Wham!

Wham! was an English pop-soul duo from London that released four 1982–83 singles on Columbia–Inner Vision that formed the basis of their debut album Fantastic. The duo consisted of vocalist–songwriter George Michael and occasional guitarist Andrew Ridgeley, who functioned more as the act’s stylist and publicist.

In the fall of 1984, Wham! broke globally with the single “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” from the album Make It Big, which generated three further hit singles over a year-long chart run. The ballad “Careless Whisper” was alternately billed as a solo release by Michael. A further run of singles in late 1985 and early 1986 heralded an announcement that the duo was soon to split: a move forwarded by the singer’s summer ’86 solo ballad “A Different Corner.” The pair’s final recordings appear on the North American release Music From the Edge of Heaven.

Post-split, Michael launched a highly successful solo career while Ridgeley went into speed-racing.

Members: George Michael (vocals), Andrew Ridgeley (guitar)

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Background

Wham! sprung from The Executive, an unsigned ska band with George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley.

Michael was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25, 1963, in East Finchley; the youngest of three children (and only son) of Kyriacos “Jack” Panayiotou (a Greek Cypriot restaurateur) and Lesley Angold (née Harrison, an English dancer). His father migrated from Patriki, Cyprus, in the 1950s. At age eight, George incurred a head injury that spurred his musical fixation. In his early teens, the family moved to Radlett village in Hertfordshire, where Michael attended Bushey Meads School and befriended fellow pupil Andrew Ridgeley, who shared the same ambition.

Ridgeley was born on January 26, 1963, in Windlesham, Surrey, to Italian–Egyptian migrant Alberto Mario Zacharia and Scottish–Englishwoman Jennifer John (née Dunlop). Zacharia fled Egypt during the 1956 Suez Crisis.

In 1980, Michael and Ridgeley formed The Executive with fellow school friends, including David (Austin) Mortimer and Andrew’s younger brother, Paul. Meanwhile, Michael busked on the London Underground, where he performed the 1975 Queen deep-cut “39” for passing commuters. He also worked as a DJ with gigs at the Northwood Bel Air Restaurant and assorted schools in the Bushey and Watford districts.

Michael and Ridgeley decided to work as a duo. Andrew suggested the name Wham as an expression of their energy and the immediate, upbeat nature of their music. They recorded a demo tape (purportedly in ten minutes), which Andrew handed to music entrepreneur Mark Dean at The Three Crowns pub in Hertfordshire. In February 1982, Dean signed Wham to Innervision, a new subsidiary of CBS.

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“Wham Rap!”

On June 11, 1982, Wham released their debut single: “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do)” an upbeat synth/dance song with one of the earliest examples of rapping by an English act. George Michael co-wrote the song with Andrew Ridgeley.

Its genesis traces back to 1981, inspired by Ridgeley’s playful chants to “Rapper’s Delight” and a parental ultimatum that fueled the song’s key lyric, “Get yourself a job or get out of this house.” A demo, recorded by local producer Paul Mex in January 1982, helped secure their contract with Innervision, leading to a more polished session recording used for promotional club performances. The explicitly political song, unusually for the time, celebrated unemployment and government assistance, openly challenging conventional British left-wing views on the ‘right to work’.

A. “Wham Rap!” (3:30)

B. “Wham Rap! (club mix)” (4:02)

The single saw several alternate takes and versions. The initial 1982 12″ release featured an “Unsocial mix” (6:36) and a “Social mix” (6:46). Notably, the “Unsocial mix” contained expletives (“damn,” “bullshit,” “shit,” “crap”) to cultivate a rebellious image, a rarity for future Wham! releases. The “Social mix” and the Fantastic album version, distinct from the “Unsocial mix,” featured different lyrical verses, resulting in three unique sets of lyrics. 

The music video for “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do)” was filmed in London in February 1983, following the single’s re-issue. It depicted Michael and Ridgeley as two unemployed youths navigating the city streets, showcasing their blend of moody attire with bright, energetic choreography. They were joined by backing vocalists Shirlie Holliman and Dee C. Lee, alongside their band, performing dance routines against a distinctive white background emblazoned with ‘WHAM!’.

