In 2017, it reached number 2 (equalling its highest peak), after George Michael fans began campaigning for it to get the Christmas number 1 in tribute of the singer, after his death on Christmas Day, 2016. Wham! donated all of their 'Last Christmas/Everything She Wants' royalties to the Ethiopian famine.įor 36 years, it was the best-selling UK single ever to not hit the top, with over 2 million copies sold. However, the Band Aid project from Bob Geldof and Midge Ure came about, meaning that Wham! had to settle for second place that year. Originally, the Christmas number one battle of 1984 looked to be between Wham! and Frankie Goes to Hollywood with 'The Power of Love'. It was a huge hit, but never reached number 1 (for 36 years).8 times George Michael stunned strangers with private acts of charity.The video marked the last filmed appearance of a clean-shaven George, as he sported a beard in the video for 'Everything She Wants', and he kept the look going for the rest of his career. It was also the last time George had no beard.

How George Michael chaperoned a nervous Shirlie on her first date with Martin Kemp.However, Martin later confirmed to us in 2022 that this was not true! Watch the video above to see his story about the classic clip. It was said for many years that it also had a very brief appearance from Spandau Ballet bassist Martin Kemp, the boyfriend and future husband of Shirlie Holliman. The video features cameos from the duo's backing singers Pepsi and Shirlie. Adding a lyric which told the tale of betrayed love was a masterstroke and, as he did so often, he touched hearts.' 'George had performed musical alchemy, distilling the essence of Christmas into music. 'We went to his old room, the room in which we had spent hours as kids recording pastiches of radio shows and jingles, the room where he kept a keyboard and something on which to record his sparks of inspiration, and he played me the introduction and the beguiling, wistful chorus melody to 'Last Christmas.' It was a moment of wonder. When he came back down, such was his excitement, it was as if he had discovered gold which, in a sense, he had. 'We'd had a bite to eat and were sitting together relaxing with the television on in the background when, almost unnoticed, George disappeared upstairs for an hour or so. The Story Of… 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go' by Wham!Īndrew later revealed that the song came about when they were visiting George's parents:.Wham!'s greatest music videos: Andrew Ridgeley breaks down duo's biggest hits.Only the phase 'Last Christmas' - when the relationship comes to a head - actually refers to the festive season. The song actually has very little to do with Christmas! It's mainly about a failed relationship, and coming face to face with them a year later. Wham's greatest music videos: Andrew Ridgeley breaks down his biggest hits | Smooth's Video Rewind

Last christmas