Wonderland Burlesque's
The 12 Days Before Xmas:
Last Christmas
The Last Day Before Xmas
In the early hours of December 25, 2016, Michael died in bed at his home in Goring-on-Thames, at the age of 53. He was found by his partner, Fadi Fawaz. In March 2017, a senior coroner in Oxfordshire attributed Michael's death to dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and a fatty liver.
And, so, today, I'd like to celebrate his artistry by featuring this holiday classic, Last Christmas - certainly not the best of his songs (by any means,) but one fitting the season.
Last Christmas had its beginnings in 1984, while George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley were visiting Michael's parents. It was written by Michael in his childhood bedroom. Michael played Ridgeley the introduction and chorus melody which Ridgeley later called "a moment of wonder."
Wham! had already garnered two #1 singles in the UK during 1984. And, initially, it seemed that the battle for the coveted Christmas #1 spot was between Wham! and the year's other big act, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, who'd achieved three #1's that year. However, Band Aid's charity single, Do They Know It's Christmas?, written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, snagged the #1 spot, while Last Christmas peaked at #2.
In the spirit of the season, Wham! donated all the song's royalties to aid Ethiopian famine relief.
In the years since, the song has charted in the UK multiple times (15), reaching the Top Ten a total of six before finally reaching #1 in 2021 - 36 years after its original release!
Elsewhere, the song hit #1 in Denmark, Slovenia, and Sweden and went Top Ten in Australia, Germany, Ireland, and the US.
So, when it comes to this little ditty, don't settle for pale imitations (no thanks, Ariana) - stick with the real deal and allow the magic of George Michael (a flawed human being, but one of our own) to ease your way into the big day.
And that's it, my loves!
Tomorrow is the big day.
Here's hoping all your Xmas dreams come true!
- uptonking from Wonderland Burlesque
Last Christmas - Wham!
6 comments:
Love George Michael and Wham!
Happy holidays, Upton.
You’re amazing.
XoXo
George Michael could be considered a gay hero, in my book.
Cheers, Upton.
Five years already! When I first saw Wake Me Up I thought to myself that that man was just too pretty to be straight. And have you seen Fadi in the porn he did? Damn. Sexy furry man. Happy Christmas!
Have a good holiday!
What I liked most about George Michael was his Princess Di hair!
Merry Christmas, Upton!!!
I still cannot listen to his 'Listen Without Prejudice' album, headphones on, without getting the goosebumps.
A Merry Christmas to you, Love. And to your Mom, your Boyfriend, and your feline family :-)
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