Initially released in June 1982 when Wham! was relatively unknown, the single made little impact on the charts. However, after their breakthrough hit “Young Guns (Go for It),” “Wham Rap!” was re-issued in January 1983. This re-release proved successful, climbing to No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the second of four hit singles from their debut album, Fantastic.

Internationally, “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do)” also achieved moderate success. It reached No. 9 in Australia, No. 12 in Belgium, No. 9 in the Netherlands, No. 17 in Germany, No. 13 in Ireland, and No. 18 in New Zealand.

In 1986, a “Wham! Rap ’86” remix combined elements of the “Unsocial mix” with the album version; this remix appeared on their American and Japanese album Music from the Edge of Heaven and as a B-side for “The Edge of Heaven” single in various regions. Prior to 2023, only the album version was available on CD.

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“Young Guns (Go for It)”

“Young Guns (Go for It)” marked the pivotal second single from British pop sensations Wham!, arriving on Innervision Records on September 17, 1982. This track, penned and co-produced by George Michael, became the duo’s breakthrough hit both in the UK and globally. Its ascent was largely propelled by a last-minute invitation to perform on the iconic BBC music program Top of the Pops, secured after executive producer Michael Hurll caught their performance on Saturday Superstore.

A. Young Guns (Go for It) (3:40)

B. Going for It (3:40)

“Young Guns (Go for It)” was issued in various extended formats. The UK 12-inch single featured an extended “12″ version” of the A-side running 5:10, while the US Columbia/Innervision 12-inch offered an even longer mix at 6:53. The B-side, “Going for It,” was consistently presented as an instrumental rendition of the main track across all releases, although its length varied slightly on the US 12-inch, clocking in at 4:49.

The music video for “Young Guns (Go for It)” vividly captured the song’s narrative. It portrayed George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley as two friends caught in a conflict over romantic commitment. The visuals often depicted a playful tug-of-war between Ridgeley’s character and his on-screen girlfriend, emphasizing the song’s central “go for it” theme. The video regularly featured Dee C. Lee and Shirlie Holliman alongside the duo, acting as their vibrant backing vocalists and dancers.

The single’s journey on the UK Singles Chart was a testament to the power of television exposure. After a tentative initial release in June 1982, “Wham Rap!” initially languished. However, when “Young Guns (Go for It)” debuted at No. 72 and fluctuated outside the Top 40, Top of the Pops extended a crucial invitation. Michael mimed the vocals for Ridgeley, who embodied the reluctant bridegroom, flanked by Holliman and Lee. This performance proved transformative; subsequent orders surged, propelling the single to No. 3 by November 1982, solidifying Wham!’s status as a formidable new act.

Internationally, “Young Guns (Go for It)” achieved significant chart success. It reached No. 1 in Sweden, No. 4 in Australia, No. 8 in Belgium, No. 4 in the Netherlands (Dutch Top 40), No. 9 in the Netherlands (Single Top 100), No. 4 in New Zealand, No. 10 in Norway, and No. 20 in West Germany. It also finished the year as the 30th best-selling single in Australia and 77th in Belgium for 1983.

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“Bad Boys”

“Bad Boys” was the third single from the dynamic English pop duo Wham!, issued on Innervision Records on May 6, 1983.

This track was penned and co-produced by George Michael, presenting a narrative from the perspective of a defiant teenager whose nocturnal escapades are a source of worry for his parents. Michael, only 19 at the time of composition, also crafted a distinctive middle-eight section where “adult” voices, presumably the parents, voice concerns about late nights and cigarettes, plaintively asking, “Why do you have to be so cruel?”

A. “Bad Boys” (3:20)

B. “Bad Boys (instrumental)” (3:25)

“Bad Boys” was made available in various formats, including an extended 12-inch mix. The UK 12-inch single featured an extended “12″ mix” of the title track, stretching to 4:58. The B-side across all releases was a straightforward instrumental version of “Bad Boys.”

