supposed to be sacked by GM. Previously it was claimed that Melanie hated Nu and wanted Nu sacked but GM just reduced her hours instead

Another interesting tidbit: both camps (Ian Findlay and Paul James) reached out to Fadi last year for help. Fadi ignored both of them

to know George better listen to some of his favorite songs and pay attention to lyrics

. Teardrop by Massive Attack

. If You Go Before Me by Terence Trent D'Arby

. Paper Bag by Goldfrapp

. The Boy With The Thorn In His Side by The Smiths

. Isobel by Björk

. Baby Can I Hold You by Tracy Chapman

. Love Is a Losing Game by Amy Winehouse

. Going to a Town by Rufus Wainwright

. Recluse by Plan B

. Pastime Paradise by Stevie Wonder

. F.E.A.R by Ian Brown

. How Soon Is Now? by The Smiths

. Love Is Stronger Than Pride by Sade

. Eleanor Rigby by The Beatles

. They Won't Go When I Go by Stevie Wonder

. Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me by Elton John

. Calling You by Jevetta Steele

. I Remember You by Dorothy Lamour

. Wild Is the Wind by Johnny Mathis

. Start! by The Jam

and more

I guess he didn't get anything

R514, are those all songs about being Out Gay But Secretly Heterosexual?

R514 You are so right. Plus listen to George’s own lyrics. Many of them are heartbreaking pleas charting desperation, or a search for love and acceptance. R516 You’re in the wrong thread.

“… Take my dreams Childish and weak at the seams Please don't analyze Please just be there for me… I am frightened for my soul, please, please Make love to me, send love through me…” -- The Strangest Thing

“And if all that there is Is this fear of being used I should go back to being lonely and confused If I could I would. I swear.” -- A Different Corner

“If I was weak, forgive me But I was terrified You brushed my eyes with angels wings, full of love The kind that makes devils cry…” -- You Have Been Loved

“That's all I wanted: Something special, something sacred In your eyes. For just one moment To be bold and naked At your side.” -- Father Figure

“I'm going down Won't you help me Save me from myself I hear the sound of a memory Maybe time will tell… I'm going down The cold, cold water is rushing in I'm going down And I would beg to be forgiven If I knew my sin” -- To Be Forgiven

--- I could go on and on … George never wrote “throw away” lyrics – or songs simply to fill an album. For him, music was a conduit to his emotions, insecurities, and sensitivities. Everything he did had meaning.

[517] You are so right. I think that is one reason George Michael’s songs are so meaningful to his fans. People can relate to his music. It wasn’t a lot of fluff.

I've always said that it was no accident that he covered songs that he could have written himself. Lyrics that echo his life, making the songs his own. Almost all of them so tragically sad as he sings about rejection, weakness and being desperate for love. I struggle with a lot of his songs now and seem to only find solace in the upbeat Wham! tracks. George really was a musical genius, formed by his tragic soul.

R515 Kenny G seems to be hitting the Botox hard :-) Looking younger by the day with artificial methods

R500 The so-called Swedish woman's account responded to your post on Twitter and FB saying it was sent to her. It is the same person who posts non-stop on DL to perpetuate this crazy story that is behind those accounts also. Somebody in the UK please find John Reid of Russells contact email id and report these Twitter and FB accounts. On FB more photoshopped pics are being created of GM with a woman by this account. It is just disgraceful that somebody would do this and is going beyond trolling now

R516 No

R521 Obsessed much? See no problem with someone sending her what they find like you just did here, anonymously, but telling her name and even add a link. Did you read all the birthday message, it clearly says Photoshopped. What is the problem with it? I would say your attitude, did you know GM or do you know her? Don´t think anyone in here is interested in your single crusade regarding that target. Moving on.

^If she genuinely had a relationship with GM as she claims why does she need to create photoshopped images with him. It is slandering a dead man to create these false stories and images. You are the obsessed, delusional headcase. Not anybody who objects to such fake stories

Should this tread be renamed the George Michael’s Soap Opera?

[R524] I agree with your statement of slandering a dead man. However the tabloids, Reelz TV, Channel 5, George's ex- partners, fans and cousins have all did this on a larger platform. Let that woman have her fake relationship with George. Michael Jackson fans have a site full stories of Michael sleeping with women. If it makes them happy let them live in that dream world.

Let my account expire here again cos sometimes I'm gone for awhile, and each time I set up new payment, seems to give me a different contribution code. So I can't get back the account I started this thread with.

