George Michael was an immensely popular and influential English singer-songwriter who achieved global icon status. His estimated record sales range from 100 to 125 million, making him one of the best-selling artists ever. Michael was celebrated for his songwriting, vocal talent, and captivating performances. He achieved remarkable chart success, including 10 number-one singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 and 13 on the UK Singles Chart. His exceptional career was decorated with prestigious awards, including Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards. Notably, he was recognized among the "Greatest Hot 100 Artists of All Time" by Billboard and "200 Greatest Singers of All Time" by Rolling Stone. His musical legacy is cemented by The Radio Academy's acknowledgment as the most played artist on British radio between 1984 and 2004, culminating in his 2023 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
1958: Birth of Yioda Panayiotou
George Michael's sister, Yioda Panayiotou, was born in 1958.
1960: Birth of Melanie Panayiotou
George Michael's sister, Melanie Panayiotou, was born in 1960.
June 1963: Birth of George Michael
George Michael was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in June 1963.
1974: (Context) Release of Elton John's "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"
Elton John originally released "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" in 1974, a song that would later become a significant duet for him and George Michael.
1981: Formation of Wham!
George Michael formed the pop duo Wham! with Andrew Ridgeley in 1981.
1983: Release of "Fantastic"
Wham! released their debut album, "Fantastic," in 1983, which topped the UK Albums Chart.
September 1984: Benefit Concert for Striking Miners
In September 1984, Wham!, the musical duo of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, showed their support for the striking UK miners by performing at a benefit concert at London's Royal Festival Hall.
November 1984: Formation of Band Aid
In November 1984, George Michael joined forces with other renowned British and Irish pop artists, coming together to form Band Aid.
December 1984: Release of "Last Christmas"
Wham! released the holiday classic "Last Christmas" in December 1984.
December 1984: Release of "Do They Know It's Christmas?"
In December 1984, Band Aid, the supergroup formed to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia, released "Do They Know It's Christmas?" The song became an instant hit.
1984: George Michael's Reign on British Radio Begins
George Michael's musical influence on British radio became undeniable in 1984, marking the beginning of a period where his music dominated the airwaves.
1984: Release of "Make It Big"
Wham! released their second album, "Make It Big," in 1984, which reached number one in the US and UK.
1984: Start of Most Played Artist Period
The Radio Academy later recognized 1984 as the start of the period during which George Michael was the most played artist on British radio.
1984: Release of "Careless Whisper" (Context)
In 1984, while still a member of Wham!, George Michael released "Careless Whisper," which became a solo success and his third consecutive UK number one.
1984: Release of "Careless Whisper"
George Michael released his debut solo single, "Careless Whisper," while still a member of Wham! in 1984. The song's success fueled rumors of an impending split.
1984: Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?"
George Michael lent his voice to the charitable supergroup Band Aid's recording of "Do They Know It's Christmas?" in 1984.
April 1985: Wham!'s Groundbreaking China Tour
Wham! made history in April 1985 with their groundbreaking tour of China, becoming the first Western pop music act to perform in the country.
July 1985: Performance at Live Aid
George Michael shared the stage with Elton John at the historic Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium in July 1985, performing a duet of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me."
1985: Wham!'s Tour of China
Wham! embarked on a groundbreaking tour of China in 1985, marking the first time a Western pop music act had performed in the country.
1985: Performance at Live Aid
In 1985, George Michael lent his voice to the momentous Live Aid concert, a global event organized to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.
1985: First Ivor Novello Award
George Michael's songwriting talents were recognized in 1985 when he received his first Ivor Novello Award for Songwriter of the Year.
1985: (Context) First Duet with Elton John at Live Aid
George Michael and Elton John first shared the stage for a performance of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" at the historic Live Aid concert in 1985.
June 1986: Wham! Separation
In June 1986, the pop duo Wham!, consisting of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, officially disbanded. Their final single, "The Edge of Heaven," topped the UK charts, and they bid farewell with a grand concert at Wembley Stadium.
