George and Elton

Thanks to Jason, we now have the full letter that George Michael wrote regarding Elton John's comments about him.

On a related note, articles that George and Elton have settled their differences are available at "Elton John and George Michael Pals Again," "Elton and Michael 'make up'" and "Elton John and Michael 'Make Up'." (Thanks Carin!)

Here is the letter from George Michael:

MUCH as I am saddened to have to write this letter in full view of the general public, I feel I have no choice but to defend myself (and my partner Kenny, in away) from some of the comments Elton made in Heat magazine a couple of weeks ago.

Let me start by saying that I will always be grateful to Elton for the inspiration that he gave me as a child, and that will never change.

These songs are still dear to me 30 years on.

But having said that, in order that my fans do not take Elton's 'observations' about my life too seriously, or worry about the 'strange place' I'm in these days, I think that it's time to set the record straight about my friendship with Sir Elton John,- and how he may have come to such negative conclusions about my life.

Elton John knows very little about George Michael, and that's a fact.

Contrary to the public's impression, we have spoken rarely in the last ten years, and what would probably surprise most people is that we have never discussed my private life. Ever.

Those really close to me, straight or gay, would tell you that I am not secretive at all in terms of my sexuality. In fact the phrase 'too much information' comes to mind occasionally, but with Elton it was never like that.

Sadly, I was always aware that Elton's circle of friends was the busiest rumour mill in town, and that respect for my privacy was not exactly guaranteed.

So, we never became genuinely close, which is very sad. And to this day, most of what Elton thinks he knows about my life is pretty much limited to the gossip he hears on what you would call the 'gay grapevine', which, as you can imagine, is lovely stuff.

Other than that, he knows that I don't like to tour, that I smoke too much pot, and that my albums still have a habit of going to Number One. In other words, he knows as much as most of my fans do.

What he doesn't know is that I have rarely been as happy and confident as I am today, thanks to my partner Kenny and the continued support of my fans.

If I stay at home too much, if anything it is because I am too contented right now.

I have travelled the world many times and, at 41,I think I have earned the right to a quiet life, which I truly love, and maybe Elton just can't relate to that.

After all, he tours incessantly, he is a great artist and loves to play live.

We are totally different in that sense. He makes millions playing those old classics day in and day out, whereas my drive and passion is still about the future, and the songs I have yet to write for the public.

And much as I am saddened that he would feel the need to criticise my album (which is, of course, in my humble opinion, a classic!), I am far more surprised that Elton seems to have forgotten me calling him a few months back to tell him that my American royalties from Patience would be donated entirely to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

George Michael

January 11, 2005
2005 Meteor Ireland Music Awards

George Michael has been nominated for Best International Male at the 2005 Meteor Music Awards.

January 10, 2005
Best Song

"Careless Whisper" did not make the top five for "Best Song" at the Brit Awards.

January 5, 2005
UK Charts

Pat tells us that Ladies & Gentlemen is #47 of the UK Albums charts this week.

January 3, 2005
Guinness British Hit Singles and Albums

Lizzy tells us that George Michael has risen to the 56th spot of most successful recording artists of all time in the British charts, according to this year's list in the annual Guinness British Hit Singles and Albums book.

Bands Begin Battle for Best Song

Catherine tells us that George Michael, along with other acts, has been nominated for a new Brit award, Best Song. Voting will be open via the internet, text and telephone from 21-30 January to decide on the best song. You will be able to vote here.

The End of Yogmael

Sadly, Amanda has decided to close the doors of Yogmael, the first George Michael mailing list.

Coping with Careless Whispers

Elton's gossiping about George is the inspiration for "Coping with Careless Whispers." (Thanks, Lizzy!)

Richmond Times Dispatch Praises Patience

Lizzy sends us the following article which lists Patience as one of the best albums of 2004:

George Michael, "Patience" (Sony): Sadly overlooked in America, Michael's studio return alternated sumptuous, mature dance-floor pumpers such as "Amazing" and "Flawless (Go to the City)" with thoughtful moments of dark insight ("Cars & Trains"). Michael's level of songwriting sophistication continues to ripen, but most people in this country aren't interested in him unless he's shaking his rear in a pair of tight jeans.

Hair Style Top 10

George Michael is #6 on the Hair Style Top 10.

The Things They Said In 2004

George is quoted in "The Things They Said in 2004."