The accompanying music video for “Bad Boys” visually reinforced the song’s rebellious theme. It depicted George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley as the titular “bad boys,” engaging in activities that would cause parental concern. The video featured Anthony Souter portraying Michael’s father, and English model Gail Lawson appearing as a blonde girl accompanying Michael and Ridgeley in a convertible car, further cementing the duo’s image of youthful independence.

As the third single from Wham!’s debut album, Fantastic, “Bad Boys” proved to be a significant success. It peaked at an impressive No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart, held off the top spot only by The Police’s “Every Breath You Take.” The single’s strong performance led to it becoming the 26th best-selling single of 1983 in the UK, reinforcing Wham!’s early image as a group projecting a defiant, independent “soul boy – dole boy” stance.

Internationally, “Bad Boys” achieved notable chart performance. It reached No. 9 in Australia, No. 8 in Belgium, No. 5 in Finland, No. 12 in Germany, No. 26 in the Netherlands, No. 10 in New Zealand, No. 8 in Norway, No. 1 in Paraguay, No. 11 in Sweden, No. 6 in Switzerland, and marked Wham!’s debut on the US Billboard Hot 100, where it reached No. 60 (listed as Wham!-UK).

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Fantastic

Wham! released their debut album, Fantastic, on July 1, 1983, on Innervision. In the US, Fantastic appeared on Columbia under the group name Wham UK to avoid confusion with the American funk band named Wham.

The album includes their first two a-sides (“Wham Rap,” “Young Guns”) and the recent “Bad Boys,” plus the subsequent single “Club Tropicana” and three additional George Michael originals, including the luminous ballad “Nothing Looks the Same In the Light,” the only track with no guitar by Andrew Ridgeley, who co-authored “Tropicana.” Side A includes the Miracles cover “Love Machine.”

Fantastic features more than 35 sessions musicians from assorted backgrounds, including keyboardists Anne Dudley (ABC) and Tommy Eyre (Joe Cocker, Gary Moore); bassists Deon Estus (Brainstorm) and John McKenzie (Man); drummers Andy Duncan (Alan Parsons Project) and Graham Broad (Mike Oldfield); and thirteen hornists, including saxophonists Ian Ritchie (Deaf School), Andy Mackintosh (Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson), and trumpeters Bert Ezard (Pretty Things) and Guy Barker (Hi-Tension, Linx).

Wham sidewoman Dee C. Lee sings on “Bad Boys” and (with onstage partner Shirlie Holliman) “Young Guns,” but is otherwise absent from Fantastic, which features select vocal backing by Jimmy Chambers (Dada, Central Line) and Stevie Lange (Blancmange, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band).

A1. “Bad Boys” (3:19)
A2. “A Ray of Sunshine” (4:43)
A3. “Love Machine” (3:19)
A4. “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do)” (6:41)

B1. “Club Tropicana” (4:28)
B2. “Nothing Looks the Same in the Light” (5:53)
B3. “Come On” (4:24)
B4. “Young Guns (Go for It!)” (3:55)

Sessions occurred in late 1982 and early 1983 at Maison Rouge Studio in London, where George Michael co-produced the album with Steve Brown and Bob Carter.

Fantastic, released on July 1, 1983, made a significant impact on charts worldwide, demonstrating the duo’s rapid rise to fame. It achieved number-one status in both the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Across Europe, the album performed exceptionally well, reaching No. 5 in Australia, No. 7 in Germany, and No. 8 in the Netherlands, Finland, and Norway. It also charted strongly in Scandinavia, hitting No. 15 in Sweden. Further afield, Fantastic reached No. 17 in Japan and No. 25 in Switzerland, while in the United States, it peaked at No. 83 on the Billboard 200.

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“Club Tropicana”

“Club Tropicana” was the fourth single released by the British pop duo Wham!, arriving on Innervision Records on July 22, 1983. This sun-drenched track was a collaborative effort, co-written by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley.

Conceived in Ridgeley’s living room in 1981, it was the second song they developed as a nascent duo and was included in the early home demos that secured their initial record deal. The song’s inspiration stemmed from the allure and escapism of the burgeoning New Romantic club scene, particularly a London club called Le Beat Route, and later expanded to encompass the hedonistic themes of European Club 18-30 holidays, all set to a rhythm infused with Latin jazz and a groove reminiscent of the Gap Band’s “Burn Rubber on Me.”

