Wham!
Biography
Wham! were an English pop duo formed in Bushey in 1981, consisting of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. They became one of the most commercially successful pop acts of the 1980s, selling more than 30 million records worldwide from 1982 to 1986. Known for their catchy, upbeat pop songs, the duo played a significant role in the MTV-driven Second British Invasion of the US.
Formation and Early Years
George Michael (born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou) and Andrew Ridgeley met at Bushey Meads School in Hertfordshire, England. They initially formed a short-lived ska band called The Executive with a few friends. After the band split, Michael and Ridgeley formed Wham!. The name originated from a rap lyric Ridgeley improvised. In 1982, they secured a record deal with Innervision Records. Their first single, "Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do?)," was released in June 1982. Their breakthrough came with the single "Young Guns (Go for It!)" after a last-minute appearance on the BBC show Top of the Pops.
Rise to Stardom
Wham!'s debut album, Fantastic, released in 1983, addressed issues like unemployment and teenage angst with a blend of funk and soul influences. It reached #1 on the UK Albums Chart. Following a legal dispute with their initial record label, they signed with Epic Records. Their second album, Make It Big (1984), was a global success, reaching number one in both the UK and the US. This album featured the international hit singles "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," "Everything She Wants," and "Freedom." The single "Careless Whisper" was also released during this period and became a worldwide number-one hit, credited to "Wham! featuring George Michael" in some regions but essentially a Michael solo project. The duo also released the enduring holiday classic "Last Christmas" in 1984.
Historic Visit to China
In April 1985, Wham! embarked on a 10-day visit to China, making them the first Western pop group to perform in the country. The tour, which included a concert at the Worker's Gymnasium in Beijing in front of 15,000 people, was a significant cultural event that garnered worldwide media attention. This visit was seen as a pivotal moment in fostering friendly relations between China and the West.
Break-up and Final Concert
In the spring of 1986, Wham! officially announced their breakup. George Michael was keen to write music for a more sophisticated adult audience, moving away from the duo's teen-focused image. They released a farewell single, "The Edge of Heaven," and a greatest hits compilation titled The Final. Wham! said goodbye to their fans with a final concert at Wembley Stadium on June 28, 1986, in front of an audience of 72,000.
Legacy
Wham! left a significant mark on 1980s pop music with their infectious melodies and energetic performances. Their music and style influenced a generation of artists. After the split, George Michael went on to have a highly successful solo career, becoming a global superstar with his album Faith and numerous other hits. Andrew Ridgeley tried his hand at motor racing and released a solo album, Son of Albert, before largely retiring from the music industry. Despite the breakup, Michael and Ridgeley remained close friends until Michael's death on December 25, 2016.