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George Michael News from July-September 1999
September 29, 1999
Montell Jordan Adds Some Wham! To Dave Koz's "Dance"
YOGfriend Angelo sends us another gem in MTV's "Montell
Jordan Adds Some Wham! To Dave Koz's 'Dance.'" The article also
includes a RealVideo clip of "Careless Whisper."
September 27, 1999
George Michael facing two lawsuits
YOGfriend Angelo tells us about the following links:
September 18, 1999
Shhhhhh... it's a secret...
Good news but I'm not allowed to tell it!
Pictures from Yogmael Site
With the aid of Angelo, Amanda has the following pictures on the Yogmael
site:
George Michael Tells All In Faustian Tabloid Deal
YOGfriend Angelo sends us the following article: George
Michael Tells All In Faustian Tabloid Deal.
September 17, 1999
George will speak if...
- "If we get sufficient and respectable
and compassionate coverage of today's conference, and we manage to draw
attention to the concerts next month - and NetAid in general - I will
personally speak to the editor of each of the tabloid newspapers tomorrow
on the phone about anything they like."
YOGfriend Bev says to check out:
You might also want to look at:
Idol Dismisses 'Irritation' £6.25 Million Law Suit
Pop idol George Michael today dismissed a £6.25 million claim against
him by the police officer who arrested him in Los Angeles last year as
a "minor irritation".
However he refused to discuss the issue further as he spoke about the
fundraising charity concert NetAid, at which he is to perform next month,
for fear it would overshadow the fundraising show.
The 36-year-old star revealed that he had made a £500,000 donation towards
Kosovar refugees as he spoke at a press conference in London's Landmark
Hotel.
He said raising awareness of the stark future faced by those in Kosovo
was his prime motivation for agreeing to join the bill of a huge NetAid
show at Wembley Stadium, one of three simultaneous events in London, New
York and Geneva on October 9. The global spectacular is intended to raise
the curtain on a permanent web site dedicated to tackling world poverty.
Wearing a grey suit with matching mustard shirt and tie, the millionaire
singer made it clear he would not be commenting on the writ served on
behalf of policeman Marcello Rodriguez earlier this week.
The vice cop arrested him in a public toilet in April last year and the
star was later convicted of lewd conduct. Rodriguez is claiming he was
humiliated by a spoof video for Michael's single Outside and suffered
mental and physical anguish because of the ordeal.
"I know a lot of people would have loved to hear me talking about
this week's George Michael news, but I'm afraid that's not going to happen,"
Michael said today.
"Not for any legal reason, not because I don't want to talk about
it. But simply because the needs and problems of these people we are here
to talk about today are so massive compared to my minor irritations that
it wouldn't be very appropriate to talk address that today so I won't
be talking about Mr Rodriguez."
However, he said he would like to strike a deal with the editors of major
tabloid newspapers that if they gave sufficient "responsible and
compassionate coverage" to the concert he would speak to the editors
personally to talk about anything they would like.
Michael said he was keen to get the message over to the British public
that the people of Kosovo "still desperately need our help".
He said hundreds of thousands of people had returned to their country
to virtually nothing, with no homes or skills while the harsh winter was
approaching.
"Even though the media has lost interest in Kosovo, in general they're
still having a desperately hard time.
"It's all very well crying but if, when you've wiped away your tears,
you don't put your hand in your pocket, it's just part of your evening's
entertainment. You might as well just watch Bianca and Ricky on EastEnders."
Michael, a huge fan of the Albert Square soap, added with a smile: "Actually
it was great this week - a fantastic omnibus edition."
The Wembley concert will raise money for refugees in both Kosovo and the
Sudan region.
Asked about the songs he would be performing, Michael said: "Spinning
The Wheel, Fastlove, Freedom 90 and Father Figure."
He added that there would be a surprise song but denied it would be a
duet with Robbie Williams, who covered his hit Freedom.
"I haven't even thought about that," he said.
