George Michael, the legendary singer and songwriter, struggled with the concept of fame, according to his Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Ridgeley reflected on Michael’s complicated relationship with fame ahead of the release of the documentary “WHAM! 10 Days In China”.
Complicated Relationship with Fame
Ridgeley described Michael’s relationship with fame as “an eternal conflict.” Michael, who was known affectionately to friends as “Yog,” spent decades balancing worldwide fame with an intensely private personal life. Ridgeley believes that many fans never fully understood this struggle.
According to Ridgeley, Michael didn’t want to be a star in the sense of constantly projecting himself. Instead, he wanted to live his life as Yog, rather than as George Michael. This conflict was something that Michael never fully resolved.
Legacy of Wham!
The documentary “WHAM! 10 Days In China” explores the band’s groundbreaking visit to China in 1985. The film features newly restored archival footage, previously unseen material, and firsthand interviews. Ridgeley said that one of the documentary’s biggest revelations was finally uncovering the lasting legacy of the trip.
Michael died on Christmas Day in 2016 at the age of 53, but Ridgeley believes that the singer would be deeply moved by the enduring admiration fans continue to show nearly a decade later. The documentary “WHAM! 10 Days In China” premieres in theaters for a one-day-only release on July 28.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