A. “Club Tropicana” (4:29)

B. “Blue (Armed with Love)” (3:50)

“Club Tropicana” saw a notable B-side, “Blue (Armed with Love),” a semi-instrumental dub track that was originally an unfinished piece from the Fantastic album sessions, with George Michael as the sole producer. Despite its incomplete state upon release, a more developed version featuring sung verses was performed during Wham!’s Club Fantastic and Big tours. This fuller rendition, titled “Blue (Live in China),” was later included on their 1986 LP Music from the Edge of Heaven and served as the B-side for the 1985 single “Last Christmas.” The main single also received an instrumental version, available on the 12-inch release (3:31).

The accompanying music video, directed by Duncan Gibbins and filmed at the iconic Pikes Hotel in Ibiza, perfectly captured the song’s carefree, holiday spirit. It depicted Michael and Ridgeley enjoying leisurely moments by the pool, sipping cocktails, and interacting playfully with bikini-clad girls, portrayed by their backing singers Dee C. Lee and Shirlie Holliman. A memorable scene features a trumpet being played from within the pool. The video concludes with a revealing twist, showing Michael and Ridgeley as airline pilots and Lee and Holliman as stewardesses, adding a layer of sophisticated escapism. The video has garnered over 36.4 million views on YouTube as of February 2025 and notably inspired Lewis Capaldi’s 2022 music video for “Forget Me.”

Released in July 1983, “Club Tropicana” solidified Wham!’s commercial success, reaching No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and becoming the 39th best-selling single of 1983. This marked the fourth and final single to be taken from their debut album, Fantastic, before Wham! would go on to achieve four UK No. 1 singles prior to their amicable split in 1986.

Internationally, “Club Tropicana” also performed well. It peaked at No. 60 in Australia, No. 23 in Belgium, No. 24 in Finland, No. 4 in Ireland, No. 8 in the Netherlands (Dutch Top 40), No. 14 in the Netherlands (Single Top 100), No. 25 in New Zealand, No. 10 in Norway, and No. 13 in West Germany.

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“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”

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“Careless Whisper”

“Careless Whisper” emerged as the sixth single from Wham!, released on July 23, 1984, through Epic Records in most territories, although it was notably credited solely to George Michael in the UK, Ireland, and parts of Europe, and to “Wham! featuring George Michael” in the US and other countries.

Penned by both George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, with Michael taking on production duties, this contemporary pop song, infused with R&B and soul influences, became an international phenomenon. Its signature element is a distinctive saxophone riff, composed by Michael and performed by Steve Gregory.

The lyrical inspiration for “Careless Whisper” arose from Michael’s personal experience with infidelity, imagining the moment his partner would discover his deception, while Ridgeley contributed the core chord progression on his Fender Telecaster.

A. Careless Whisper (5:04)
B. Careless Whisper (instrumental) (5:02)

“Careless Whisper” saw several distinct alternate takes. The initial demo, recorded with Paul Mex in early 1982, was a quick one-take recording featuring a drum machine, acoustic guitar by Ridgeley, and bass by Dave West. A more developed second demo, featuring a backing band and the iconic saxophone riff, was made in March 1982. The song also underwent two rounds of professional production. An early version, produced by Jerry Wexler at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in 1983, was ultimately deemed unsatisfactory by Michael. This “Jerry Wexler special version” (5:34) was later released as a B-side on some 12-inch formats. The version that became the hit single was self-produced by Michael, recorded in London with a live rhythm section, and featured Steve Gregory’s now-famous saxophone solo, which was the result of numerous attempts by various musicians before Gregory found the precise nuanced delivery Michael sought.

The official music video for “Careless Whisper,” directed by Duncan Gibbins, visually narrates the song’s themes of guilt and betrayal. Filmed in Miami, Florida, in February 1984, it depicts George Michael’s character grappling with the aftermath of an affair, knowing his partner (played by Lisa Stahl) is on the verge of discovery. The video captures the emotional weight of his actions across various Miami locales. An earlier, more detailed version of the video featuring Andrew Ridgeley in a cameo was initially edited with the Jerry Wexler production but was later re-edited. Despite production challenges and reshoots, the final video effectively conveyed the song’s poignant narrative, and as of October 2024, it has amassed over 1.3 billion views on YouTube.