1986: Performance at Prince's Trust Concert
In 1986, George Michael took part in a charity concert held at Wembley Arena in support of the Prince's Trust.
1986: Last "Top of the Pops" Appearance (before 2003)
George Michael made his last appearance on "Top of the Pops" in 1986, before returning to the show in 2003 to perform "The Grave."
1986: Release of "A Different Corner"
George Michael released his second solo single, "A Different Corner," in 1986, which topped the charts in multiple countries.
1986: Release of "A Different Corner"
George Michael's solo single "A Different Corner" achieved chart success in 1986, becoming his third consecutive solo number one in the UK.
October 1987: Release of "Faith"
In October 1987, George Michael unveiled "Faith," the title track and second single from his debut solo album. The song became one of his most popular, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for four consecutive weeks and achieving significant success worldwide.
1987: Release of "I Want Your Sex"
In 1987, George Michael released "I Want Your Sex," the first single from his debut solo album, Faith. The song's sexually suggestive lyrics sparked controversy and faced radio bans and censorship, despite Michael's insistence that it promoted monogamy.
1987: Release of "Faith"
George Michael's debut solo album, "Faith," was released in 1987, achieving both commercial success and critical acclaim.
1987: Duet with Aretha Franklin
At the start of his solo career in 1987, George Michael released "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)", a duet with Aretha Franklin. The song topped both the UK and US charts, fulfilling Michael's ambition to collaborate with one of his idols.
1988: Grammy Award Win
George Michael and Aretha Franklin won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance – Duo or Group with Vocal for their duet "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" in 1988.
1988: Faith World Tour and Grammy Win
George Michael embarked on a highly successful world tour in 1988, featuring a memorable performance with Aretha Franklin. His album, Faith, also won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
1988: Best-Selling Music Artist
George Michael reached the pinnacle of the music industry in 1988, becoming the best-selling music artist of the year.
1988: "Faith" Becomes Best-Selling Single
George Michael's "Faith" emerged as the best-selling single of 1988 in the United States, solidifying its status as a pop anthem.
1988: Performance at Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute
In 1988, George Michael joined a star-studded lineup of musicians at Wembley Stadium in London to celebrate Nelson Mandela's 70th birthday.
1989: Grammy Award for "Faith"
George Michael's exceptional talent was recognized at the 1989 Grammy Awards, where he received the coveted Album of the Year award for "Faith."
1989: MTV Video Music Award
In 1989, George Michael received the prestigious Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards, recognizing his impact on music video culture.
August 1990: Release of "Praying for Time"
August 1990 saw the release of "Praying for Time," the lead single from George Michael's album "Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1." The song's lyrics addressed social issues and injustice, showcasing Michael's growing maturity as a songwriter. It topped the US charts and resonated with audiences.
September 1990: Release of "Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1"
George Michael released his second solo album, "Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1," in September 1990. The title reflects his desire for greater artistic recognition. Despite its success, reaching number one in the UK, Michael opted for minimal promotion, eschewing tours and interviews.
October 1990: Original Release of "Fantasy"
"Fantasy" was initially released as a B-side on the "Waiting for That Day" single in the UK and "Freedom! '90" single globally in October 1990.
1990: Release of "Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1"
George Michael released his second solo album, "Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1," in 1990, which topped the UK charts.
March 1991: Duet with Elton John at Wembley Arena
George Michael and Elton John performed their duet of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" at Wembley Arena in March 1991, a recording of which was later released as a single, topping both the UK and US charts.
1991: Meeting Anselmo Feleppa
George Michael met Anselmo Feleppa, a Brazilian dress designer, at the Rock in Rio concert in 1991. This encounter marked the beginning of a significant romantic relationship for Michael.
1991: Release of "Five Live" EP
George Michael released the "Five Live" EP in 1991, featuring live recordings with Queen and Lisa Stansfield. All proceeds from the EP, which included performances from the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert and his Cover to Cover tour, went to the Mercury Phoenix Trust.
