Everything you need to know about Wham!
Read up on your favourite 'Club Tropicana' hitmakers
Wham! certainly need no introduction as one of the biggest pop acts of the 1980s! Scoring huge hits like 'Wake Me Up Before You Go Go', 'Club Tropicana' and 'I'm Your Man', the band was made up of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, with the musical duo selling over 30 million records worldwide in the 80s.
Their longevity has endured long after the band split in 1986 - with George even posthumously being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November 2023, following his devastating death on Christmas Day in 2016 aged 53. Read on to find out everything you need to know about Wham - including a very special upcoming anniversary EP, and TV show to celebrate the 40th anniversary of 'Last Christmas'.
Who are Wham?
Wham were British pop duo George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, formed in 1981. They released three albums: 'Fantastic', 'Make It Big' and 'The Final', before they split in 1986.
Where did they meet?
George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley were childhood friends long before they were band mates, after meeting at Bushey Meads School in Hertfordshire.
Are they releasing a new EP?
Yes, Wham! are releasing a new EP as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of their hit song 'Last Christmas'. Wham!'s 'Last Christmas 40th Anniversary' EP will feature George Michael’s 2006 performance of the iconic Christmas song at London’s Wembley Arena.
The new release will be available from 13th December 2024, on vinyl, CD and digital, and will feature four tracks - the original song, a Pudding Mix, the Wembley Arena performance and an instrumental version.
Find out more about Wham!'s new EP here.
Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped
Along with the new EP the 40th anniversary of 'Last Christmas' will be celebrated with the release of a TV show about the hugely popular single. Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped is an hour-long special made in association with Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael Entertainment. The programme follows how Andrew and George turned the Christmas classic into a cultural phenomenon.
What are Wham's biggest songs?
Wham scored five UK Number 1 singles in their short time as a band.
'Wake Me Up Before You Go Go'
This classic tune was the duo's first UK and US Number 1 in May 1984 - and has since been certified 3x Platinum. It was written and produced by George Michael and the music video featured the pair wearing the iconic 'Choose Life' t-shirts.
'Freedom'
Wham followed the success of 'Wake Me Up Before You Go Go' with their second Number 1 in the same year with 'Freedom'. Released in October of 1984, the track also written and produced by George Michael, was the 10th best-selling single of the year.
'I'm Your Man'
'I'm Your Man' was released in November 1985 and was Wham's third Number 1 single and did not feature on a studio album.
'The Edge of Heaven'
'The Edge of Heaven' was Wham's farewell single, after the duo parted ways in 1986 and featured a guest appearance by Elton John.
'Last Christmas'
Wham's iconic Christmas tune 'Last Christmas' was initially released in December 1984 and spent five weeks at Number 2, kept off the top spot by Band Aid's 'Do They Know Its Christmas?'.
The song returned to the charts in subsequent years as a Christmas favourite and eventually secured Number 1 in January 2021, 36 years after its first release. The track set a new record for time elapsed between a song's release and charting at Number 1, surpassing Tony Christie's '(Is This The Way to) Amarillo' which was at the top spot 33 years after it came out.
The song lost the record for the longest time taken to top the Chart to Kate Bush's song 'Running Up That Hill' in 2022.
In December 2022, the Wham! track reached Number 1 on the UK Singles Chart again and Andrew Ridgeley said: "This is a very emotional time of year for everyone who loved George and it is extremely important to us to know that he retains a special place in people’s hearts. It is because of that love and support that the charitable work that meant so much to him can be carried on for many years to come. Thank you to everyone.
"It is a wonderful surprise and a most fabulous, unexpected Christmas gift to have 'Last Christmas' attain the number one spot for the second year on the bounce. George would be so thoroughly pleased as it is the ultimate affirmation of his spectacular songwriting talent, it would mean so very much to him and it is confirmation of the cherished place WHAM! occupies in our public’s affections"
To celebrate the song's 40th birthday in 2024, a new EP is set for release on 13th December, featuring George Michael’s 2006 performance of 'Last Christmas' at London’s Wembley Arena. There will also be a TV programme called Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped airing in December to celebrate the anniversary.