“Careless Whisper” made an immediate impact on the UK Singles Chart, debuting at No. 12 in July 1984. Within two weeks, it surged to number one, ending Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s nine-week reign with “Two Tribes.” It held the top spot for three weeks and finished as the fifth best-selling single of 1984 in the United Kingdom.

Globally, “Careless Whisper” became a monumental hit, topping charts in at least ten countries and selling approximately 11 million copies worldwide. It reached number one in Australia, Bolivia, Canada (both Top Singles and Adult Contemporary charts), Iceland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Paraguay, South Africa, Sweden, and the US Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for three weeks and was named Billboard‘s number-one song of 1985. The track also achieved top-five positions in Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, and Switzerland. Its enduring appeal is evident in its continued popularity on social media and its re-entry into various charts years after its initial release.

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Make It Big

Wham! released their highly anticipated second studio album, Make It Big, in 1984 on Epic Records. This album represented a significant step for the duo, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, as Michael took on a more central role in its production.

Make It Big featured George Michael on lead and backing vocals, keyboards, and LinnDrum, with Andrew Ridgeley contributing electric and acoustic guitars and backing vocals. Additional musicians included keyboardists Tommy Eyre, Andy Richards, and Anne Dudley, guitarist Hugh Burns, bassist Deon Estus, drummer Trevor Murrell, percussionist Danny Cummings, saxophonists David Baptiste and Steve Gregory, trumpeters Colin Graham and Paul Spong, and backing vocals by Pepsi & Shirlie. George Michael produced and arranged the album alongside engineer Chris Porter and assistant engineer Paul Gomersall.

A1. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” (3:50)
A2. “Everything She Wants” (5:01)
A3. “Heartbeat” (4:42)
A4. “Like a Baby” (4:12)

B1. “Freedom” (5:01)
B2. “If You Were There” (3:38)
B3. “Credit Card Baby” (5:08)
B4. “Careless Whisper” (6:30)

A significant portion of Make It Big was crafted and recorded over six weeks in early July 1984 at Studio Miraval in Southern France, a locale chosen by Michael for its tranquil environment, allowing him to escape press scrutiny and focus on the music. Andrew Ridgeley noted that tax considerations also played a role in the choice of location. Much like its hit singles, the album’s tracks primarily utilized a live rhythm section. While the credits list Good Earth Studios in London and Marcadet Studios in Paris for mixing, engineer Chris Porter confirmed that most of the mixing actually occurred at Sarm West’s Studio 2 in London, where “Careless Whisper” and “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” were recorded, with some preliminary mixing done at Studio Miraval.

The album’s string of hits began with “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” featuring the duo in iconic “CHOOSE LIFE” T-shirts in its music video. The second single, “Careless Whisper,” while appearing on Make It Big, was notably credited to “Wham! featuring George Michael” or solely to George Michael on single releases, hinting at Michael’s burgeoning solo aspirations. The third single, “Freedom,” showcased footage from Wham!’s groundbreaking concert tour of China, making them the first Western pop act to perform in the nation. The album’s final single, “Everything She Wants,” was released as a double A-side with “Last Christmas” (which later appeared on Music from the Edge of Heaven, a North America and Japan-only release).

A massive commercial triumph, Make It Big soared to number one in both the UK and US, spawning four immensely successful singles, all reaching the top three in both territories. The album’s impact was solidified with a 4x platinum certification in the US at the time of its release, later achieving 6x platinum. In March 2024, Make It Big was reissued on vinyl, marking its first such release in three decades.

Make It Big was an international chart sensation. It topped the album charts in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Europe, Finland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US Billboard 200. It also reached No. 4 in Austria and No. 5 in West Germany, and No. 20 on the US Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. The album’s enduring popularity was further evidenced by its appearance on the Hungarian Physical Albums chart at No. 21 and the Greek Albums chart at No. 73 in 2024. It was also a strong performer on year-end charts throughout 1984 and 1985 across numerous countries, including No. 2 in Japan (1985) and No. 4 in the US (1985).