1991: Release of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" and Charitable Support
In 1991, George Michael released "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," a single whose proceeds were distributed among ten different charities dedicated to children, AIDS relief, and education.
1991: Release of "Freedom! '90"
In 1991, George Michael released "Freedom! '90," a song reflecting his struggles with his public persona and desire for artistic freedom. The iconic video, directed by David Fincher, featured supermodels lip-syncing instead of Michael, who refused to appear.
1991: Brit Award for "Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1"
In 1991, George Michael's introspective album "Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1" won the Brit Award for Best British Album, a testament to his evolving artistry.
April 1992: Performance at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert
In April 1992, George Michael performed at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert, a tribute to the late Queen frontman and a benefit for AIDS research. He sang "'39," "These Are the Days of Our Lives" with Lisa Stansfield, and a critically acclaimed rendition of "Somebody to Love."
April 1992: Performance at Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert
In April 1992, George Michael participated in the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert held at Wembley Stadium.
1992: Release of "Too Funky" and Philanthropic Contributions
In 1992, George Michael donated several songs to the Red Hot Organization for AIDS awareness, including "Too Funky." He also donated the royalties from "Too Funky" to the cause. The song performed well, reaching number 4 in the UK and number 10 in the US.
1992: Relationship with Anselmo Feleppa and Feleppa's HIV Diagnosis
George Michael's relationship with Anselmo Feleppa began in 1992. Tragically, Feleppa was diagnosed with HIV, a diagnosis that deeply affected Michael.
March 1993: Death of Anselmo Feleppa
George Michael's partner, Anselmo Feleppa, died in March 1993. This deeply affected Michael and inspired his later work.
1993: Anselmo Feleppa's Death
Anselmo Feleppa, George Michael's partner, died in 1993 due to an AIDS-related brain hemorrhage. Feleppa's death was a significant loss for Michael.
November 1994: Debut of "Jesus to a Child" at MTV Europe Music Awards
In November 1994, George Michael made his return to the public eye at the MTV Europe Music Awards, where he performed his new song, "Jesus to a Child." This heartfelt ballad was a tribute to his late partner, Anselmo Feleppa, who passed away in March 1993.
1996: Awards Recognition and MTV Unplugged Performance
George Michael received the Best British Male award at the MTV Europe Music Awards and Brit Awards in 1996. He also earned the Songwriter of the Year title at the Ivor Novello Awards for the third time. This same year, he performed at MTV Unplugged, his first major performance in years, which was attended by his mother before her passing.
1996: Release of "Fastlove" and "Older" Album
George Michael released "Fastlove" in 1996, a song that topped the UK charts and reached number eight in the US. He followed this with his third studio album, "Older," which yielded six top-three UK hits.
1996: Release of "Jesus to a Child"
George Michael released "Jesus to a Child" as a single in 1996. The song, a tribute to his late partner Anselmo Feleppa, topped the UK charts and reached number 7 in the US. The song's lyrics and video alluded to loss and pain, resonating with audiences.
1996: Release of "Older"
George Michael released his third solo album, "Older," in 1996.
1996: "Older" Album Dedicated to Anselmo Feleppa
George Michael's 1996 album, "Older," was a tribute to his late partner, Anselmo Feleppa. The album's emotional depth reflects the profound impact of Feleppa's death on Michael's life.
1996: Relationship with Kenny Goss Begins
George Michael's long-term relationship with Kenny Goss, a former flight attendant and sportswear executive, started in 1996.
1997: "Candle in the Wind 1997" Surpasses Sales Record
In 1997, Elton John's "Candle in the Wind 1997," a tribute to the late Princess Diana, became the highest-selling single in UK chart history, surpassing the previous record held by Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?"
1997: Death of Lesley Angold
George Michael's mother, Lesley Angold, passed away in 1997.