'Club Tropicana' gets reimagined by Andrew Ridgeley
In 2022, Andrew Ridgeley worked with Dru Masters to create a remixed version of Wham!'s classic track 'Club Tropicana'. Speaking about the song, Andrew said: "In 1983 it became a track that defined the hedonistic pleasure of sunny Mediterranean island summer holidays and we were guided by that perspective in our reworking of this definitive holiday anthem. Hence our title for this track, ’Wonderland Redux’.
"It is the bringing back of a moment of magic, re-presenting, for a new generation, the wonder and joy of the heady and carefree days of youth. It is the soundtrack to summer renewed and reaffirmed and I hope it conveys the same vitality and pleasure George and I imagined in the original recording."
Listen to 'Club Tropicana' by Wham! and drummar:
Did Wham perform at Live Aid?
Sort of! Wham were scheduled to play at Live Aid after Elton John, however the 'Tiny Dancer' singer's set ran over its allotted time, which left no time for Wham to perform. However, Elton John invited George Michael on stage to join him in singing the lead vocal on his track 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me'.
Andrew Ridgeley joined Kiki Dee in the row of the backing singers.
Did Wham play Glastonbury?
No! Wham never played Glastonbury, although George Michael revealed in 2014 that they had been planning a reunion performance at the festival.
Did Wham sing 'Careless Whisper'?
Yes! 'Careless Whisper' was written by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley and featured on Wham's second studio album 'Make It Big'. It achieved huge international commercial success and remains one of George Michael's most iconic songs.
Did Wham break up?
George Michael did not leave Wham, but he was the reason the band split. He decided to walk away from Andrew Ridgeley in favour of making more mature music for fans who were older than just teenagers.
Many believed the duo didn't get on, but George Michael spoke out saying: "I think it should be the most amicable split in pop history."
On 28th June 1986, Wham played their final concert for a 72,000 strong crowd of fans which lasted for an epic eight hours.
Remembering George Michael
Sadly, George Michael passed away on Christmas Day in 2016 aged 53. Tributes poured in from friends, fans and fellow musicians, including close friend Sir Elton John who said: "What a singer, what a songwriter. But more than anything as a human being he was one of the kindest, sweetest, most generous people I've ever met."
Is there a Wham! documentary?
Yes, there is a Wham! documentary. It was released on Netflix on 5th July 2023 and featured unseen footage from George and Andrew's personal archives. The documentary was directed by Chris Smith, who also directed the Fyre Fest documentary.
Wham!: New music
To celebrate 40 years since the band formed, a new album called 'Wham! The Singles: Echoes From The Edge Of Heaven' was released on 7th July 2023. The album will be available on various formats including vinyl, cassette and CD.
You can hear Wham's biggest hits on Greatest Hits Radio!
Take a look at these incredible images from Live Aid:
Live Aid
The UK edition of Live Aid took place on Saturday 13th July 1985 at London's Wembley Stadium. It was a baking hot summer's day with barely a cloud in the sky.
Live Aid
A complete sell-out, 72,000 people bought tickets for the Wembley Stadium raising funds for relief of the ongoing Ethiopian famine.
Status Quo at Live Aid
After the Coldstream Guards band opened with the Royal Salute and a brief version of God Save the Queen', Status Quo were the first band to take to the stage at Live Aid bright and early at midday. Francis Rossi and the late-great Rick Parfitt belted out three songs during their 14-minute set – 'Rockin' All Over The World', 'Caroline' and 'Don't Waste My Time'.
The Style Council at Live Aid
Second up at Live Aid were The Style Council, who had released their second album 'Our Favourite Shop' the previous month. Paul Weller, Martin Talbot and co. played 'You're The Best Thing', 'Big Boss Groove', 'Internationalists' and 'Walls Come Tumbling Down'.
The Boomtown Rats at Live Aid
Shortly before 1pm, Live Aid organiser Bob Geldof and his Boomtown Rats arrived on stage to a rapturous reception. Following the three-track set of 'I Don't Like Mondays', 'Drag Me Down' and 'Rat Trap', the 72,000 strong Wembley crowd broke out into an impromptu chorus of 'For He's A Jolly Good Fellow' in homage to Geldof. Earlier, another poignant moment came when Geldof halted 'I Don't Like Mondays' just after the pertinent line "The lesson today is how to die" to rapturous applause.
