Categories
Music

Iconic George Michael Items Up for Bid at Bonhams

Bonhams in London will be auctioning off some iconic George Michael items on June 28, 2017.

George Michael: The black leather biker jacket worn in the ‘Faith’ video, 1987

George Michael: The black leather biker jacket worn in the ‘Faith’ video,

1987, labelled La Rocka! Di Londres, front left breast pocket with white BSA logo, back with chromed studs and pale orange rhinestones, lettered in white Rockers Revenge and with green and gold wreath and red and white BSA logo, the lower left sleeve signed by George in silver marker, accompanied by a poster of George Michael wearing an identical jacket (2)

FOOTNOTES

  • Donated by George to a Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy charity auction hosted by Christie’s South Kensington, Sunday 31st January 1993 (Lot 35), held at the HMV shop, Oxford Street, London. Sold with a letter from Christie’s Archives, 2016.

George Michael: A pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses 

George Michael: A pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses, with brown leather bound frames, with a letter concerning the provenance from George Michael’s office

FOOTNOTES

  • The vendor acquired these sunglasses from a Starlight Charity auction ‘Night Of The Stars Ball’ in 2003. The letter from Michael’s PA states that they were worn in his music video for ‘Faith’ however these can not be matched to those seen in the video.

George Michael: A jacket by Jean Paul Gaultier worn in the video for ‘I Want Your Sex’, 1987

George Michael: A jacket by Jean Paul Gaultier worn in the video for ‘I Want Your Sex’, 1987, in dark navy blue, collarless, double-breasted with decorative, diamond-shaped metal Gaultier buttons to front and cuffs, two hip and one breast pockets, single inside pocket, black/purple lining to shoulders, labelled Jean Paul Gaultier Homme Pour Gibo

FOOTNOTES

  • Donated by George to one of Elton John’s Out Of The Closet charity sales.

Wham!: An autographed copy of the album ‘Fantastic’, CBS Records, 1983

Wham!: An autographed copy of the album ‘Fantastic’, CBS Records, 1983, signed by both George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley in black ink on the front cover, accompanied by a copy of their single ‘Bad Boys’, and a letter concerning the provenance from the BBC (3)

FOOTNOTES

  • The vendor of this lot won these items on the 17th October 1983 after writing into a Wham! competition at the BBC.

George Michael: Handwritten notes relating to his lawsuit with Sony, circa 1992

George Michael: Handwritten notes relating to his lawsuit with Sony, circa 1992, comprising a yellow, lined notepad with five pages written by George in blue and black ballpoints, with many deletions/amendments, reading: …who quite frankly, have little understanding of the creative process. With C.B.S….I felt that I was believed in…as…a long-term artist…whereas Sony…appear to see artists as little more than software…They do not understand that musicians do not come in regimented shapes and sizes…but…are individuals who…change and evolve along with their audiences. Sony…obviously view this as a great inconvenience…they have developed…hard sell, high profile sales techniques…which, in the short-term at least, are very lucrative for them, and the simple truth is that if George Michael, or any other artist for that matter, doesn’t wish to…conform to…Sony’s…current ideas, there are…plenty of hungry…young acts who will., the ‘Expert Perforated Pad’, 5in x 8in (13cm x 20.5cm)

FOOTNOTES

  • Provenance: Andros Georgiou, George Michael’s cousin and former head of Aegean Records, George’s record label.

George Michael: A black leather coat worn at the 1994 MTV Europe Music Awards ceremony

George Michael: A black leather coat worn at the 1994 MTV Europe Music Awards ceremony, three-quarter length, one inside pocket with zip, one breast and two hip pockets, single vent, with faux fur-covered collar, labelled John Richmond Man, with the original ‘Out Of The Closet’ sales tag

FOOTNOTES

  • Originally purchased at one of Elton John’s Out Of The Closet sales. Worn by George when performing ‘Jesus To A Child’ at the MTV Europe Music Awards, held in Berlin, 24th November 1994.

George Michael: An autographed publicity photograph, 1990s

George Michael: An autographed publicity photograph,

1990s, black and white, signed by George in silver pen, 8in x 10in (20.5cm x 25.5cm)

Categories
Death

New Geri Horner Single Is a Tribute to George Michael

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Geri Horner (a.k.a. Geri Halliwell of the Spice Girls) will be releasing a new single in tribute to George Michael.

Waiting For That Day?
… Just 3 days to go until a special announcement pic.twitter.com/ZSL8u5opS4

— Geri Horner (@GeriHalliwell) June 9, 2017

The song, “Angels in Chains,” will be released on June 23, two days before what would have been George’s 54th ­birthday.