Anyhow, thanks to those who seem to have got this thread back on track. I'd pretty much given up on it. I think that some people from elsewhere on the web, not originally with DL, were coming in here. To be honest I'm one of them but tried to respect the community that is here - hope I did.

I think the person who mentioned with this woman claiming to be involved with George is being sarcastic. Anyhow, I'd just ignore the whole story. It's not true, and people like this should not be trusted - perhaps it should be reported to authorities, but she's not the same person who was arrested for stalking GM originally unless she's taken on another identity. He had many people who hassled him.

'Paul James' is another I have no time for. 'James Eschauzier' etc.

R485 that's why I didn't look much at what was happening during his birthday, and I don't think I can return to the Twitter/FB fan communities. It's sickening. The best way to remember him, apart from appreciating his music, is probably just to try and make this world a more tolerant and caring place for LGBT, treat others kindly in your own day to day life, make a private donation to one of those charities.

If this thread reaches the post limit, someone else can start second part. I don't have commitment to it and not the best to do it. For a more serious fan thread, maybe it should be named a 'George Michael Appreciation' thread. I was just sick of seeing 'Fadi Fawaz' name in title.

(I did originally consider calling this an 'appreciation' thread but tbh didn't know if it'd get a lot of interest here. Seems like a lot of American posters here at DL and GM had dropped off in that market and become a 'controversial' figure. Hopefully people eventually start looking past that, but many want to talk about other things to do with him. Fair enough, if there may be something to it. It's a gossip site as well as a cultural one.)

[R528] I wish his fans can start something like Chris Cornell fans did on Lipstick Alley. However the same messy that is going on here will just follow on Lipstick Alley, shame George was such a good person and being treated like crap.

I do believe the Swedish girlfriend rumors and the affair were finished 2 decades ago! but not bs stories on DL and this fraud woman on Twitter she's not the Swedish Lady she's just an attention whore

Is it possible that any further releases of material (old and/or new) is being held up by the fact that probate hasn’t been completed as of yet?

If Fadi and Kenny have or are intending on making claims, then I imagine it would it be better for the family if the estate was settled first so that neither of them could profit from the earnings that new material would generate, but I’m not sure if that’s how these things work.

The re-release of LWP was already agreed and signed off (and had already been delayed) so most likely there would have no other option but to release it, but there has to be a reason why there has been absolutely nothing else announced or planned with the exception of what David Austin mentioned in that recent Q&A.

R531 This from David Joseph, Chairman and CEO of Universal UK. in a MusicWeek article during G's Symphonica release... Joseph claimed he already heard songs George completed for the the next album and said George was busy completing even more songs, so there could be problems with the estate holding it up. We may never know, of course, and we may never hear this music - so sad since I'm sure George would have loved to have his fans hear new work.

"...all my intel is telling me that right now his absolute complete attention and focus is now on that next studio record. I’ve heard bits and pieces, and it’s very difficult to say this without sounding like the archetypal head of a record company or whatever, but it is stunning. It is brilliant. There is one song in particular that I’ve heard that is beyond exceptional. The lyrics are incredible, the way it’s structured, just beautiful. So yes, he’s working on the new studio album and I think the global anticipation for a totally new collection is going to be enormous...but it’s his album and it’ll be his decision. He’ll know when it’s ready. And all I can say, as someone who knows all his material very well, the stuff I’ve heard is beyond exciting and it will be worth the wait".

Thanks for posting the article regarding George Michael.

R528 OP - an appreciation thread would be brilliant. I think George deserves that.

R527 —Absentee OP - Twitter/FB fan communities are basically sickening - you are correct about this. Many would agree with you that the "best way to remember George apart from appreciating his music, is probably just to try and make this world a more tolerant and caring place for LGBT, treat others kindly..." One hopes everyone would aspire to this. However, I feel as though George's legacy will be lost if there isn't more effort to pointedly acknowledge what a talent he was and what he went through to realize his vision. There have been some musings about his virtuosity but without a grand plan, his legacy could be marked by the thousands who descend on Goring every year as long as that is possible. I’m also sick of seeing “Fadi Fawaz” in threads…

R529 you're probably right. There were some good posts on that site but some rubbish too, and some of it being brought here. Probably best to just ignore it and they find somewhere else to go eventually.

R534 yes he does deserve it, and there's a lot about him that is interesting to discuss. Far more beyond the image of 80s pop idol.

It's frustrating - the apparent lack of action by estate. I would like to see a simple public memorial, that is properly planned and authorised. I think that Andrew Ridgeley would support something like that but feels limited in what he can do, since he's not directly involved. The only concern is would it be swamped by fan tributes and 'events' that would be nuisance again for the local communities?