Princess Diana and Prince Charles at Live Aid
Princess Diana and Prince Charles were among those in attendance at Live Aid. Appropriately, here they are sat in front of rock royalty, Queen. They left shortly after Boomtown Rats missing many of the iconic moments that would happen on stage later.
Adam Ant at Live Aid
Prince Charming himself Adam Ant – aka Stuart Leslie Goddard – played just one song at Live Aid; his recent single 'Vive Le Rock'.
Ultravox at Live Aid
Live Aid co-organiser Midge Ure was rightfully met with a hero's welcome at the start of Ultravox's set. The synth-pop band played 'Reap The Wild Wind', 'Dancing With Tears In My Eyes' and 'One Small Day' before culminating with a euphoric 'Vienna'.
Spandau Ballet at Live Aid
Bedecked in kaleidoscopic suits and sporting glorious eighties hair, pop chart-conquerers Spandau Ballet treated the crowd to three songs – 'Only When You Leave', 'Virgin' and 'True'.
Elvis Costello at Live Aid
With just a four-minute slot on stage at Live Aid, Elvis Costello opted to cover The Beatles classic 'All You Needs Is Love' and duly sparked a huge crowd singalong.
Nik Kershaw at Live Aid
One of the most successful solo artists in the UK at the time of Live Aid, Nik Kershaw was granted a whopping 18 minutes on stage. He performed 'Wide Boy', 'Don Quixote', 'The Riddle' and 'Wouldn't It Be Good.'
Sade at Live Aid
Soul icon Sade performed a flawless 16-minute set at Live Aid of 'Why Can't We live Together', 'Your Love Is King' and 'Is It a Crime.'
Sting and Phil Collins at Live Aid
Introduced on stage by Noel Edmonds, Sting and Phil Collins alternated songs at Live Aid. Sting played 'Roxanne', 'Driven To Tears' and 'Message In A Bottle', while Phil Collins performed 'Against All Odds' and 'In the Air Tonight'. The pair then united for a finale of 'Long Long Way To Go' and 'Every Breath You Take'. Immediately afterwards, Phil Collins jetted off to Philadelphia via Concorde to perform with Led Zeppelin at the US Live Aid.
Phil Collins prepares to board a Concorde
Minutes after playing Wembley, Phil Collins and his then wife Jill Travelman prepare to board a Concorde to fly to Philadelphia's JFK Stadium for his second Live Aid performance of the day.
Howard Jones at Live Aid
Serial chart-denter Howard Jones played a poignant acoustic version of his 1984 single 'Hide and Seek' at Live Aid.
Bryan Ferry and David Gilmour at Live Aid
Roxy Music frontman Bryan Ferry was joined by fellow music legend David Gilmour on guitar for his four-song set at Live Aid. It consisted of 'Sensation', 'Boys and Girls', 'Slave to Love' and Bryan's trademark cover of 'Jealous Guy'.
Paul Young and Alison Moyet at Live Aid
Eighties teen idol Paul Young started his Live Aid set with a snippet of 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' before launching into his cover of Jack Lee's 'Come Back and Stay'. He was joined by Alison Moyet for 'That's The Way Love Is' before closing with 'Everytime You Go Away'.
U2 at Live Aid
While Queen were rightfully crowned the standout act at Live Aid, U2 were also rapturously received and the phenomenal performance helped propel them into international superstars. Opening with 'Sunday Bloody Sunday', they then played a sprawling 11-minute version of 'Bad' (extended as Bono went into the crowd midway through) that included snippets of 'Satellite of Love', 'Ruby Tuesday', 'Sympathy for the Devil' and 'Walk on the Wild Side'.
U2 at Live Aid
During U2's performance, Bono saved a teenage girl from being crushed by plucking her from the crowd. In an interview two decades later, she credited him with saving her life.
Dire Straits at Live Aid
Also extremely well-received at Live Aid were Dire Straits, who performed 'Money For Nothing' with Sting and 'Sultans of Swing'.
Live Aid audience
The Live Aid crowd who braved intense heat throughout the day.