She was a close friend of George’s and named her son, Montague George Hector Horner, after him.

Geri has been working on the song with George’s backup singer Shirley Lewis and producer Chris Porter.

She will donate all proceeds from the song to Childline, one of George’s ­favorite charities.

Geri said, “The more joy and good can come out of it . . . I think George would approve of that. Every step I’ve taken I’ve tried to think. ‘Would he approve of this?’ ”

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Categories
Death

George Michael Buried at Highgate Cemetery

George Michael was buried on March 29, 2017, in Highgate Cemetery in North London. His mother, Lesley Panayiotou, who died of cancer in 1997, is buried next to him.

His burial site is on the private part of the cemetery. While tours are available, George Michael’s grave will not be included in the tour.

George Michael’s family released the following statement:

We can confirm that the funeral of the singer George Michael took place today. Family and close friends gathered for the small, private ceremony to say goodbye to their beloved son, brother and friend.

 

George Michael’s family would like to thank his fans across the world for their many messages of love and support. We ask that the family’s wish for privacy be respected so that they can continue to live their lives privately, away from any media intrusion.

Fadi Fawaz, Kenny Goss, Andrew Ridgeley, Martin Kemp, Shirlie Kemp, and Pepsi DeMacque were just a few of those in attendance.

George Michael died of natural causes (dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver) at his home in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, on Christmas Day.

Categories
Death

George Michael Tributes

In case you missed them, the Grammy Awards and Brits Awards recently paid tribute to George Michael.

Adele’s tribute at the Grammy Awards was noted for her stopping the song and asking to restart.  “I can’t mess this up for him,” Adele said. Adele was asked by the family to perform the song at the Grammy Awards. Reviews were mixed, with some loving the slow-paced “FastLove” to some hating it.

The tribute at the Brits began with Andrew Ridgeley, Shirlie (Holliman) Kemp and Pepsi DeMacque. It was a heartfelt tribute to their friend George Michael. It was followed by Coldplay’s Chris Martin singing a “duet” with George Michael of “A Different Corner.”

Categories
Death

George Michael Died of Natural Causes

George Michael died of natural causes.

He suffered a dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver, according to Darren Salter, senior coroner for Oxfordshire.

The coroner said in a statement: “Inquiries into the death of George Michael have been concluded and the final post-mortem report received.

“As there is a confirmed natural cause of death, being dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver, the investigation is being discontinued and there is no need for an inquest or any further enquiries.

“No further updates will be provided and the family requests the media and public respect their privacy.”

According to the British Heart Foundation, dilated cardiomyopathya is a disease that causes the heart muscle to become stretched and thin and unable to pump blood around the body efficiently.

Myocarditis refers to inflammation of the heart muscle. Fatty liver is a form of liver disease caused by a build-up of fats in the liver, which can come from alcohol or fat and sugar in the diet.

Categories
Death

George Michael Cover Stories

George Michael on People Magazine coverGeorge Michael on Entertainment Weekly CoverGeorge Michael is on a number of magazine covers with accompanying articles this week. Don’t miss out on:

  • People Magazine (January 9, 2017). Check out this video and articles as well.
  • Billboard Magazine (January 14, 2017). The articles are available here.
  • Entertainment Weekly (January 13, 2017). The articles are available here.George Michael on Billboard Magazine Cover

 

Categories
Death

George Michael: Cause of Death Is “Inconclusive”

The Thames Valley Police has released a statement regarding George Michael’s cause of death.

Death of George Michael – Post Mortem update

Friday 30 December 2016, 2:30pm

A Post Mortem examination was carried out yesterday (29/12) as part of the investigation into the death of George Michael.

The cause of death is inconclusive and further tests will now be carried out. The results of these tests are unlikely to be known for several weeks.

Thames Valley Police will prepare a file for the Oxfordshire Coroner.

Mr Michael’s death is still being treated as unexplained but not suspicious.

Categories
Death

George Michael Specials

You will be seeing or hearing many George Michael specials this week.

BBC Four is changing its schedule today and planning a night of programs in memory of George Michael.

ABC aired a special 20/20 on George Michael, but you may be able to catch it online or on demand.

George Michael Tribute Channel Launches on SiriusXM:

The world lost a legend on Christmas Day after the death of British pop star George Michael. In his honor, SiriusXM will launch a tribute channel dedicated to his memory on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 12 p.m. ET.

Faith, the George Michael Tribute Channel, will air on channel 13 and will run through Jan. 10. It will feature music from the singer’s entire body of work. Fans will hear Michael’s earliest recordings with Wham!, his acclaimed collaborations with Elton John, Aretha Franklin and Queen, plus his solo hits. Michael’s 1987 solo debut album Faith produced four No. 1 singles and sold more than 25 million copies worldwide.