Someone above noted they had 'even seen some post about wanting to erect a headstone George themselves in Highgate Cemetery since they cannot access his actual burial plot!' Of course not going to happen - if only because they'd want to festoon it with heaps of rubbish and the cemetery apparently has a strict ban on plastics, glass, etc. I just think things like that are a waste at this point. He himself would've told people there are better ways to use their energy and resources.

It's frustrating that not much is being done for his legacy, and not much action from estate. I think that George's father was more enthusiastic for a public memorial or celebration. George's sisters however seem to be very private people, and have been for decades. I can understand their wishing to maintain their own privacy, after all the troubles George had with the media and 'fans' being too intrusive.

In the last few years, George's prime concern was probably his health, and that set matters back a bit. When he died, depending on who you believe, he may have been in the middle of some big upheavals - after a period of inactivity during which he sort of 'lost control' over certain things. Some say he was in the process of taking them back in his own hands, after realising he'd sort of let things get away from him. Not just in his personal life but his latent career. But who knows? He may not even have been in fit condition to.

An issue I think is that many of the people in George's team had known or worked with him for many years, so most of them have been going through a process of grief, as well as trying to think about the future. With the delayed funeral and everything, I think it might not have started fully hitting them until the 12 month anniversary. Just listening to or watching some of the recordings in storage is perhaps still a difficult thing atm, even though fans are curious and wanting more.

If the exes are presenting issues - I say just settle it with them finally, so they can get on with things. Let these guys say or do what they want. It's not going to make a difference to me as a fan.

Came across George Michael singing Careless Whisper today. Thought it would remind everyone just how talented he was. Seems people lose sight of his amazing voice.

R536 I was always a fan of the music but don't think I realised what a voice he had until I heard him do 'Somebody To Love'. It was played on radio and I thought 'What - that's George Michael? Wow!' :O

I think he actually accomplished a lot of what he set out to do - at a very young age. And he didn't want to end up stuck in some meaningless role. But just seems like it all got cut short far too early. We're unlikely to ever see entertainers/performers that ilk again. It really ended with him.

[537] I didn’t realize how talented George Michael was until I heard him perform with Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Aretha. When I watched George cover ‘SomebodyTo Love’ I was sold. Unfortunately for me I live in USA.

[post redacted because linking to dailymail.co.uk clearly indicates that the poster is either a troll or an idiot (probably both, honestly.) Our advice is that you just ignore this poster but whatever you do, don't click on any link to this putrid rag.]

^ Oops sorry wrong thread

GM always denied use of hard drugs except for that 1 interview in 2009 when he said he might have done something wrong a few times. But looks like it was more than a few times and crack and the like were in his life a lot more than he ever admitted. But what about the effects of his marijuana use and what havoc it wreaked on his body and mind because of the extended and heavy use? He seemed to think it was a very benign drug. I think his life should be a cautionary tale against the smoking of weed extensively

[541] After George Michael’s mother passed George worked along with Toby Bourke on the song ‘Waltz Away Dreaming’. I believe Toby’s article is very telling. Toby’s interviews since George Michael passed are totally different than the one he did on April 19, 2006.

^Toby was honest in 2006. Now he is just cashing in on the GM connection to get a bit of publicity as his career was over a long time ago

R537 You are right - we'll never see anyone like George again. And I have to think that all the tumult and pain he went through contributed to his artistry - unfortunately. It is indeed beyond heartbreaking that it ended so suddenly and sadly for him. I was listening to Symphonica again and marveling at the depth, candor, and elegance he brought – to not only updated renditions of his songs, but to covers of other’s songs. He was reinventing himself again as an older, more refined and exquisite jazz balladeer. Listen to his version of Sting's “Roxanne.” It knocks my socks off every time I hear him sing it. And I never even liked the original.

R538 So many people don’t realize how insanely talented George was… I’m in the States too and it was as if we were prohibited from hearing his music after the Sony debacle…

Poster 544. You are right. It seems like when he died is when we remembered who he was. Maybe in the UK and Europe was still relevant but in the states we almost completely forgotten about his music. Now the radio frequently plays his music even the wham songs. I heard father figure today on the radio.

[37] You are so right about George Michael’s cover of ‘Roxanne’. He owns that song. I am not a big fan of the original. [538] You are also 100% correct. Living in the States deprived us of George Michael’s gift of music. Back in the Wham! days I had no idea he wrote the lyrics to the songs they performed. George was the whole package. I believe his song ‘Freedom’ will be around forever. It certainly was a big hit in the movie Pitch Perfect 3. Hopefully people will remember George for his musical artistry and not his personal life. He may have had tons of money but that doesn’t mean it was easy being George Michael. Who are we to judge.

