George Michael captivated millions with his chart-topping hits and impressive vocals. However, his Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley shared that Michael never fully embraced life in the spotlight. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Ridgeley discussed Michael’s difficult relationship with fame, aligning with the release of the documentary “WHAM! 10 Days In China.” Ridgeley described it as “an eternal conflict.”
“He didn’t want to be a star with constant self-promotion,” Ridgeley stated. “George Michael was an identity he crafted to pursue his artistic goals as a songwriter, singer, and musician.”
Michael, referred to by friends as “Yog,” balanced worldwide fame with a private personal life. Ridgeley believes many fans never fully understood his struggle. “I don’t think people misunderstood him,” Ridgeley noted. “They simply weren’t aware of all the facts. He was a very private individual.”
“People probably didn’t grasp the depth of his talent for a long time,” Ridgeley said. “Any misunderstanding was about the sheer scale of his talent.”
“WHAM! 10 Days In China” is a documentary revisiting the duo’s 1985 concerts in Beijing and Guangzhou. The film presents newly restored archival footage and interviews to explore the band’s groundbreaking visit and its cultural impact.
Looking back over 40 years, Ridgeley remarked on uncovering the lasting impact of their trip. “This retrospective reveals as much as we could about why we went, what we did, and the legacy,” Ridgeley told Fox News Digital.
Despite Michael’s criticism of their first Chinese performance, Ridgeley wasn’t surprised. “It wasn’t the first time he called a show terrible,” Ridgeley mentioned with a laugh. “He didn’t hold back his words.”
Michael’s performance may not have impressed him, but the lasting impact on fans was significant. “Some found these shows life-changing,” Ridgeley shared.
Michael passed away on Christmas Day 2016 at age 53, but fans continue to admire him deeply. Ridgeley believes Michael would be touched by the enduring admiration. “His memory is honored, his talent recognized,” Ridgeley said. “He would have been humbled by it.”
“WHAM! 10 Days In China” premieres in theaters for a one-day-only release on July 28.