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George Michael tour launches with pop at Bush
Last updated at 11:37am on 25.09.06
George Michael courts controversy once again
A mature, modest and (almost) scandal-free George Michael took the stage in his first solo concert in 15 years. But the pop star couldn't resist making another controversial dig at George Bush.
At the end of the first set Michael sang his 2002 controversial anti-Bush song "Shoot the Dog."
• Video: See George Michael perform
During the number, an enormous balloon depicting a cartoon-ish George Bush rose out of centre stage, drawing whoops and yells from the crowd. But the real surprise came when Michael leaned down to unzip the balloon's trousers, and out popped a British bulldog draped with the UK flag. The dog was stuck to the balloon's inflated crotch, wagging its tail.
George Michael sang his greatest hits to 18,000 fans packed into Barcelona's Palau Sant Jordi arena at the start of his new European tour.
With no new album to promote, the concert indulged an audience of mostly long-time fans with favorites like "Faith," "Father Figure" and "Too Funky," while also including newer hits.
In February 2005 Michael announced the end of his pop career to the international media, and the irony that less than two years later he's here back on the stage, singing all his pop standards once again, was not lost on him.
The fans, however, aren't holding any grudges for what Michael has dubbed his "being such a tease." They clapped, cheered, swayed and sang their way through two-and-a-half-hours of ballads, covers and dance tunes.
The early part of the show suffered from a few low moments when it seemed as though Michael's slow clapping and side-to-side sway-and-shuffle style of dancing weren't going to be enough to keep the crowd engaged throughout the night. But after a few songs the singer seemed to warm up to his audience, dominating the stage and obviously happy to be performing again.
"Its coming back, its coming right back," he called out to the crowd just before launching into the unexpected second sing-through of "Too Funky", a technical glitch Michael handled with ease. "Well just go along with this," he said as both he and the audience began to sing the familiar lyrics for the second time in a night.
Michael skyrocketed to fame in the 1980s as the creative half of the duo Wham! before staking out on a Grammy-winning solo career. His next album, due out in November, is called simply "25" and, like the tour it is named after, is a celebration of the highlights of Michaels quarter century in pop.
Reader views (8)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
Sure makes me want to spend my money and buy his records... NOT! Too PC for me.
- Russ, Raleigh, USA
Who would have thought, two Americans resent someone poking fun at their president. Get over it, after all it was your country who invented the publicity grabbing stunt.
- Andrew, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
George Bush is now half way through his 2nd term. Blair is in his 10th year, who's listening to Michael?
- Norman Wiliams, Denver USA
Tiresome. Extremely tiresome.
- Mike , Houston, TX
That sad part of this is that his ticketbuyers were suckered into having paid for anti-Bush propaganda instead of coming for a great concert of George Michael's music. Go home, George. You're at least somewhat appreciated for your music, but stunts like these are rapidly what's left of your career. Just retire with Madonna and Bananarama and get it over with.
- Chadd, Atlanta, GA
To say he has not talent is ignorant, he has written some of the most wonderful songs ever and his voice is beyond compare. However I am offended by his bashing of President Bush and Tony Blair as I find these displays without taste or class. These artists cannot express thier differences with government in an intelligent way which only makes them look like fools to me. I have and always will love his music, but I have lost much respect for George. I especially belive Tony Blair to be a good many whether I agree with him on some things or not. I don't go to pop concerts for political commentary.
- Stephanie, USA
He's old and he needs a gimmick, like Madonna. Would be nice if he stuck to his own country, though.
- Dee, Houston, USA
Like this guy had any talent before he decided to retire! He needs lawyer money, that's why the tour.
- Mike, Jax, USA