The following statement was made by David Austin after the first public showing of ‘Freedom’. Hopefully his revelation will come true for the many fans of George Michael.

The biggest revelation came off-screen, at the film’s first showing, where Austin revealed that “there is new music” to come – Freedom may not be Michael’s “final work” after all. “There are two tracks in particular that are just extraordinary pieces of music,” says Austin. Sadly, any new album will not include the duet with Adele that Michael had hoped to record. “He loved Adele. He would sing along with Adele, practise and warm up using her [records].”

George had been in a delicate emotional state for some time and, just as Wham! entered the home straight, he experienced a brief, devastating relationship that would put him in an emotional tailspin for many months. It was a short story - over in a couple of weeks - that he contrived to turn into the story of his life. As Frederic Raphael said of Byron, "The vividness of his reaction is often more remarkable than his experience; what would have grazed another drew blood from him." Very soon he would have a crowd of seventy-two thousand eating out of his hairy hand but the one person he was convinced he needed made it clear that she didn't want him. George had gone from school to being a pop star, his dreams had all come to fruition when he was still in his teens, he was used to having anything he wanted. He wasn't used to rejection and it hit him hard.

GEORGE:...The realization that the relationship wasn't going to work came as a shock because I had never really cared about it that much before. I had never got that much involved. I'd had lots of girlfriends who maybe got pissed off with aspects about being with me, but you don't take those things quite so seriously. I have cared about lots of people since I was a kid, been infatuated with them, but this was more. And the strange thing is that it was the first time I thought I was possibly being used, in terms of being shown off or whatever. Then it immediately became apparent that exactly the opposite was happening. I could understand it. Because falling for a pop star is not necessarily a very clever thing to do.

The above are excerpts are from the book “Bare”. I often have wondered if anyone ever knew more of the person involved. Was the love interest female or male?

Just my opinion, but I believe the referenced love interest is Brad Branson.

I came across an interview done by Tony Parsons with George Michael. I had read a very positive interview by Tony Parsons and was somewhat surprised by his tone on this interview.

FAITH album and the song were a massive hit. That FAITH song video and GM in the tight jeans and his behind achieved massive stardom. But how many people have actually listened to the lyrcis of FAITH. It is one of George's best songs lyrically. But if you think of FAITH everybody remembers the Juke box and GMs sexy ass.

Therein lay the rub. GM wanted to be remembered for his song writing and as a serious musician. WHAMs bubble gum pop and then the success of FAITH for him were just the opposite of what he wanted. He is a stubborn man given to extremes. Instead of altering course gradually he wanted to blow up the image-based George Michael persona after FAITH too quickly. Hence not promoting LWP and the fight with Sony.

It all went wrong then with the bereavements in the 1990s. Truly hope the genius of his songwriting and music making will stand the test of time. His integrity as an artist who stood by what he believed in even at great personal cost against Sony, during the Iraq war etc will be remembered.

Probably too much success came too early. He also did not have the personality to deal with the celebrityhood and spotlight. His struggles with his sexuality further complicated everything. The last 20 yrs was a slow path to self-destruction. He could have done a lot more with his talent. But never mind, let us be happy for what we got. Somebody UpThread spoke about starting a GM Appreciation Thread. Pls do it. This was an unique artist with a golden heart. Let us not lose sight of that ever as fans

Many years ago, around time of LWP, George said he didn't feel like bothering to defend himself anymore, because there wasn't a point - people weren't going to appreciate what he was doing until it was all gone.

I think his early 'matinee idol' looks may have distracted a bit from the writer and singer that he was. It was suspected that he was just another 'pretty face' because of genre snobbery and prejudice at the time. He was dismissed by many as another superficial pop act who would be temporary, although there were a few who were more astute and realised there was more to him than that.

Faith had good music for sure. But I think I prefer the albums which came later, even if they weren't as commercially successful.

R550 George and Tony Parsons really fell out with each other, after being quite good friends. Tony wrote even more scathing articles in more recent years. I think he was very frustrated at harm he felt George was doing to himself.

To me it is very sad to realise that he may already have been in crisis as early as 1985. That's about the time I first became aware of him and publicly, Wham still had a very lighthearted, upbeat image. It's disturbing to think that by then it was nearly all an illusion.