Categories
Death

George Michael Will Be Buried by His Mother

No date has been posted for George Michael’s funeral, but some details have emerged.

George Michael to be ‘buried next to beloved mum’ in family’s private plot says that:

It’s believed he will be laid to rest in Highgate, North London, next to his mum Lesley Angold Panayiotou who passed away from cancer aged 60 in 1997.

Elton John ‘to sing Princess Diana-style tribute at George Michael’s funeral’ says that Elton John may sing “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” at George’s funeral.

According to George Michael’s post-mortem details emerge as coroner investigates his death:

As with all deaths where the cause of death is not immediately apparent, a post-mortem examination is to be undertaken in due course in order to confirm the cause of death.

This information is required before the coroner can decide whether there is a need for an inquest. If a natural cause of death is confirmed, there will be no need for an inquest.

All of this is in accordance with normal procedures and does not imply that there is currently any reason to believe the cause of death is in any way suspicious.

Please remember to check out our Facebook page or our Twitter page! I am continually adding new articles and tweets.

Categories
Death

Cause of George Michael’s Death

TMZ is reporting that George Michael died from heart failure. TMZ says he slept through the episode and suffered no pain. TMZ also said George Michael had not been ill.

The Hollywood Reporter spoke with George Michael’s manager.

“I’m devastated,” Michael Lippman, George Michael’s long-time manager, said on Sunday. The manager received a call on Christmas morning notifying him that Michael had been found “in bed, lying peacefully.” The exact time of death is not clear at this time, but there was “no foul play whatsoever,” said Lippman.

A police statement said: “Thames Valley Police were called to a property in Goring-on-Thames shortly before 2 p.m. 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.”

You can read more at George Michael Dead at 53 and Singer-Songwriter George Michael Dies at 53.

 

Categories
Death

George Michael Is Dead

I am in complete shock.  It is with incredible sadness that I have to write that George Michael has died.

In a statement, the star’s publicist said: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period.

“The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage.”

According to the police, an ambulance was at George Michael’s home at 1:42 pm today and that there were no suspicious circumstances.

You can read more here:

I will post more as I find it.  I have more to say, but I want to get this posted.

Categories
Music

New George Michael Single Feeling Good in August

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George Michael will be releasing “Feeling Good,” his third single from Symphonica (Amazon Ad), on August 11, 2014.

“Feeling Good” was written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse and featured in the 1964 musical The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd.

The song has already been released for radio airplay.

Also on August 11, Symphonica will be released as a special edition double vinyl album.

We first heard George sing “Feeling Good” on Eli Stone (Amazon Ad).

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Yours Only George

Yours Only George Celebrates Its 17th Birthday

Yours Only George is celebrating its 17th birthday today!

I would like to thank all the fans who have supported our sponsors, which allows me to keep the site open.

Thanks as always to Shannon who started our first fan club back in 1986 (28 years ago!)  There would be no Yours Only George without Shannon.

Thanks to George Michael for all the wonderful years of music. I hope there are many more years of enjoyment to come.

Melanie
webmaster
Yours Only George

P.S. If you like Yours Only George, please remember to tell your friends about the site, our Facebook page or our Twitter page!

Categories
Personal

George Michael Is Well After Collapsing

George Michael is “well and resting,” according to his representative.

Two ambulances were called to George Michael’s house last Thursday after a 999 call from a friend.  Four hours later he went via an ambulance to the hospital for testing.

The Mirror is reporting the following statement from George Michael’s representative:

“In response to newspaper reports today we can confirm George was admitted to hospital on 22nd May. He was discharged last weekend and is well and resting.

“He is very much looking forward to the release of his new Single in July. Given the personal nature of this matter there will be no further comment.”

 

Lifelong friend David Austin said:  “It is just ridiculous what is happening. He is not ill, he has been mixing his record over the weekend, he is perfectly fine.

“We’ve been working down at Air Studios round the corner at Lyndhurst, Hampstead, we’ve been working there at the weekend, that’s where we do all the recordings.”

Categories
Personal

George Michael Collapses, Taken to Hospital

Two ambulances with paramedics were called to George Michael’s mansion last Thursday morning at 8 a.m. A friend had called 999.

The paramedics were at his home for four hours before leaving with George Michael at about noon.

His agent refused to say what caused the collapse or whether George Michael was still in the hospital, according to the Mirror.

A statement said only: “George Michael was in hospital for routine tests.”

An Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We were called just before 8am. We sent two ambulance crews and staff treated a man, who was taken to hospital.”

