George tribute concert may not go ahead’ Family yet to back gig
PLANS for a George Michael tribute concert are in crisis as the late singer’s family are yet to give their blessing.
Charity pal and TV host Dame Esther Rantzen, who is organising the event, is due to have a “make or break” meeting with them on Thursday.
And sources said there is a “50/50” chance of the concert going ahead.
One insider told the Sunday People: “The most important thing is that the family approve of everything. Esther and the organisers didn’t want to jump the gun and start making arrangements before they had spoken with them.
“At the moment there is a big possibility it won’t happen because the family aren’t on board. It’s 50/50, so the meeting will make or break plans.”
Hopes
The Wham! singer died at his home on Christmas Day. He was 53. Our sister paper the Sunday Mirror revealed how Simon Cowell and Sir Bob Geldof were expected to be involved in the tribute concert. Childline founder and former That’s Life presenter Dame Esther, 76, had hoped it would be held at the Royal Albert Hall, London, in October. George had secretly pledged £2million in royalties to Childline from his 1996 hit Jesus to a Child, written as he grieved lover Anselmo Feleppa’s death. The singer also raised money for charities including Macmillan Cancer Support and Terrence Higgins Trust. Dame Esther previously said of the tribute gig: “It is still on the cards, but we haven’t approached his family yet. We have been waiting for the right time. “George was so extraordinary in his generosity to Childline, he absolutely got our vision. The idea is for the charities he supported to join together. It would be a tremendous way of fundraising in his memory.” George’s representative said: “We have been approached but nothing has been decided.” George was buried last month next to his mum at Highgate Cemetery in North London.