R551 if anyone would like to start an 'appreciation' thread after this one please - go for it!!! (pun not really intended)

When I first started looking more deeply into George Michael, I could never have imagined how intriguing it would be and how much there was to discover, despite a slowed down output over the years. Despite being a fan I tended to turn his interviews off a lot when he started defending his drug use, thinking 'here we go again'. But aside from that, he could at times be so sharp and insightful. And I often missed out on those moments, only catching up on them later.

So yes I'm also one of those kicking themselves now... I can admit.

I imagine Tony Parsons might have been a bit miffed that ol' George had lied to him for more than a decade, and had him co-sign and co-write a semi-fictional biography (Bare), plus whatever business with the '97 interview that George was unhappy with because he revealed too much.

[552] I think there are quite a few of us that didn’t appreciate how gifted George was musically. I certainly didn’t. Actually I only cared whether I liked the song or not. Your right when I think about Wham back in the day I remember Wham being lighthearted, their upbeat image, good looks and how easy they made it seem. In interviews George came across as level headed, intellectual, a great sense of humor and a man that was highly motivated and driven. It’s almost as if he wore blinders and knew exactly where he wanted to go and knew he had the ability to do so. I still have a hard time understanding how he let drugs become such a big part of his life. I often wonder how his parents put up with his drug use in the early days. His mom played a big part in his life. She had to realize something was going on with her son. George was such a perfectionist. I read and heard George in an interview mention he had rehearsed 5 days straight with Queen perfecting his performance of ‘Somebody To Love’ where others rehearsed the day before the concert. He wasn’t just a perfectionist but he was also meticulous in his appearance. His performance at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Concert 1988, Rock in Rio 1991 and his Live at Concert of Hope 1993 were to perfection. He gave 110% at each and every performance. He had the same backup singers and band players for years. The quality, tone and emotion of his voice was incredible. He sounded better live than most performers do on their records. I ask myself all the time how did he ever let it get away from him. In his Wham days he took over his career and called all the shots. The pressure of his sexuality and his gift of music must have been to much to for him to handle alone. He was one of a kind and I truly hope people get past the personal issues and focus on his career achievements. He certainly had many in a career with a lot of down time.

George Michael and Liza Minnelli sang a duet at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert. Does anyone happen to know what song they performed together? Is it available to watch anywhere. Thank you if you can help.

These are the days of our lives

(R556] Lisa Stansfield sang ‘These Are The Days Of Our Lives’. I’m looking for a duet with Liza Minnelli. Thanks.

I’m sure George Michael would have greatly appreciated Rob Stringer’s kind words towards him after all these years. Perhaps the world is finally noticing George’s gift of music as opposed to his private life. George tried to keep the two separate and so should we.

R558 Thank you for posting the BBC.com article and you are so right.

"I was a Wham fan and George Michael was one of the most important artist's this country has ever produced. We didn't win - we lost one of the greatest artists of a generation." Rob Stringer is on the money and I think this is something many have known for a long time. I've enough of the constant focus on G's personal life. An appreciation thread is due. The man suffered for his music but the results were so spectacular he deserves more compassionate scrutiny.

R554 "He was one of a kind and I truly hope people get past the personal issues and focus on his career achievements." Agreed.

R555 GM did not sing a duet with Liza Minnelli. At the end when all the singers came on stage to sing together, George was standing shyly to one side and Liza went upto him and GM gave her a hug and they were singing together. That is the picture. He sang "Somebody to Love", duet with Lisa Stansfield "These Were The Days Of Our Lives" and busked '39 with Queen. He was quite the star that night. Here is a link to the lesser known third performance

[560] Thanks for providing information concerning the George and Liza duet that never happen. When I clicked on the picture is stated they sang a duet together. George’s duet with Lisa was my first introduction to Lisa Stansfield.

I have always wondered what would have happened if GM was not hit with the Anselmo tragedy and the Sony court case. If he had released LWP2 and Trojan Souls in the 1991 to 1994 period, where would his career ended up? Where would his personal life have ended up? Imagine his solo career would have been FAITH - LWP - LWP2 - Trojan Souls - Older from 1987 to 1996. But maybe Older would not have happened without the Anselmo relationship.

A bunch of what ifs? But always wondered if he would had a better life. Or was it his nature to blow things up when he achieved what he wanted and was he given to loneliness and depression and would he have still ended up the way he did?

R562 It's all speculation at this point. G was an extremely sensitive soul - mired by the homophobia that crushed his youth and in later years, rendered exceedingly fragile due to the pressures of fame and trying to harness and control his creativity. Not to mention his inability to cultivate alliances with people who actually gave a shit about him. Who's to say how anything would have turned out? Suffice it to say, he left us a legacy of gorgeous music.