Categories
Media

George Michael’s Opportunity in Baseball

Oakland A’s Josh Reddick has been using George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” as his walk-up song and Twitter cover. Reddick usually uses WWE themes and country music.

George Michael has been approached to make an appearance. According to the San Francisco Gate:

There’s no official word yet on whether Michael will show, but there has been contact and the A’s are hopeful they can pull it off. Which would be amazing, and pretty darn cool. Michael, who is English, presumably has little background in baseball and probably hadn’t heard of Josh Reddick until recently, but the Oakland outfielder has brought Michael’s sax-heavy ballad “Careless Whisper” back into cultural relevance.

Categories
Wham!

Wham! Movie in the Works

It’s been 30+ years since Wham! made it big, so it’s about time a movie was made about George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s successes as Wham!

According to the Express:

“It will be the story of Wham! from the early days right the way through to their huge success as one of the biggest bands of the 1980s,” said a source.

“It is very early days but the film is in ­production and they are casting at the moment for actors to take the role of George.”

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Could this be Simon Napier-Bell’s Wham! movie talked about in 2008? Simon Napier-Bell (along with Jazz Summers) was one of George’s managers during the later Wham! days, having pulled off Wham!’s historic trip to China.  From the Guardian:

“There are several people sniffing around my Wham! film,” he said, “but I’m not sure any of them will come off because they all require Wham! music in them and George controls that. He will have the yes or no on each script presented. George would want control.”

The film, which would concentrate on the band’s heyday from 1983 – 1985, is said to be budgeted at £50m, though it’s unclear whether this would include a fee for music copyright. Michael has yet to comment.

Simon Napier-Bell, the manager of Wham! in the mid 1980s who masterminded the historic Wham! trip to China, later directed “George Michael: Portrait of an Artist” (Amazon Ad) in 2023. It includes interviews with Stevie Wonder, Sanandra Maitreya, Stephen Fry, Kenny Goss, Chris Cameron, Rufus Wainwright, Piers Morgan, and Jo Whiley.

More information is available at the official site for George Michael: Portrait of an Artist.

Make sure to follow Yours Only George on Facebook and X, and join our mailing list for the latest news on George Michael.

Categories
Media

Win George Michael’s Suit or Signed Symphonica

There are three competitions right now for George Michael stuff.

Win George Michael’s Armani Suit

You can win a custom-made, dark-grey metallic linen-blend Armani suit worn by George Michael during his 25 Live tour. The competition closes at midnight on May 22, 2014, and three working days later for postal entries. Check here for all the details.

Win Signed Copy of George Michael’s Symphonica

You can win a signed copy of Symphonica and a signed copy of Words, a book of George Michael lyrics. Also, four runners up will receive copies of Symphonica. The competition ends Tuesday, May 27, 2014. Check here for more information.

In a separate contest, you can also win a signed copy of Symphonica.  No competition deadline is listed. Check here for the details.

Categories
Music

George Michael’s New Video for Feeling Good

George Michael has released a new video from Symphonica.

“Feeling Good” was recorded at the Palais Garnier in Paris during George’s Symphonica tour. This is the third video released from the Symphonica CD.

We first heard George sing “Feeling Good” on Eli Stone.

Categories
Symphonica

George Michael’s New Video for Going to a Town

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George Michael has released a new video for his single, “Going to a Town” (Amazon Ad). Unlike the “Let Her Down Easy” video, the video for “Going to a Town” is concert footage from the Symphonica tour.

“Going to a Town” was originally written and recorded by Rufus Wainwright and featured on his 2007 album Release the Stars (Amazon Ad). It is the second song to be released from the successful Symphonica CD.

This article has been updated since it was originally published to include the following information.

George Michael talks about “Going to a Town” in the following interview:

The Guardian reviewed “Going to a Town” as:

The King, George Michael, has returned to us, this time in the form of a Rufus Wainwright cover. Going To A Town is a wistful, orchestral anti-American ballad, which manages to tread the fine line between movingly grandiose and enjoyably tacky. This being George, the video features a poorly animated burning crucifix, which turns into a poorly animated giant burning wooden “LOVE”. He continues to be our most ludicrous yet talented pop artist, and long may he reign.

The Guardian

Rufus Wainwright talks about George Michael in this extract from the new George Michael film, The Real George Michael – Portrait of an Artist (Amazon Ad).

@georgemichaelfilm Rufus Wainwright on a conversation with George Michael, extract from the new George Michael film ‘The Real George Michael – Portrait of an Artist’ now available on Amazon in thr USA as well as Peacock, Tubi, Plex, Roku & Xumo #georgemichael #rufuswainwright #carelesswhisper #gmlovelies #wham #georgemichaelfilm #80smusic #80s ♬ original sound – georgemichaelfilm

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