Wonderland Burlesque's The 12 Days Before Xmas: Last Christmas

Wonderland Burlesque's

The 12 Days Before Xmas: 

Last Christmas

The Last Day Before Xmas

Tomorrow will mark the fifth anniversary of the death of one of the finest singers the world has ever known - George Michael. 

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!