I have watched a dvd with George, Deon Estus, Andros and a few other guys working In the studio on the Trojan Souls demo. Anselmo was in and out of the recording studio. George appeared to be happy, relaxed and on top of the world. Deon was playing his bass guitar sitting by the control center. Deon was all smiles and laughing. It would be great if the finished tracks on the Trojan Souls demo would be released to his fans. I also noticed during the Wham! days when GM was interviewed he appeared comfortable in his own skin and displayed his witty sense of humor. He always handled himself and in a professional manner. Something definitely changed along the way. Maybe it was the burden of his issue with his sexuality. George made the comment he didn’t know if he would have pursued Sony had Anselmo lived. After Anselmo passed it’s almost as if George thought he deserved a death wish.

I never understood why he felt so much pain after Anselmo died. Most people eventually move on and find someone else. There has got to be more to his guilt about his death. It is truly strange.

GM had dreams and goals from a very young age and wanted to be a star and loved. I’m sure in his wildest dreams he never thought when he and Andrew formed Wham! they would become successful so quickly.. He was surrounded by Andrew, Shirlee, David, Andros, Yioda, Melanie, his mother and a few others. George always knew what his end game plan was. A solo career. I don’t think he gave much thought to how lonely it might be. George’s lyrics to the song ‘Waiting’ speaks volumes.

Glad to see GM is getting the recognition he so deserves. Anonymous

Robbie Williams: 'George Michael inspired me in so many ways'

"I was on a few award ceremonies with him in Take That and when I had just left Take That. And when he arrived on stage, whether it be rehearsing or doing the actual performance, you were in the presence of such a [bold]magnetic personality, such charisma.[/bold]

"So I used to be at the side of the stage going ‘how on earth can I beat that? Because that’s [bold]godlike[/bold]’. And of course, his music will last forever. [bold]His music is eternal[/bold]. He inspired in a lot of different ways. [bold]I just thought he was a god[/bold]."

[568] Thank you for the info regarding Robbie Williams and George Michael. I totally enjoyed listening to The You Have Been Loved segment on Smooth Radio. Modern technology is wonderful.

Robbie was sort off rude during that ceremony with George. Its nice that some of the people who were rude to George when he was alive now have such nice things to say about.

Like this poem goes "Bring me flowers when I am living Don't bring me them when I am dead, Let me enjoy them in the giving

George Michael is finally getting the recognition he so deserves for being one of the greatest singer-songwriters of his generation.

Looks as if George Michael is getting the recognition he deserves for being one of Britain’s biggest pop star of the 80’s. First with the pop duo Wham! and then as a solo artist. George Michael remained a major figure in the music industry even when his record releases slowed to a trickle in the later part of his career. George Michael’s loyal fan base ensured that his concert tours always sold out.

Miss this guy so much. I am not a Loonie Lovelie or anything. Loved his music. Had a lot of warmth and affection for all the human weaknesses he showed over the years. Nobody can deny he had a good heart and was a good human being. Whatever the shenanigans we saw over the years he ended up only hurting himself. Who knows what it was to walk in his shoes and fight all the inner demons he had. It seems like he went into a spiral after 2013. Always left wondering if the people who mattered had reached out to him, if he could have still been here

George was responsible for his own destiny. All the love and support is useless unless the person is 100% ready to help themselves. George was an intelligent and gifted musician that had his demons and was tormented. He called the shots from the time he was part of the duo with Andrew in Wham! and when he became a solo performer. It is well documented that George made all the decisions pertaining to his personal and professional life. Depression is a serious illness in itself. Top it off with drugs and/or alcohol it can be deadly. [R573] You aren’t the only one that misses the man and his music. Hopefully when his estate is finalized GM’s family will release a few unheard tracks.

Here is article about the Sony case. I posted this article once before and I see it was removed. I hope it post this time.

R573 / R574 I'm "not a Loonie Lovelie" either but I'm so with you on missing him... It's just heartbreaking knowing that such a gentle soul was surrounded by sycophants and leeches who never had his best interests in mind. Yeah, sure he was a train wreak some of the time but mostly, as others have pointed out – he hurt himself. That doesn’t make it any better but man, George had access to some deep transcendent place in his soul.

[quote] Always left wondering if the people who mattered had reached out to him, if he could have still been here…

I’m sure he’d still be here if he had people around him who truly cared and who dispensed a little “tough love.” Of course, it’s all too easy to speculate now… Still, hustlers and druggies aren’t known for their staggeringly compassionate support system.

