How did you feel about the death of pop singer George Michael?

I was crushed. George was my teenage fantasy lover in 1982/1983, and it didn’t matter to me when I later found out he was gay; he was still my teenage ideal.

Through the 80s and into the 90s, I grew up with his music. I can still sing or rap every word to every Wham! single and almost all his later work. George grew up along with me, his music maturing in parallel with my life.

Even now, I still compete in Whamageddon every year, an annual event where fans revise all of George Michael and Wham!'s songs. This year, on day 2, I cursed along with the rest of the community, reflecting the enduring legacy and emotional connection.

And so, the day of his death, I was at my daughter's house for Christmas, along with two of my sons and their then-partner, who kept our glasses filled and we were playing Cards Against Humanity. All of our phones flashed up with the news, and we instantly set up a playlist of George Michael and Wham's greatest hits on the TV. I cried, my kids mocked me, we were all a little drunk, but they were sad too because it was a very bad year for celebrity deaths.

Imagining a Teenage Fantasy: George Michael

Back in 1982/1983, George Michael was more than just a musician; he was a symbol of teenage dreams. He had that unique charm that seemed to make him more than human, almost like a pop icon from another world. As a kid, I fantasized about what it would be like to be him: the charisma, the voice, the finesse. It was a blend of adoration and a longing to be him, a kind of romanticized idealism that teenagers often project onto celebrities.

From Wham! to George Michael: The Music Journey

George Michael was more than a chameleon; he was a shapeshifter that millions of fans could follow and relate to. He began as a member of the pop duo Wham! with Andrew Ridgeley, whose music was a staple in the early 80s and 90s. The friendship between George and Andrew was a model of harmony and success, and their relationship was like a perfectly tuned duet, where each note played its part flawlessly.

But as the 80s wore on, George embarked on his solo career, evolving into a singer-songwriter with a more personal and mature sound. Songs like 'Last Christmas' and 'Freedom' marked his solo career, taking his fans on a journey from joyful pop to a more introspective, soulful sound. It was a transformation that resonated with many, including myself, as I grew and matured alongside his music.

Reflecting on His Legacy: Whammeddon and the Nostalgia Factor

Even now, as an adult, I still enjoy revisiting George Michael and his music through events like Whammeddon, a challenge for fans to revise all of George Michael and Wham!'s songs. It's not just about nostalgia; it's about celebrating a legend whose impact on pop music can’t be ignored. These events help me relive those teenage years, but they also serve as a reminder of the significance of his work and his enduring legacy.

For example, during the pandemic, my sons and I found solace in revising and singing every Wham! song. As we imitated the songs' quirky style and recollected times from our school days, it felt like a collective bonding activity, a way to bring us closer as a family. We would often encounter other Wham! fans through these platforms, connecting over shared memories and a common love for his music.

The Emotional Impact of His Death

George Michael's death in 2016 was a significant loss not just for his fans, but for all of us who grew up with his music. It was a day that brought celebrities together, as all of our phones flashed up with the news. As I sat with my family, playing Cards Against Humanity, our playlist of George Michael and Wham!'s hits filled the room, creating a bittersweet atmosphere. The collective mourning was evident in everyone's behavior—tears, laughter, alcohol, and a sense of sadness that enveloped us.

Despite the mocking from my kids, who were a little drunk, it was clear that the loss touched us all deeply. His passing marked the end of an era, and the events like Whammeddon serve as a way to cope with the reality of his absence. The songs, the challenges, the laughter: they all remind us of his influence and the incredible journey he took with us, his fans.

George Michael's music and his legacy will continue to resonate with generations to come. He is more than just a pop icon; he is a symbol of youth, dreams, and the power of music to connect us all.