Asked about whether he was "more mature" than when he performed
at the Live Aid charity event in 1985 he quipped: "I would hope so
- but I don't always act it."
The gay pop star, who came out after his arrest last year, was asked about
his favourite web site.
"You wouldn't want to know," he joked. "That was a joke
actually," he added quickly.
He said he would be prepared for his performance at the concert to be
released if it was good enough and if public demand was there.
Asked what payment he would want to reform his early 80s band Wham! he
said: "I would probably answer that quite politely, but I'm sure
that Andrew (Ridgeley) would have something different to say.
"It would have to be very large, very large indeed."
Michael flew in from the US for the press conference and said he had been
up since 3am.
Before his Wembley date he will be in a New York recording studio for
two weeks. The remaining days will be spent rehearsing for the concert.
The London concert and the shows in Geneva and New York will be broadcast
over the Internet and can be heard in the UK on Radios 1 and 2. Highlights
will also be shown on October 10 on BBC 1, BBC 2 and BBC Choice.
The event has been co-ordinated by Live Aid promoter Harvey Goldsmith,
who was also at today's British launch.
He said: "www.netaid.org, our Internet site, marks the first time
that power of the Internet, TV, radio and world-class artists have been
brought together for social change. Our target is to reach one billion
hits on the Net."
George Michael Sued for Slander; Arresting Police Officer Sues After
Singer Accuses Him of Entrapment
From the PRNewswire:
The following press release is being issued by Hodges and Thomas, Attorneys
at Law:
Beverly Hills Police Officer Marcelo Rodriguez filed a lawsuit September
13, 1999, in the Los Angeles Superior Court of California against Georgios
Kyriacos Panayiotou, AKA George Michael. Officer Rodriguez arrested Michael
more than a a year ago for performing a lewd act in a public place, to
which the defendant pleaded no contest in May 1998.
The officer is suing Michael for Slander Per Se for his continued remarks
about being entrapped, which have been reported widely in the media and
released in a new song and video entitled "Outside." According
to the suit, the song and video mock the officer and portray him as the
one violating the law. The police officer is also suing Michaels for Intentional
Infliction of Emotional Distress and Negligent Infliction of Emotional
Distress.
"Officer Rodriguez is an honest and conscientious police officer
with an excellent nine year record that is now being tarnished by lies
and rhetoric from a celebrity," said Richard F.G. Thomas, attorney
for Rodriguez. "No person, let alone a police officer just doing
his job, should have to endure this barrage of lies, which impact his
family life, career and reputation in the community.
"Perhaps Mr. Michael is embarrassed and humiliated over the arrest?
But why lash out and cause another person pain and anguish? It would be
far better if Mr. Michael showed remorse for his actions and did something
positive to benefit humanity, rather than making accusations which only
serve to harm someone else."
For more information, see the Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit case
BC216661 Marcelo Rodriguez vs. Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou.
September 16, 1999
George speaks about NetAid
According to Shirlie at George's official fan club, George will be doing
a press conference today talking about
NETAID.
September 14, 1999
George sued!
The only things I'm surprised about is that this didn't happen sooner.
YOGfriend Bev writes:
Capital Radio, London, reported this morning (14 September) that Marcello
Rodriguez of the Beverly Hills PD intends to sue George. He claims that
the video for "Outside" shows him setting George up, and is
claiming 10 million US dollars for alleged slander!
The BBC adds that the complaint has been filed at the Los Angeles County
Superior Court. The officer claims that George mocked him and showed him
violating laws in the video. He is seeking the damages for "humiliation,
mental anguish and physical distress".
YOGfriend Angelo sends us a links for "LA
toilet cop to sue George Michael."
And, Mel, your webmaster, points you to the following articles:
George is an icon
On a positive note, YOGfriend Bev tells us:
George Michael is an icon. It's official!! :o) The UK press today reports
that George features as one of the 100 people/items that sum up "Britishness"
for the past 1000 years, and will adorn the exterior of the London Millennium
Dome's National Identity Zone.