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“Freedom”

“Freedom” marked the fifth single released by the energetic English pop duo Wham!, dropping on October 1, 1984, as a track from their highly anticipated album Make It Big. Penned and produced by George Michael, this song became the group’s second chart-topping hit in the United Kingdom and also achieved a notable No. 3 position in America. By the time of its release, Wham! was already riding a wave of success, with “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” having soared to No. 1 in both the UK and US, and George Michael’s solo single, “Careless Whisper,” also reaching the pinnacle of the charts.

A. “Freedom” (5:08)

B. “Freedom (instrumental)” (5:10)

“Freedom” was accompanied by several alternate versions. The UK 12-inch single featured an extended “long version” of the track, clocking in at 7:14. For the US release, the song was notably remixed and extended by an additional 20 seconds; this remix incorporated increased vocal reverb and a more prominent organ sound, alongside a new trumpet section and supplementary vocals, an arrangement first heard during their “The Big Tour” as a closing number. This American remix was later included on the compilation albums The Final and The Best of Wham!: If You Were There…, although the original version appeared on the US release of Make It Big. A reworked version of the song, with altered lyrics, was also used in a 1984 promotional campaign for Maxell audio cassettes.

The music video for “Freedom,” which coincided with its 1985 US release, documented Wham!’s historic tour of Beijing, China. This visit was groundbreaking, marking the first time a Western pop band performed in China, offering a unique visual backdrop to the vibrant track. The video captures the duo’s experiences and performances within this unprecedented cultural exchange.

“Freedom” swiftly ascended the charts in the UK, claiming the No. 1 position for three weeks and becoming the 10th best-selling single of 1984. This solidified Wham!’s dominance in the pop landscape.

Internationally, the single enjoyed widespread success. It reached No. 1 in Iceland and Norway, and achieved top-five status in Australia (No. 3), Belgium (No. 2), Canada (No. 5 on CHUM, No. 10 on RPM Top Singles, and No. 3 on RPM Adult Contemporary), Europe (No. 3 on Eurochart Hot 100), Finland (No. 5), Italy (No. 5), the Netherlands (No. 2 on Dutch Top 40, No. 3 on Single Top 100), Switzerland (No. 5), and the US Billboard Hot 100 (No. 3). It also charted strongly in France (No. 16), Germany (No. 14), Ireland (No. 1), New Zealand (No. 8), South Africa (No. 8), and Sweden (No. 9), further cementing Wham!’s global appeal.

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“Everything She Wants”

“Everything She Wants” was the eighth single released by the British pop duo Wham!, appearing on Epic Records in 1984 as part of a significant double A-side release with “Last Christmas.” This track, entirely written and produced by George Michael, garnered immense critical and commercial success, becoming Wham!’s third consecutive million-selling number-one hit in the United States. Michael notably composed the song by first creating the backing track with a LinnDrum pattern and a favored synthesizer program, then developing the vocals in a hotel room, initially not envisioning it as a single. Lyrically, Michael described it as a departure from their usual upbeat pop, exploring the struggles of a man trapped in a failing marriage by the impending arrival of a baby, a situation he had observed.

A. Everything She Wants (5:32)
B. Last Christmas (4:24)

“Everything She Wants” was featured in several alternate versions. The UK 12-inch single offered a “Long Remix” (6:34) of “Everything She Wants” and a “Pudding Mix” (6:44) of “Last Christmas,” with a limited edition also including a 1985 calendar. The US 12-inch single paired the “Long Remix” (6:34) with “Like a Baby” (4:12), a track from the Make It Big album. The song’s recording process in August 1984 at Marcadet Studios in Paris, likely finished at Sarm West’s Studio 2 in London, was unique for Wham!: Michael recorded the track almost entirely by himself, with engineer Chris Porter, utilizing a mono 2-bar LinnDrum loop that became foundational to the song. This self-contained production, partly out of necessity as session musicians had departed, marked a realization for Michael that he could execute all creative aspects himself, a method he would replicate for “Last Christmas.”

