Tribute show to honour George on his birthday
Former bandmates in concert tribute to star
GEORGE Michael’s family have given the green light to a star-studded concert celebrating the Wham! legend’s life and music.
The gig will be in London on June 25, 2019, which would have been his 56th birthday.
Ten of his original band members have already agreed to join the tribute for George, who was found dead at his home on Christmas Day, 2016.
They include singer Shirley Lewis, bassist Deon Estus and guitarist Michael Brown.
Shirley said: “This started out as a private event for the GM band and singers, for us to share a night together, in honour of a man and friend who we all miss terribly.
“We, the band and singers, are like a family and are coming together to remember someone we loved and who loved us.”
Chris Cameron, who was the
musical director for George’s 25 Live and Faith tours, will perform the same role.
Ticket sales will go to Childline, which George had secretly supported with a £2million gift.
George’s family vetoed a tribute concert at the Royal Albert Hall last year, but a source said they were “on board and very supportive” of the “Cowboys and Angels” gig.
A line-up of “special guests”, is promised and could include his Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley, Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp, and wife Shirlie, 54, who sang with Wham!.
Organisers said: “Expect to hear fan favourites from the heady days of Wham!, to Faith through to Symphonica.”
■ Tickets for the gig on Tuesday June 25, 2019, at O2 Academy Brixton go on sale at 10am, Saturday at ticketmaster.co.uk.
We are coming together to remember someone we loved and who loved us SHIRLEY LEWIS BACKING SINGER ON SPECIAL GEORGE BIRTHDAY GIG