George Michael thrilled millions with his hit songs and powerful vocals, yet, as revealed by his Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley, he never fully embraced the superstar life. In a discussion with Fox News Digital, Ridgeley shared insights into Michael’s struggle with fame, just before the documentary “WHAM! 10 Days In China” premiered. He described the experience as “an eternal conflict.”
“He didn’t wish to be a star in the way of always presenting himself,” Ridgeley noted. “George Michael was a persona he crafted to pursue his artistic goals as a songwriter and musician.”
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This archive photo presents Wham! members Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael at the Great Wall during their notable visit to China in 1985. Ridgeley added, “But he wanted to live as Yog instead of George Michael. The conflict persisted and was never completely resolved.” Friends called Michael “Yog,” and he balanced global fame with a very private personal life, a duality many fans, Ridgeley pointed out, didn’t fully grasp.
“He wasn’t misunderstood,” Ridgeley clarified. “People didn’t have all the facts for ages. He was intensely private.” The misunderstanding was not about his character, but rather the magnitude of his talent, according to Ridgeley. “People might not have comprehended the depth of his talent for a long time,” Ridgeley said. “That remains astonishing.”
The documentary “WHAM! 10 Days In China” revisits the historic 1985 concerts in Beijing and Guangzhou, where Wham! became the first Western band to perform in China. Using restored footage and new interviews, the film delves into their visit and its impactful legacy.
Reflecting on events from over 40 years ago, Ridgeley remarked that the documentary’s revelations included uncovering the ongoing legacy of their visit. “This film reveals as much as possible about our motives, actions, and the visit’s legacy,” said Ridgeley. “The significance in China was unknown to us for a long time.”
Though Michael criticized the band’s debut performance in China, Ridgeley found his friend’s reaction unsurprising. “He often critiqued shows as ‘effing horrible’,” he recalled. Ridgeley understood Michael’s feelings but acknowledged the significant impact those shows had on some individuals.
George Michael passed away on Christmas Day 2016 at 53. Ridgeley expressed that the late singer would be profoundly touched by the sustained admiration of fans today. “He would be greatly honored and humbled by how his memory is cherished,” Ridgeley said.
“WHAM! 10 Days In China” will be shown in theaters for a single day on July 28. Stephanie Giang-Paunon writes about entertainment for Fox News Digital.