August 31, 1999
Captain Moonlight
YOGfriend Bev sends us this article from the satirical "Captain
Moonlight" column in the Independent On Sunday:
BBRRNNGG! Mon Dieu, it's my celebrity correspondent Ms. Britt Bafter,
calling from St Tropez! I ask her if she is having a nice time. "Oui,
oui, mon capitaine, except that every time I go into a discotheque, George
Michael and Geri Halliwell are there." What, I ask, is wrong with
that? A charming couple, surely? "Mais oui, mon capitaine, but they
are always dancing, and they will dance only to their own records!"
Crikey!
August 29, 1999
Millenium Edition of Faith
YOGfriend Bev says:
The Sony Millennium Edition of FAITH is scheduled for release on 13th
September. It is one of 28 classic albums being reissued as limited-edition
collectors' items! The packaging sounds fantastic: the CDs will be in
heavyweight card wallets, to recreate the original vinyl sleeves, and
they will be protected with PVC covers. Faith carries the catalogue number
MILLEN 17.
Michael Miffed
Bev also tells us:
This is very amusing, and it comes from the respected Daily Telegraph.
Enjoy!
MICHAEL MIFFED
"After the unfortunate park incident last year, George Michael said
he was sick of the limelight, begging to be left alone. But it seems that
the former Wham! singer didn't mean to be taken at his word.
Earlier this year George beat pop rival Robbie Williams in a bidding
war for a five-bedroom country house in [XX]. He was delighted. Particularly
because he can now pop out for a pint with his bestest friend Geri Halliwell,
who has a mansion nearby.
But though George and Geri have hit many of the local pubs together,
he has not exactly been swamped by adoring fans. "He has been a little
surprised that no one recognises him," says an amused local. "The
other day he went for a drink with Geri. She was recognised and had a
chat, but at no stage did this girl recognise George. He seemed totally
miffed."
August 15, 1999
George, the generous soul
YOGfriend Bev tells us that she heard on London's Capital Radio that
George has bought Geri a rather expensive Mercedes for her birthday!
Hmmmm... George, if you're listening, this dedicated YOGwebmaster's golden
birthday is just around the corner! ;-)
August 14, 1999
UN Internet Concerts Confirmed
YOGfriend Angelo sends another article on NetAid
our way.
August 13, 1999
NetAid Aims To Be Charity Portal For Internet
YOGfriend Angelo points us to an updated article on NetAid.
August 12, 1999
George to perform!
YOGfriend Angelo let's us in on the news that George will be performing
at one of three live "NetAid"
stadium concerts in London, New York and Geneva organized by the United
Nations Development Program and Cisco Systems Inc. The concerts will also
air on the BBC and MTV.
August 7, 1999
New CD
Anthony informs us:
Sony UK is releasing a Limited Edition Millenium CD of Faith on September
13.
You can preorder it online at www.eqsmusic.com
July 30, 1999
The O Zone
YOGfriend Bev says:
Mary J. Blige was interviewed this evening on the BBC's "The O Zone",
and she discussed her forthcoming album, and talked in detail about her
collaboration with George on "As"! She said how much she "loved"
him, and that his personal life had no bearing on her respect for him
on a professional level -- "To each his own" was, I think, the
phrase she used. She declined to discuss the non-release of the duet in
the US, and said that the whole attitude of the record companies was very
"negative", even though he was a "monster" artist
in the UK. Clearly thrilled with the success of "As" in the
UK, she said that she would definitely work with George again in the future
if the opportunity arose.
If you missed that, I believe that "The O Zone" is repeated
on BBC2 on Sundays...
July 29, 1999
Unauthorized Bio -- Older -- Updated
YOGfriend Bev says:
You might be interested to know that "Older", the unauthorised
biography of George written by Nicholas and Tim Wapshott is now available
in paperback form, and is "THE REVEALING BESTSELLER UPDATED",
with an extra chapter. This new material attempts to bring George's lifestory
up-to-date, and quotes heavily from all the written and spoken interviews
George has given in recent months: Parkinson, MTV, Q, USA Today etc.
