Wham! was one of the most successful pop bands of its time. Andrew Ridgeley tells how it felt to break up the band.
In 1986, Wham! bid farewell to his millions of fans. PDO
Kasari’s super popular pop group Wham! conquered the world in four years. With the band George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley became big stars.
The men already met at school when George was 11 and Andrew was 12. As teenagers, they already formed their first band, before it was Wham!’s time. It was soon clear that George’s talent as a songwriter was growing by leaps and bounds – much faster than Andrew’s.
The guys realized that their first album, Fantasticin 1983. If the band wants to be super popular, they should no longer compose together.
– We were able to achieve the goals we set only with his songwriting abilities, Andrew admits in a recent documentary Wham!.
Although Wham! was not popular with critics, the band also received awards. PDO
The situation was not easy for him, because the friends had started by making songs together. The topic was not returned to. Fantastic stayed on the charts for almost two years.
In the end, Andrew’s part in the band was limited to only recording, in addition to performances. Writing was George’s forte. Even though it was agreed upon, it was difficult for him.
– It was a sacrifice I had to make, he recalls now.
Band manager Simon Napier-Bell on the other hand saw it as Andrew was equal to Wham!. As a parent, he was always a role model for George, like a big brother, from whom George initially took inspiration and whose style he even copied.
The duo Andrew Ridgeley (left) and George Michael met as children. PDO
Towards greatness
It didn’t take long for George to realize that Wham!’s limits had been met. The band could never top Elton John or Michael Jackson’s to the size class.
– We had achieved everything that we can achieve as a superstar band. We were growing up. In the end, I didn’t want any more, says Andrew.
In a contemporary interview, Andrew even admitted out loud what they thought about the band’s inevitable split: George’s artistry needs to be allowed to grow, as it should.
Wham! was the first Western band to perform in Communist China. PDO
Wham! was the breeding ground and springboard for George Michael’s career. In 1986, it was time for the last concert. George stressed in public that the huge success was achieved together.
– Wham! represented our friendship and I was happy for my friend. He was on the verge of greatness, but I still didn’t understand what it meant to be George Michael, Andrew said.
Document Wham! is available to watch on Netflix. See program information for streaming services at Telku.