Photo: Press
Former Wham! member Andrew Ridgeley has dismissed The Sun’s efforts to re-release ‘Careless Whisper’ for charity, stating that a song George Michael wrote by himself would be better suited. It seems he's been listened to.
After learning of George Michael’s death on Christmas Day, The Sun tried to pay tribute to the international icon despite controversy over The Sun previously calling George Michael a “poof” and a “pervert”.
Forget that the Murdoch rags referred to me as 'poof' and 'pervert' several times in response to my campaign against the bombing of Iraq....
— George Michael (@GeorgeMichael) May 15, 2011
Fans have questioned Ridgeley's decision to engage with the tabloid at all, but his tweets indicate he was left with little choice despite his resentment.
Dear All, u have the luxury of choosing whether or not to engage with The Sun, I do not, once they'd proposed it the rest was firefighting.
— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 28, 2016
It seems he's made headway and his negotiations have seen the paper drop 'Careless Whisper'. His dialogue with them hasn't left the best taste, though. He uncomfortably writes, "They wil not drop the idea" indicating he's far from happy about The Sun leading this campaign after the way they treated Michael over the years.
Afraid it doesn't work like that. I have, after a sensible dialogue, persuaded them 2 change the choice song, they will not drop the idea. https://t.co/pZ6CvqcNAb
— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 28, 2016
But the headway he made wasn't without struggle.......
Suggested 2 @TheSun a solely George Michael composition would be more appropriate. They've dismissed my concerns. Vote or retweet #GMAmazing https://t.co/MuVZA2xLrV
— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 28, 2016
Despite having written 'Careless Whisper' at 17, George Michael expressed his frustration at its popularity in his 1991 autobiography, BARE, which said “it was not an integral part of my emotional development.” He later said in an interview with Big Issue that he was “puzzled why it’s made such an impression on people.”
“I was only 17 and didn’t really know much about anything - and certainly nothing much about relationships.”
George Michael’s death was announced on Christmas Day, he died peacefully and alone at home aged 53. The icon had sold over 100 million records worldwide.
Later it was announced George Michael has anonymously raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for multiple charities during his life.
The Sun’s attempted tribute was to put all proceedings to the late singer’s favourite charities.
Fans all over the world have flocked to the singer’s home in Oxfordshire to lay flowers and pay their tributes. Family and friends have stated they are “touched beyond words.”