It's published by PAN, at £ 7.99, and it's a good purchase if you want
to read all about George. But be aware that the authors have not actually
spoken to George, so although it is well researched, it remains an ultimately
unsatisfactory read.
July 26, 1999
Mary J. Blige: I met George Michael moments before his solo toilet show
YOGfriend Angelo points us to the Dotmusic
site for an interesting link.
July 25, 1999
George's £10,000 Pledge
From YOGfriend Bev:
This comes from a UK Sunday tabloid, but I would guess there's a grain
of truth in the story.
GEORGE'S £10,000 PLEDGE
Generous George Michael has donated £10,000 to help find a cure for leukaemia
after the tragic death of his friend Jim Thomas. The singer revealed how
he had been personally touched by the death of the 28-year-old guitarist,
who recorded an album with his band Trigger on George's now-defunct record
label Aegean.
Jim's mother Sally, 57, made a trek from Land's End to John O'Groats
to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund.
George said: "Jim was a lovely guy and a great musician. Sally can
count on my support."
July 24, 1999
Yogmael's For Your Consideration
Yogmael's For Your Consideration
questions are:
- How do you envision a video for "You Know That I Want
To" or any other one which he chose not to give us?
- What was your initial reaction to the I Want Your Sex
video?
- Have you ever exploited George for school credit?
- GM's live performances are legendary, if all too rare.
What are your fondest memories of a GM concert? And
who else do we "rate" as live performers -- and why?
July 19, 1999
Music is sweet for the UK economy
You've still got it, babe. The BBC
reports that George's Ladies & Gentlemen is considered part
of the UK music industry's success this year. According to the report,
"More than 210m albums were bought in the UK in 1998, with George
Michael's Ladies & Gentlemen topping the sales charts."
July 12,1999
Website Update
The following links sections have been updated:
July 11, 1999
Celebs support 'anti-GM food' picnic
From the BBC:
"George Michael, Elle MacPherson and acting couple Jude Law and
Sadie Frost are just some of the stars supporting Britain's biggest organic
picnic.
"The Organic Picnic, to be held later this month, is being organised
by a coalition of groups opposed to genetically-modified foods including
Greenpeace and the Soil Association.
"It is expected to attract thousands of people and a host of celebrity
GM food opponents including actress Emily Lloyd and Simon and Yasmin Le
Bon."
Q
YOGfriend Bev says:
The new (August) issue of "Q" magazine carries the results
of the readers' poll to find The 100 Greatest Stars Of The 20th Century.
Number 1, as voted by the readers, was John Lennon (and I wouldn't argue
with that). GEORGE MICHAEL is found at Number 30. Here's what was written
about him:
George Michael
It takes a big man to do what he's done
In Careless Whisper it was obvious that George Michael had something more
to offer than sex, sun and shuttlecocks.The sort of stardom that can survive
the tabloid frenzy that followed his exploits in LA is sturdy indeed and
it should be noted that he is one of the few white artists to do well
in the US R&B charts. He has matured as a writer, with the strains
of living in the closet nurturing moodiness and uncertainty, and only
the hardest of hearts could fail to be moved by the lyrics to Jesus To
A Child and You Have Been Loved.
Recommended album: Older (Virgin 1996). That Ivor Novello songwriting
award was not so premature after all.
You said [i.e. a "Q" reader]: "A very sexy man. Even if
he is rather hairy."
Yogmael - For Your Consideration
The new "For Your Consideration" question in Yogmael
is "What were you doing and/or what was your reaction the first time
you saw the 'I Want Your Sex' video?"
July 1, 1999
Your dream superbands
The BBC has a great new
page where you can choose your dream superbands.
Members Online reopens membership
The official George Michael fan club, Members
Online, is once again accepting members.
[ October-December
1999 News ] [ July-September 1999 News ] [
April-June 1999 News ] [
January-March 1999 News ]
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