Wham! star and solo artist famous for hits including Last Christmas, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and Careless Whisper sold more than 100m albums
• Full report: George Michael, pop superstar, dies at 53
• Obituary: Britain’s biggest pop star of the 80s
• George Michael – a life in pictures
• Share your tributes and memories
• His songs were more than simple tales of lust and longing
5.33am GMT
Thanks for sharing your tributes and memories to George Michael. To recap:
God didn't give it, you did my old friend.
Cleft with grief.
A xx https://t.co/yPzbB3rDGE
5.17am GMT
George Michael was an inspiration for those who found it difficult to express their sexuality, writes Johnny Lieu for Mashable. “For many kids growing up in the ‘90s, he was one of the first publicly gay people they knew,” he writes.
And the Boston Globe writes that for members of the LGBTI community, he was more than a singer or celebrity:
It’s cruel but fitting that Michael should pass away at the end of a year that’s already claimed David Bowie, Prince, transgender actress Alexis Arquette, and Dead or Alive singer Pete Burns. Not all of these people identified as LGBTQ, but they all pushed the acceptable boundaries and made it easier for those of us who didn’t fit into gender stereotypes.
4.41am GMT
So very smooth.
4.33am GMT
Culture Club’s lead singer, Boy George, has posted a statement in reaction to Michael’s death. He wrote:
I am thinking of @GeorgeMichael’s family, friends and fans right now. He was so loved and I hope he knew it because the sadness today is beyond words. Devastating. What a beautiful voice he had and his music will live on as a testament to his talent. I can’t believe he is gone. I hope the Buddha will hold him in his arms.
George Michael
Read: https://t.co/z669xGdjwM
4.29am GMT
Live Without Prejudice pic.twitter.com/nKRYtq6ULa
4.13am GMT
In an interview in 2007, Michael spoke about why he felt he had to keep his sexuality a secret. He said:
My mother was still alive and every single day would have been a nightmare for her thinking what I might have been subjected to.
I’d been out to a lot of people since 19. I wish to God it had happened then. I don’t think I would have the same career – my ego might not have been satisfied in some areas – but I think I would have been a happier man.
George Michael took up the fight against AIDS/HIV long before it was popular, was Out long before it was easy, he was an LGBT pioneer #RIP
3.38am GMT
The former Wham! and solo star pushed boundaries with his songs – telling us we should at long last just accept love in all its forms, says the Guardian feature writer Laura Barton. She writes:
There was supposed to be a third act; a new album, a tour — both rumoured for 2017. There was meant to be a point at which George Michael was reclaimed from the tiresome reputation of high-living, glamorous, homosexual recluse to be recognised as one of our most consummate artists; a moment when the cruder memories of Swiss rehab centres, entanglements on Hampstead Heath and crashing into branches of Snappy Snaps faded into the sound of Faith or Freedom or Club Tropicana.
This year has not been kind – Bowie, Prince, Leonard, stand among our many musical losses. But the sadness of Michael’s death feels particularly discombobulating; while it had been evident for some time that Michael had been unwell, and that his willingness to be a recording artist had waned, it seemed inevitable that at any moment soon he might resurface – as red-blooded and vibrant as ever.
Related: George Michael's songs were more than simple tales of lust and longing
3.32am GMT
When was the first time you heard George Michael? Did you ever see him live? What did his music mean to you? Share your thoughts with us.
Related: Share your tributes and memories of George Michael
3.11am GMT
George Michael in 1990 describing the role of the media in manipulating people into cruelty and lack of compassion https://t.co/hMLbqpNC7d pic.twitter.com/1b0czI9B67
3.03am GMT
Rolling Stone has compiled a list of 20 essential George Michael songs, from Careless Whisper to his 1987 duet with Aretha Franklin, I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me).
Revisit George Michael's essential songs, from his days in Wham! to his solo dance singles https://t.co/YMoTfDrIi6 pic.twitter.com/gQKnfelfGT
2.48am GMT
Farewell My Friend! Another Great Artist leaves us. Can 2016 Fuck Off NOW? pic.twitter.com/aEGIUNSJbt
2.43am GMT
The New York Times has posted its tribute to Michael:
Mr. Michael was one of pop’s reigning stars in the 1980s and 1990s – first as a handsome, smiling, teenypop idol making lighthearted singles like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” with Wham!, then arriving as a grown-up pop sex symbol with his 1987 album “Faith.”
