Madonna, Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley lead tributes for Michael
Madonna and Andrew Ridgeley led tributes from around the world for British pop star George Michael, who died at his home near London on Sunday aged 53.
“Farewell my Friend! Another Great Artist leaves us. Can 2016 F**k Off NOW?” Madonna wrote in a post on Instagram accompanied by a video of her presenting Michael with an award.
Referring to him by his nickname “Yog” (Yours Only George), Wham! co-star Andrew Ridgeley said he was “heartbroken” by Michael’s death: “Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog. Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4 ever loved.”
Late Sunday night, singer Boy George tweeted: “I am thinking of @GeorgeMichael’s family, friends and fans right now. He was so loved and I hope he knew it because the sadness today is beyond words. Devastating. What a beautiful voice he had and his music will live on as a testament to his talent. I can’t believe he is gone. I hope the Buddha will hold him in his arms. NMRK.”
Robbie Williams was left stunned by the news, writing, “Oh God no... I love you George... Rest in peace.”
Contemporaries Duran Duran referenced the so-called ‘curse of 2016’ – which has seen the deaths of rock and pop behemoths David Bowie, Leonard Cohen and Prince, with their post.
They penned on their official Twitter account: “2016 - loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to @ GeorgeMichael’s family.”
Simply Red said: “Its hard to take in. One of our most talented singer songwriters has left us. RIP George Michael. Such sad, tragic news. 2016 please end.”
Star Trek actor George Takei referred to some of Michael’s greatest hits in a tweet, writing: “Rest with the glittering stars, George Michael. You’ve found your Freedom, your Faith. It was your Last Christmas, and we shall miss you.”
James Corden took to Twitter to share his sadness at the news hailing Michael as an “absolute inspiration” and someone who was “always ahead of his time.”
Michael was the first celebrity to take part in Corden’s now-infamous Carpool Karaoke sketch, with the duo driving around together for Comic Relief in 2011.
– Jerusalem Post staff