The music video for “Everything She Wants,” directed by Andy Morahan, is presented in black and white, featuring footage of a live performance, highlighting the duo’s stage presence and the song’s intense mood.

Upon its release in the UK on December 3, 1984, “Last Christmas” initially dominated airplay due to its seasonal timing. However, “Everything She Wants” gained significant traction after the holiday period, providing radio stations with a year-round hit. Despite being a double A-side, the single was prevented from reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart by Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” (in which George Michael participated), making it the best-selling record not to top the UK charts at the time. In the USA, however, “Everything She Wants” was released in February 1985 with a dedicated music video and soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May of that year, becoming the third consecutive chart-topping single from the Make It Big album. George Michael continued to express pride in the song throughout his career, often performing it live.

Internationally, “Everything She Wants” achieved considerable success. It reached No. 1 in Canada (RPM Top Singles) and Iceland, and attained top-ten positions in Australia (No. 7), Austria (No. 5), Belgium (No. 9), Europe (No. 4), Germany (No. 8), New Zealand (No. 6), Norway (No. 4), South Africa (No. 5), the US Adult Contemporary (No. 4), US Dance Club Songs (No. 7), US Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales (No. 3), US Cash Box Top 100 (No. 1), and US Contemporary Hit Radio (No. 1). It also charted at No. 21 in France and No. 12 on US Hot Black Singles. In the UK, it was the 6th best-selling single of 1984.

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“Last Christmas” 

“Last Christmas” is a timeless Christmas song by the British pop duo Wham!, written and produced by George Michael. It was initially released on December 3, 1984, internationally through CBS Records and as a double A-side with “Everything She Wants” via Epic Records in several European countries. This poignant track, dealing with a holiday-time breakup and the subsequent emotional recovery, was conceived by Michael in his childhood bedroom in February 1984, with Andrew Ridgeley describing hearing its initial melody as “a moment of wonder.” Michael then famously recorded every instrument and vocal himself in August 1984 at Advision Studios in London, setting the festive mood by decorating the studio with Christmas adornments, a testament to his burgeoning self-sufficiency as a producer.

“Last Christmas” was primarily released as a double A-side, with the lead being “Everything She Wants.” The 12-inch single included a “Pudding Mix” of “Last Christmas” stretching to 6:44, a longer version of the festive track. All of Wham!’s royalties from the single, exceeding £250,000, were generously donated to relief efforts for the Ethiopian famine, adding a philanthropic dimension to its commercial success.

The song’s iconic music video, directed by Andy Morahan, is a staple of holiday viewing. It depicts George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, along with their backing singers Shirlie Holliman and Pepsi DeMacque, and friends, enjoying a snowy Christmas getaway. The narrative unfolds as Michael’s character quietly pines for a former lover (played by model Kathy Hill), who is now with Ridgeley’s character, subtly revealing the titular “last Christmas” where his heart was broken. The video’s charming winter wonderland setting and understated emotional drama have contributed to its enduring popularity.

Upon its initial release in 1984, “Last Christmas” faced stiff competition from Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” (on which George Michael also participated), preventing it from securing the coveted UK Christmas number one spot, where it peaked at No. 2 for five consecutive weeks. For many years, it held the record as the highest-selling single in UK chart history never to reach number one, with 1.9 million copies sold (excluding streams). However, after numerous re-entries in subsequent years, “Last Christmas” finally reached number one in the UK Singles Chart on January 1, 2021, over 36 years after its debut, becoming Wham!’s fifth UK chart-topper. It made history again in 2023 by becoming the Christmas number one and, in 2024, the first song to achieve this accolade in back-to-back years. Combining sales and streams, it has become the third biggest song on record in the UK.

Internationally, “Last Christmas” achieved widespread acclaim, topping the charts in fifteen countries. It also peaked within the top ten in several major markets, including Australia, Canada, and the United States, and reached No. 2 on the Billboard Global 200 in January 2021. The song’s cultural impact is further highlighted by its recognition in various polls, being voted eighth on ITV’s “The Nation’s Favourite Christmas Song” in 2012 and the most popular 1980s song in Channel 5’s “Britain’s Favourite ’80s Songs” in 2020. It remained the most-played Christmas song of the 21st century in the UK until 2011.