But Mr. Michael grew increasingly uncomfortable with the superficiality and relentless promotion of 1980s-style pop stardom. He turned away from video clips and live shows; he set out to make more mature statements in his songs, though he never completely abandoned singing about love and desire.
The full obituary for George Michael, the pop music superstar who died at 53 https://t.co/4wtSi6MGLT pic.twitter.com/HbQQj9DcLJ
2.39am GMT
Julian Lennon on Facebook:
So sorry to hear of George’s passing... I only met then man once, but he was a gentleman & truly talented.... Your Music Lives On... You will be missed.... x
2016 really has been the worst year for losing talented friends. Today George Michael passed away while most people were sitting down to Christmas lunch. I remember getting him and Andrew Ridgeley in to the Wag Club before Wham had made it. He was always a lovely bloke never forgetting his roots. RIP YOG
2.34am GMT
The Guardian features writer Simon Hattenstone twice interviewed Michael: once in 2005 and again in 2009. He has written a piece reflecting on those interviews. Here is an excerpt:
Great singer (when he hadn’t smoked too much), great looking (though he didn’t like one side), great songwriter (before he got creative block), great personality (when not too stoned), and of course a great source of tabloid scandal.
He didn’t give many interviews, but when he did he really did give good interview. He didn’t believe in holding back.
2.30am GMT
The Daily Beast writer Kevin Fallon writes that the “unlikely history” of Last Christmas is a tribute to its creator. The Christmas song penned by Michael is “beloved, reviled, hugely successful, and, now, more tragic than ever”, Fallon writes.
When Michael wrote Last Christmas for Wham! in 1984, the duo was making a play for the coveted Christmas number one in the UK – the badge of honor so hilariously lampooned by Bill Nighy’s character in Love Actually– but came up just short, finishing number two to the Band Aid charity single “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” It was a big year for cheesy British holiday pop.
Still, the song became a chart success across the world both that year and nearly every one since. According to Billboard and Nielsen SoundScan, it is the 10th most downloaded holiday song in history.
2.26am GMT
Guardian readers have been sharing their thoughts and memories of Michael. Here are a few:
A good part of what made the 80s magical was what this guy did.
Gutted. Listen Without Prejudice has maintained its power with me since I first heard it at 15 years old. He could’ve stood alongside Prince, MJ and Madonna as a giant of the times if he wanted to but after Faith pulled away from that level of fame. The drugs, sexual incidents are but a tiny footnote on a wonderful musical career.
A beautiful man, a kind and generous soul and a fantastic talent. But like us all flawed and with demons. You touched my life and I thank you for that. In our thoughts today and always.
I share the same birthday with George. One of my best memories is when I (finally) went to see him in concert in Paris as gift for myself and the whole stadium sang happy birthday for “us”. He will always be one of my favourite artists, beautiful voice, beautiful soul. RIP.
George Michael in the 80s pic.twitter.com/jU4IJYlluD
2.02am GMT
From Press Association:
Holly Johnson, lead singer of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, said: “Sad to hear the news about George Michael , and so many great singers and songwriters we lost this year.”
Music contemporaries Spandau Ballet said: “We are incredibly sad at the passing of our dear friend George Michael. A brilliant artist & great songwriter.”
#RIPGeorgeMichael One of my first pop concerts was Wham - I'll never forget it. Thank you for the music.
other than a global pop phenom, George Michael was one of the true British soul greats. alot of us owe him an unpayable debt. bye George xx
2016 has been a rough one. #RIPGeorgeMichael pic.twitter.com/LBzBVDJHlM
I was just at his home the morning of our last @CHICorg show on Dec 23rd in London. I'm stunned #RIPGeorgeMichael My heartfelt condolences.
Stunned. George Michael. A talented and gentle soul. May you rest in Gods love and Peace #RIPGeorgeMichael
Heartbroken at the loss of one of my oldest friends. I will never forget the fun times we had together. Rest in Peace George, I'll miss you pic.twitter.com/HkJpvapLKy
1.59am GMT
Michael’s manager, Michael Lippman, told Billboard that he died of heart failure and was found “in bed, lying peacefully”.
“I’m devastated,” he said.
1.56am GMT
The Irish singer and songwriter Toby Bourke, who collaborated with Michael on Waltz Away Dreaming, told Guardian Australia that he was “deeply saddened” by the news. He said he would be paying tribute to his friend with “several bottles of whiskey” and playing the songs they worked on together, which Bourke said he hadn’t listened to in several years.
