SIX MONTHS ON: FANS
AT first glance it looks as if the people arriving to lay flowers are paying tribute to someone who died only days before.
But more than six months after his passing, a new wave of mourners still turn up every morning to remember George Michael.
As our pictures show, the riverside home where the legendary singer died last Christmas Day, has become a shrine to his memory.
Followers make the pilgrimage to the 16th century property in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, to lay flowers, pictures and messages outside.
Many say they go there because they haven’t had a chance to say goodbye to their hero. Fans are calling for a memorial concert because they are “at a loss” when it comes to honouring him.
Their comments come after stars, including Sir Bob Geldof and Simon Cowell, backed the Sunday Mirror’s campaign for a gig in tribute to George. Dame Esther Rantzen pledged to organise the event at the Royal Albert Hall.
But plans were stalled after it was reported that his family were not on board with the idea. They own the rights to his music, so their permission would be needed to perform his songs.
One grieving fan, Janet, 58, said: “Us fans have been left with a lot of questions. George’s death was so sudden and there has been no closure.
“A concert would be a fitting way to say goodbye and pay our respects. To get all the fans in one place, where we are all feeling the same – it would be a great thing.”
Followers flocked to the village on June 25 to celebrate what would have been the singer’s 54th birthday.
Rebecca Peppett, 47, missed the birthday celebrations but visited on Friday. The married mum of two, from Reading, said: “It’s my fifth time coming here. I like being able to drop by and say hi to George.
“I’ve still got my George Michael pillowcase. I’ve dug out all my old CDs and cassettes, and even a video when Wham! were the first British band to tour in China.
“I can’t play them but I can’t get rid of them. I’ve got a cushion, everything – my kids think I’m mad.
“The grief is still there for me. We need a concert.”
Astrid, 55, and her partner Richard, 58, visited the house, called Mill Cottage,
His death was so sudden and there has been no closure FAN JANET ON HER FEELINGS OF GRIEF