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“I’m Your Man”

“I’m Your Man” was the sixth single released by the dynamic British pop duo Wham!, hitting shelves in 1985 on Epic Records (UK/worldwide) and Columbia Records (US). This track was entirely written and produced by George Michael, who conceived the initial verse and chorus in just five minutes during an internal flight in America. Michael described the song as a departure from Wham!’s previous work, bringing a fresh sound to their repertoire.

A. “I’m Your Man” (4:05)

B. “Do It Right” (4:05)

The single offered several alternate versions. The UK 12-inch single featured an “Extended Stimulation” remix of “I’m Your Man” (6:53) and an a cappella version (4:17). The B-side, “Do It Right,” was an instrumental rendition of the main track across all releases. The extended mix of “I’m Your Man” was later included on Wham!’s 1986 album The Final and the US version of Music from the Edge of Heaven.

The official music video for “I’m Your Man,” directed by Andy Morahan, is presented in black and white, capturing a live performance by Wham! at the iconic Marquee Club on Wardour Street, London. The video opens with a humorous sequence of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley unsuccessfully attempting to sell tickets to passersby, with Michael making a frustrated phone call to his agent, Simon Napier-Bell, before declaring, “we got a gig to play, goodbye.” The visual narrative is interspersed with flashing film countdown numbers, notably displaying “69,” “66,” and “SEX,” adding a playful, suggestive edge.

“I’m Your Man” quickly became Wham!’s third number-one hit on the UK Singles Chart. In the US, it reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. This standalone single was a significant release, as it did not feature on a studio album and was followed only by a re-issue of their previous Christmas hit.

Internationally, “I’m Your Man” continued Wham!’s impressive chart run. It hit number one in Denmark, Italy, and New Zealand. It also achieved top-five positions in Australia (No. 3), Belgium (No. 3), Canada (No. 7), Finland (No. 2), Europe (No. 2 on European Hot 100 Singles), Iceland (No. 2), Ireland (No. 1), the Netherlands (No. 3 on Single Top 100, No. 4 on Dutch Top 40), and Norway (No. 4). It also charted at No. 13 in South Africa, No. 15 in Sweden, No. 7 in Switzerland, and No. 13 on the US Adult Contemporary chart.

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Music From the Edge of Heaven

Wham! released their third and final album, Music From the Edge of Heaven, on June 27, 1986, on Columbia in North America and Japan. This album served as a unique release for these markets, distinct from The Final, a greatest hits compilation issued in other territories, though both shared some tracks. Music from the Edge of Heaven featured several newly recorded songs alongside re-worked versions of previously released material.

The album features a mix of newly recorded tracks and subtly altered versions of existing songs. “The Edge of Heaven,” “Battlestations,” “Wham! Rap ’86,” and “Where Did Your Heart Go?” were all freshly recorded for this collection. “The Edge of Heaven,” “Battlestations,” and “Where Did Your Heart Go?” also appeared on The Final, while the “Pudding Mix” of “Last Christmas” remained unchanged from its original single release. Recording sessions took place primarily in 1985–1986, with “Last Christmas” having been recorded earlier in August 1984. George Michael produced the entire album, with recording taking place at Sarm West in London.

1. “The Edge of Heaven” (4:31)
2. “Battlestations” (5:25)
3. “I’m Your Man” (6:05)
4. “Wham! Rap ’86” (6:33)
5. “A Different Corner” (4:30)
6. “Blue” (live in China) (5:43)
7. “Where Did Your Heart Go?” (5:43) Was (Not Was) cover
8. “Last Christmas (Pudding Mix)” (6:44)

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Discography:

• Fantastic (1983)
• Make It Big (1984)
• Music From the Edge of Heaven (1986)

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Sources:

• Discogs: Wham!
• 45cat: Wham!
• John Peel Wiki: Wham!
• TVRDb.com: Top of the Pops – Wham!