“It’s shocking news,” he said. “He remains one of the most important artists of our generation, he was the real McCoy he wasn’t just a pretty face.”
1.25am GMT
The Guardian’s music editor, Michael Hann, reflects on five great George Michael performances, from Young Guns to Jesus to a Child.
In the office at 1.30am on Boxing Day. Here for a while yet. Here's the first fruit of my labours. https://t.co/oiNCQK8voP
1.13am GMT
Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog. Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx https://t.co/OlGTm4D9O6
1.02am GMT
George Michael was Britain’s biggest pop star of the 1980s, first with the pop duo Wham! and then as a solo artist, writes Adam Sweeting:
After Wham! made their initial chart breakthrough with the single Young Guns (Go for It) in 1982, Michael’s songwriting gift brought them giant hits including Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and Careless Whisper, and they became leading lights of the 80s boom in British pop music, alongside Culture Club and Duran Duran.
His first solo album, Faith (1987), sold 25m copies, and Michael sold more than 100m albums worldwide with Wham! and under his own name.
Related: George Michael – obituary
12.57am GMT
The Guardian has just launched a gallery of George Michael images here, featuring leather, oversized earrings and great hair.
Related: George Michael – a life in pictures
We pay tribute to the beloved music and pop culture icon, George Michael, dead at 53. https://t.co/mJXAvleqzH pic.twitter.com/pWhyTZ0C5I
12.49am GMT
From China BBC:
Thirty years ago the British pop band Wham! became the first western band to play in a then closed-off China.
Cheng Fangyuan, a famous Chinese singer, was one of 12,000 people who turned up to the concert in the capital, Beijing.
She had been invited to cover Wham!’s songs ahead of their visit, in a bid to promote the band to a Chinese audience, who had never heard of them or their music before.
The concert was a rare glimpse of western culture for the Chinese who were just starting to look outward.
12.38am GMT
Watch as George Michael plays his encore at his last concert in 2012, including Freedom, I Remember You and I’m Your Man.
12.31am GMT
Oops.
As news.com.au reports, the actor Sarah Michelle Gellar took to Twitter to pay tribute to the musician. Only she got the wrong one.
@SarahMGellar Pssst it was George Michael x
12.29am GMT
The politicians have begun weighing in.
Sad to hear that George Michael has died. He was an exceptional artist and a strong supporter of LGBT and workers' rights.
So after a lovely family Xmas day, this 80s teen is off to bed feeling a bit sad, but listening to this masterpiece pic.twitter.com/tg2OujWLyO
12.26am GMT
You know you’re good when you have David Bowie watching on in awe.
George Michael rehearsing for “Somebody to Love”. Bowie in the background. Watch a man blow a rehearsal room away. https://t.co/JIxQepIjxT
12.21am GMT
Celebrities are paying tribute to Michael. On Instagram, Elton John said he was in “deep shock”.
The pair famously collaborated on a rendition of Elton’s classic Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, released in 1992, nearly two decades after the original.
I have lost a beloved friend – the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans.”
I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans. @GeorgeMichael #RIP
Is this year over yet? Too many people are passing away. Rest In Peace, George Michael. ☹️
Unbelievable.
RIP George Michael.
I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael's death. He was such a brilliant talent. I'm so sad.
God Bless George Michael , Say a prayer for him . A nice human .
M
So so sad , R.I.P George, a dear friend, the kindest, most generous & talented person . My thoughts are with his family.#GeorgeMichael
You have given the #world an amazing gift! What a #talent! What a #loss! We will continue to love you! #RIP George Michael! pic.twitter.com/plb7KjXOaP
12.08am GMT
Some light relief amid the sad news:
Laughing out loud .. George Michael in James Corden's first Carpool Karaoke for Comic Relief https://t.co/j8t7y2Al8J
12.08am GMT
Thames Valley police, who are investigating the death of George Michael, said officers had been called to a property in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, shortly before 2pm on Christmas Day:
Sadly, a 53-year-old man was confirmed deceased at the scene. At this stage the death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.
#Breaking Thames Valley Police, who are investigating George Michael's death, say it is being treated as "unexplained but not suspicious". pic.twitter.com/IHoTIgdkBP
12.06am GMT
The last post on Michael’s Facebook page, from last month, said he was putting the finishing touches to his special documentary film Freedom.