Backstage at Live Aid
Comedians Mel Smith, Gryff Rhys Jones, Pamela Stephenson and Billy Connolly backstage at Live Aid.
Queen at Live Aid
Firmly entrenched in music folklore, Queen's 21-minute set at Live Aid on 13th July 1985 is rightfully regarded as one of the finest live performances of all time. Freddie Mercury was imperious throughout and – to use a cliché – he had the entire 72,000 strong audience in the palm of his hands.
Queen at Live Aid
The setlist of Queen's historic set at Live Aid was 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'Radio Ga Ga', 'Hammer To Fall', 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love', 'We Will Rock You' and 'We Are The Champions'. Freddie Mercury also led a now iconic "day-oh!" crowd singalong during the performance.
Freddie Mercury
An incredible photo of Freddie Mercury during Queen's fabled Live Aid set.
David Bowie at Live Aid
Queen, of course, were a tough act to follow but fortunately David Bowie was up next and he performed a sublime 17-minute set consisting of 'TVC15', 'Rebel Rebel', 'Modern Love' and a spine-tingling 'Heroes'.
David Bowie at Live Aid
Another photo of the legendary David Bowie in his imperious live glory at Live Aid in 1985.
The Who at Live Aid
Sadly for The Who, their performance at Live Aid was blighted by technical difficulties. First, John Entwistle's bass wouldn't work and then the TV broadcast cut out (somewhat ironically) as Roger Daltrey was singing "why don't you fade away' during 'My Generation'. The performance returned to TV during the final verse of 'Pinball Wizard'. The Who closed with 'Love, Reign O'er Me' and 'Won't Get Fooled Again'.
Paul McCartney and David Bowie at Live Aid
Fellow music legends Paul McCartney and David Bowie backstage at Live Aid, 13th July 1985.
Live Aid at Wembley Stadium
The view from the crowd at Live Aid, 13th July 1985.
Live Aid at Wembley Stadium
The crowd at are hosed down with water at Wembley Stadium to cool down in the intense heat.
Elton John at Live Aid
Sir Elton John had one of the longest sets of the day at Live Aid, and he kicked it off with 'I'm Still Standing', 'Bennie and the Jets' and 'Rocket Man'.
Elton John at Live Aid
Elton was then joined by Kiki Dee for their huge collaboration 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart' and WHAM!'s George Michael and Andrew Ridgley for 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me'. The set climaxed with 'Can I Get A Witness'.
Freddie Mercury and Brian May at Live Aid
Less than three hours after their massive triumph with Queen, Freddie Mercury and Brian May returned to the Live Aid stage at Wembley for an encore rendition of 'Is This The World We Created?'.
Paul McCartney at Live Aid
At 9.51pm, Beatles legend Paul McCartney took to the stage for a rendition of 'Let It Be'. Sadly, Macca's performance was blighted by technical woes and the stadium couldn't hear him for the first two minutes due the microphone on his piano failing - the TV audience could hear him slightly better as a nearby mic picked him up. When the mic was eventually fixed, the crowd duly sang along in unison and Alison Moyet, Pete Townshend, David Bowie and Bob Geldof joined Paul on backing vocals.
Live Aid finale
Live Aid came to a rousing and emotion conclusion with a performance of 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'. Among the performers on stage were Harvey Goldsmith, Bob Geldof, David Bowie, George Michael, Sting, Andrew Ridgeley, Howard Jones, Elton John, Roger Daltrey, Midge Ure, Paul Weller, Freddie Mercury, Rick Parfitt, Adam Ant and Bono.
Live Aid finale
The two Live Aid concerts in London and Philadelphia raised more than $127 million for famine relief in Africa.
Live Aid finale
Organiser Bob Geldof waves to the 72,000 strong crowd at the conclusion of 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' at Live Aid.
Live Aid ticket stub
A coveted ticket to Live Aid at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 13th July 1985. Tickets cost £5 plus an obligatory £20 donation.
Read more:
George Michael: From Wham! member to solo pop star
36 incredible photos of Live Aid at London's Wembley Stadium
A new Wham! documentary is in the works with collaboration from Andrew Ridgeley