Sometimes I think the odds were against him. He felt he was chubby, unattractive and wore thick glasses. He wanted to be loved, a star and remembered for the songs he wrote. In his own head he knew exactly what he wanted and where he wanted to go and once he got his foot in the door there was no stopping him. He was intelligent and picked up on the business side of the music industry rather quickly. How many acts performed at Top of the Pops and look as professionally choreographed on such a small stage. Especially a duo with two female singers/dancers and a few musicians that are still working out routines in a bedroom. It wasn’t exactly the best era to be struggling with one’s sexuality and to find out your ugly duckling stage had disappeared. He knew Andrew always had it but he had no idea that the George Michael he created to be loved would be good looking, sexy and have a voice to go with the whole package. Plus he never gave much thought to singing his songs he thought he was going to write songs. He became successful at such a young age. Had he came out at 19 years old his career may have been different but he would have been happier. Heck my own mother thought he was hot on MTV. The image he created in his black outfit with the fringe walking and dancing on the stage during Wham’s! final concert and the image he presented performing Faith would have been wonderful if he had been straight. Unbeknown to his fans that he had bouts with depression, struggling with his sexuality, being lonely and not trusting anyone would be difficult for the most sane person. The time was exciting for him, his family and friends. No one had no idea what it was like to walk in George’s shoes. He did break barriers for upcoming gay performers and I hope they realize that factor. Hindsight is 50/50.

Instead of always looking at what we lost maybe we should be glad we had him for as long as we did,

The Story of Don’t Let the Sun Go Down .... George Michael and Elton John

R577

[Quote] Instead of always looking at what we lost maybe we should be glad we had him for as long as we did.

Great point. All the more reason to celebrate his music an artistry.

Seems like he is getting more overrated each year. He had too much breathy coo for me to take seriously.

[580] If we all liked the same things the world would be a very boring place. Perhaps you should comment on threads that you find more favorable.

Just what goes into a tour like Symphonica? A hell of a lot. George’s powerhouse artistry was imprinted on everything. The PDF from “Lighting and Sound Magazine” gives some idea of just how complex the tour was to produce and how every aspect hinged on George's vision of what he wanted the show to be – and how he wanted to be perceived. Not only did G oversee every aspect of his vocal performance, he devised the entire staging of the show and yes – everyone bent to his will. Make no mistake, the Audio and lighting guys were pushed to their limits… They loved it.

[quote] "George takes a recording from a locked-off wide camera each night and scrutinizes the show... He scrutinizes everything, he knows how to edit video and he knew what he wanted to achieve. The fact that he knows what he wants and is explicit makes the working process easier..."

[R582] George was a perfectionist and a musical genius. George’s backup singers and many of his musicians were with him for years. That speaks volumes for the musical industry.

GM was a perfectionist professionally but a mess personally. I state this as a fan. Most of those performers were flawless on stage but off stage were using drugs and could not get out of bed without the help of their assistants. Hey mj, Prince and Whitney too were perfectionists. I think that word is been overused, it is almost like a cliche.

[R585] Yes the word perfectionist can be considered overused. However, when used concerning GM it is very fitting. Professionally he was a perfectionist. Throughout the years there were times when his personal life overshadowed his professional life. As a GM fan I am more interested in his professional life. Sure his personal life certainly had its moments but that truly was his business. I enjoyed MJ, Prince and Whitney’s music and Madonna’s. There is just something about George, his music, songwriting, producing, philanthropy and his charisma that had me at ‘Wake Me Up Begore You Go Go’.

Don't bring up pedo Jacko's name in George Michael threads

[R25] I listened to GM singing ‘A Different Corner’ from the Symphonic concert. There is definitely a difference from the Symphonic performance to his original version when he was younger. They both are beautiful. When he sings he is able to go to a place deep inside and pull out every emotion he is feeling to achieve his masterpiece. There is a maturity to his voice when he sang ‘A Differect Corner’ during the Symphonic concert. It’s so obvious why no one can cover a GM song. First of all GM wrote the song and secondly he sings from the heart with every emotion he has inside. He can take a song in any direction he wants too.

[35] Thanks for posting the Elton John and George Michael podcast. Thoroughly enjoyed listening to the program. I learned a few new things.

I am a GM fan but I have no interest in writing a long ridiculous statement about how much of a "perfectionist" he was. A lot list of so called pop icons are considered perfectionist. It is almost like a cliche word that should not be used to describe famous people with issues. You can't discuss the man without discussing his personal demons. Some of his best solo songs were about what was going on his life at that moment.