He has discovered some incredible, unseen archive footage and is shooting additional interviews for the project so the film will now air in March 2017.
It promises to be a real treat for fans! To coincide with the film’s broadcast, George and Sony Music have decided to move the reissue of the Listen Without Prejudice album to the same time.
11.57pm GMT
Meanwhile, tributes are pouring in about Michael’s importance to the LGBTI community.
RIP George Michael, an inspiration to gay men who told homophobia where to go stick itself pic.twitter.com/UNvcSfN4be
After George Michael was arrested in an LA loo, he refused to be shamed. It was such a powerful message to young gays like me.
Not often moved by celebrity deaths, but #georgemichael epitomised the struggles of many gay people - denial, closet and out phases. #hero
George Michael's defiance was everything if you were a gay teenager in the 90s.
As a little kid, #GeorgeMichael was the first openly gay person I was aware of. He was so… alive. I knew I wanted to be brave in that way.
George Michael rendered gay rights beautiful and so actionable to the masses. No one should have to do that, but he did. God bless, God rest
I knew how to be sexually gay and socially gay and acceptably gay, but #GeorgeMichael helped me to be confidently, nay aggressively gay. RIP
11.52pm GMT
Alice Ross has filed this piece for the Guardian on Michael’s death. She writes:
Pop superstar George Michael has died peacefully at home, his publicist said.
The 53-year-old, who was set to release a documentary in 2017, rose to fame as a member of Wham!, known for their hits Club Tropicana and Last Christmas. He went on to have a highly successful solo career including the hits Careless Whisper and Outside.
11.49pm GMT
The Australian music journalist Bernard Zuel is speaking on ABC News about the influence of Michael and whether he was known to be suffering from any illnesses. Zuel says:
There has been talk for years about his health, he has had a number of issues and a number of personal embarrassments that have suggested maybe there is something else going on, [being woken up by] the police in his car a couple of times.
There hasn’t been any strong suggestion that there was anything serious. He was a private man generally. It is not surprising that if he was ill for some time, we wouldn’t know.
He is someone who went from being a popstar for teenagers to a pop star for adults. The only other male pop star from England who would challenge him and beat him in England for sales at least is Robbie Williams.
He was someone who was an international star across the world who every Christmas has his moment in the sun as Wham’s Christmas song gets played. Also you will find him on classic hits radio and in many record collections by people who don’t buy many records a year, but have George Michael’s face.
11.43pm GMT
More stars react ...
So sorry to hear of the passing of George Michael. My prayers and condolences go out to his family, friends and fans.
George ? George Michael ? No ... it cannot be. Beyond sad. #RIPGeorgeMichael Bri
2016 - loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to @GeorgeMichael's family. pic.twitter.com/3h4xqEDXR9
11.41pm GMT
In a lengthy interview with the Guardian features writer Simon Hattenstone, Michael opened up about fame and dysfunction.
What’s a typical day in the life of George Michael? The common perception is that he gets up late in the afternoon, gets stoned and goes cruising.
Rubbish, he says.
11.35pm GMT
This might just be George Michael's greatest moment... 'Somebody To Love' at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. https://t.co/jE6sOMsz37
11.33pm GMT
The arts and media correspondent for the Observer, Vanessa Thorpe, wrote a profile of Michael before the launch of his Symphonica live album in 2014. It explored his career highs and lows, and detailed his various illnesses and scandals. She wrote:
Over the years, a careful saboteur has been at work, undermining the glittering showbusiness career of George Michael.
Frequently using the cover of night, yet sometimes speaking out boldly in broad daylight, a determined soul has been doing his best to topple the superstar. There are no prizes for spotting that, yes, Michael himself has often seemed driven to send his own popular success careening off the road into the undergrowth, like an out-of-control, top-of-the-range Range Rover with a snoozing celebrity at the wheel.
11.27pm GMT
Tributes are flowing in for Michael on Twitter as word of his death spreads.
The LGBTI charity, Stonewall, was among those to pay tribute.
R.I.P. George Michael. You inspired many and your music will live on in the hearts of the community. You will be sorely missed x pic.twitter.com/tjXqkArahj
I met George Michael a few times & he was ever a gentle, unassuming soul.A rare presence in a world full of self.
Honest, genuine talent.
11.25pm GMT
The singer George Michael has died peacefully in his sleep, his publicist has confirmed.
Michael, age 53, passed “peacefully away at home”, the statement from his publicist said.
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