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André Paine's rating
, George Michael bows out
By
André Paine
26 Aug 2008
He's been on the road for two years on and off and will have performed 103 shows on his European and American tour, but at 45 George Michael seems to be entering some kind of semi-retirement.
His Earls Court concerts were billed as The Final Two — a nod to Wham!’s The Final at Wembley Stadium — although dedicated fans will be in Copenhagen for another last chance to wave goodbye on Saturday.
Michael has said he wants a “quieter life” and at the second Earls Court show last night he told us: “It’s been an amazing ride but there seemed to be too many moments when the compromises seemed too huge.”
Perhaps that was a reference to personal problems ending up in the media, or simply his age. “I’m an old man, I really need to sit down,” he said after nearly two-and-a-half hours strutting up and down the ego ramp. The Alan Partridge-style blazer didn’ t help either. Nevertheless , Michael’s voice was smooth and his dancing was defiantly funky for his age. And an early airing for Wham! hits I’m Your Man and Everything She Wants had people of all ages dancing, knowing they won’t get another chance any time soon.
Of course, Michael will be playing concerts agaun and he announced a free Christmas Day download, but he’s not planning big arena or stadium tours. Which is odd, because at Earls Court he was an easygoing superstar, eager to roll back the years for an adoring crowd.
Michael also had a commendable approach to his old songs, mocking the heterosexual lyric about “the perfect girl for me” in Everything She Wants (“yeah, right!”), and enjoying Careless Whisper as much as his fans, even though he must now loathe the lyric “guilty feet have got no rhythm”.
Still, much of this set showed his quality as a soulful pop songwriter, ranging from clubby tunes such as Precious Box to the sultry Spinning The Wheel and the disco-funk of Outside, for which he wore a police uniform to mark that incident in a Beverly Hills public lavatory a decade ago.
I still couldn’t get on with Jesus To A Child and there were some dodgy rave moments and over-long ballads. However, it was hard to argue with Flawless and Amazing, while Freedom 90 was a perfect finale for his screaming supporters.
“Thank you for 25 amazing years,” said Michael, who appeared to be having a ball, too. Perhaps we won’t have long to wait for the comeback after all.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (12)
Georgo you inspire and give me words of wistom and earthyness. The other one in my life who brings this to me would be cat stevens. From your greek heratige I feel I can relate to you especially through the track, round here...
Thanks and will be certainly looking forward to your up comeing concerts in melbourne.
- Chris, melbourne, australia, 20/02/2010 01:00
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Our first time (and last, it seems) to see this great singer. But why did he keep us waiting 40 minutes - with no apology - listening to horrible classical music (thanks Earls Court!). Plus, while we're not prudes, there were children in the audience, and GM used the 'eff' word several times. It wasn't a case of 'it's good to be back', but 'it's f***** good to be back'. Not necessary George!
- Claudia And Nick, Walton on Thames, Surrey, 20/02/2010 00:00
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Fantastic.
An amazing person.
- Michelle, Huntingdon, 20/02/2010 00:00
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Who cares what anyone thinks of George or how much they try and find faults with him or his shows. This guy is a classy and professional performer who gives nothing than his best and always makes a point of showing gratitude to his audience. He is a talented and musical genius who excels any other performer of our age and he just gets better. This man has bought fun, tears and entertainment to us for 25 years and I wish him well with his quest for a quieter way of life.
- Jane Lockley, dorney reach, uk, 20/02/2010 00:00
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I attended the show on the 25th and the concert was everything I thought it might have been and more. He gave it all! George we love you and that amazing voice. A great talent! Come to Barbados some time!
- Leigh, Barbados, 20/02/2010 00:00
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Amazing!
That's all that needs to be said.
- Lesley, Essex, 20/02/2010 00:00
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What a fab night. It just leaves you wanting more, I have seen George three times, please don't give it all up George we have waited a long time for you to tour. What a voice. Love you George x
- Karen, midlands, 20/02/2010 00:00
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OK - went to the gig last night. GM turned up 15 minutes late ... dropped 2 songs from the night before set list, told us that Obama was the future ... and gave a "lets flog a few DVDs" performance. very affected man ... still was a fun evening ... p.s. he missed star people and a different corner.
- Tim Tomks, london, 20/02/2010 00:00
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I thought it was "AMAZING" - nostaligic, professional everything I expected and more. - Loved the eclectic group of people that made up the audience young and old having a fantastic Monday night.
Here's to more.
- Louise, Fulham London, 20/02/2010 00:00
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I went to the MEN Manchester in Nov 2006, Man City Ground in July 2007 and last night at Earls Court to see George, what can I say... Perfection! Last night was electric! All 3 shows different! I really hope this is not the last we see of George on tour. I had a magical evening, and want more! I have been to many many concerts, but George does and I think always will stand out as the best! What a voice and a fantastic human being! PS... if people do not want to hear the 'eff' word, take the children to see high school musical.
- Dawn, Manchester, 20/02/2010 00:00
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One of this countries true world superstars. A massive talent.
- Gary H, Newcastle, England., 20/02/2010 00:00
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I have seen George 6 times now and this was the best the atmosphere was electric. So what if he used the F word if you know any thing about George Michael then don't take your kids to his concert its what he does.
- Michaela Old, Wadebridge Cornwall, 20/02/2010 00:00
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