[R51] You are so right about the GM fans from the states. We had no clue what happened to George after ‘Faith’. When myself and a few friends realized what we had missed all those years we were not very happy. I’m glad GM came to the states to perform 25 Live. He had to feel good that he sold out the concerts and his fans knew the words to his songs.

Thank God we have come a long way from when GM struggled with his sexuality. I can’t imagine what it does to one’s psyche to be famous, a sex symbol to young gals, their mom’s, gay in the closet during the aids epidemic. My friend’s 9th grade son recently told her he is gay (wasn’t a big surprise) and he hoped she could deal with it. She was worried about his father. She had plans to take her son to the Gay Pride parade. Shockingly enough her husband drove them into the city and informed them that he was going to hang with them for the day. She said they had a wonderful time and her hubby enjoyed himself. Too bad George Michael couldn’t have experienced something similar.

R591 Yes that's so sad :(

[bold]Emma Thompson's film Last Christmas inspired by George Michael song[/bold]

George Michael was involved in the early stages of Emma Thompson’s new film Last Christmas The film is based on the Wham! song and came from an idea conceived by Thompson, her husband and the late singer, screenwriter Bryony Kimmings tells RadioTimes

Emma Thompson’s upcoming film Last Christmas was inspired by the festive song of the same name by [bold]George Michael, who also collaborated on the concept for the movie prior to his death in 2016.[/bold]

Thompson’s co-writer Bryony Kimmings, who penned the first draft of the screenplay in January, said the film was “based on the song, Last Christmas” and that the idea for the project came from Thompson, Michael and Thompson’s husband Greg Wise.

“When I came on board, George was up for it, he’d already signed something to say yes, but he’d passed away,” Kimmings explained, “and Greg and Emma were still very keen to write it.”

[bold]Bridesmaid’s Paul Feig is set to direct the film[/bold], which has previously been teased as a holiday romance set in London and was recently acquired by Universal Pictures. Oscar-winner Thompson, who according to Kimmings wrote the second and final draft of the screenplay, will co-produce alongside David Livingstone, with casting yet to be announced.

Kimmings, who is also a performance artist, said she included a “trans lead” in her original draft, and that she had been inspired by Michael’s advocacy work for gay rights while writing the script.

“[When] I wrote my draft, I tried to slip in some trans people and make sure there was queer politics in there,” Kimmings told RadioTimes. “I don’t know how much of that remains!”

Amazing news!

Wham! Producers Want Hollywood’s Hottest To Play George Michael In Biopic

Stars including Ryan Gosling, Mel Gibson and Michael Douglas in talks to join film.

George Michael Opens a New Window. died young — but Hollywood bosses want as many as seven megastars of various ages to play the pop icon for a blockbuster biopic!

RadarOnline has learned Ryan Gosling Opens a New Window. , Oscar winners Mel Gibson Opens a New Window. , Michael Douglas Opens a New Window. and Benicio del Toro Opens a New Window. , along with British actors Tom Hiddleston Opens a New Window. , Tom Hardy Opens a New Window. and Michael Sheen Opens a New Window. are in the running to step into Michael’s shoes.

Eddie Redmayne Opens a New Window. and Keanu Reeves Opens a New Window. are also being considered, sources said.

The “Careless Whisper” singer passed away at age 53 on Christmas Day 2016 under mysterious circumstances Opens a New Window. .

For his biopic, producers are said to be borrowing from 2007’s “I’m Not There” about music legend Bob Dylan Opens a New Window. . In that film, multiple stars, including Christian Bale Opens a New Window. , Heath Ledger Opens a New Window. and Cate Blanchett Opens a New Window. , portrayed various aspects of Dylan’s life.

“Producers are interested in doing the same with George Michael because he went through so much during his lifetime,” dished a snitch.

But the stages of the former Wham! star’s life are being referred to in “crude” terms, the source said.

“There have been talks that they need someone for the ‘closet years’ before George came out, the ‘toilet sex years’ when he was busted in a public restroom Opens a New Window. , the ‘addiction years’ and the ‘fat years’ Opens a New Window. when George was left bloated by his drinking Opens a New Window. , drug use and health problems,” the insider revealed.

“It’s a huge ask of one actor to portray all that, so splitting the job between several actors not only makes production easier, it also increases the chance of more people paying to see the film.”

Martin Kemp: 'George Michael came on our first date'

Brad Pitt should be considered for Lasr Christmas.

The movie will have disaster written all over it. How about a proper biographical movie.

I was thinking the same thing. [R598] it sound to busy and confusing. Just do a tribute to George's music is that so hard.

Radar Online is fake news

R597 Brad Pitt is awful maybe Michael Pitt