April 1998: Arrest for Public Lewdness
George Michael was arrested for public lewdness in April 1998. This incident led to his public outing and marked a turning point in his career and personal life.
April 1998: Arrest for Public Lewdness
On April 7, 1998, George Michael was arrested for engaging in a lewd act in a public restroom in Beverly Hills, California. Michael's arrest, part of a sting operation, resulted in a fine, community service, and significant media attention.
1998: Release of "Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael"
George Michael released the greatest hits album "Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael" in 1998.
1998: Publicly Acknowledges Homosexuality
In 1998, George Michael publicly confirmed his homosexuality. This announcement followed years of speculation and followed the release of "Jesus to a Child," a song dedicated to his deceased partner.
1998: Release of "Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael"
In 1998, George Michael released his first greatest hits album, "Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael." The album was a condition of ending his contract with Sony Music Entertainment and became a commercial success, topping the UK charts for eight weeks and reaching multi-platinum status in both the UK and the US.
1998: George Michael Comes Out as Gay
In a significant moment for LGBTQ+ visibility, George Michael publicly came out as gay in 1998.
1998: George Michael Publicly Acknowledges Homosexuality
After his arrest for public lewdness, George Michael publicly acknowledged his homosexuality in 1998. He revealed his struggles with his sexuality and the decision to keep it private.
1999: Release of "Songs from the Last Century"
George Michael released the covers album "Songs from the Last Century" in 1999.
1999: Interview with "The Advocate"
In a 1999 interview with "The Advocate," George Michael discussed his journey of self-discovery and how falling in love with a man helped him come to terms with his homosexuality.
1999: Release of "Songs from the Last Century"
George Michael released "Songs from the Last Century," an album of cover songs, in 1999. While it reached number two in the UK, it peaked at 157 in the US, making it his lowest-charting solo album in America.
1999: Lawsuit by Marcelo Rodríguez
Following his arrest by undercover policeman Marcelo Rodríguez, George Michael faced a lawsuit in 1999. Rodríguez claimed that Michael's music video for "Outside," which satirized the arrest, mocked and slandered him.
2000: Collaboration with Whitney Houston
In 2000, George Michael collaborated with Whitney Houston, co-producing her hit single "If I Told You That" alongside Rodney Jerkins.
2000: Equality Rocks Concert for LGBT Rights
In 2000, George Michael joined several other prominent musicians in Washington, D.C. for a concert to support the Human Rights Campaign, a leading LGBT rights organization in the United States.
July 2002: Release of "Shoot the Dog"
George Michael released "Shoot the Dog" in July 2002 as a protest against the impending Iraq War. The song and its music video, which depicted Tony Blair as George Bush's poodle, sparked controversy. Despite this, it performed well in Europe, reaching number one in Denmark and number 12 in the UK.
December 2002: Court Dismisses Rodríguez's Case
After a lengthy legal battle, a court dismissed Marcelo Rodríguez's lawsuit against George Michael in December 2002. The court ruled that Rodríguez, as a public official, couldn't recover damages for emotional distress.
2002: Release of "Shoot the Dog"
In 2002, George Michael released "Shoot the Dog," a song that openly criticized the close relationship between the UK and US governments, particularly focusing on Tony Blair and George W. Bush's involvement in the War on Terror.
March 2003: Performance of "The Grave" on "Top of the Pops"
George Michael performed "The Grave" on various TV shows in March 2003, including "Top of the Pops," marking his first appearance on the show since 1986. The performance sparked controversy when members of his band wore anti-war T-shirts.
2003: Appearance on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?"
In 2003, George Michael teamed up with fellow musician Ronan Keating on the UK version of the game show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?"
2003: Release of "Freeek!"
George Michael's single, "Freeek!," from his upcoming fifth studio album, was released, becoming a Top 10 hit in the UK. This marked the beginning of a new phase in his career.
May 2004: Appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show
In May 2004, George Michael appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to promote his album, "Patience." He performed "Amazing," "Father Figure," and "Faith." He also discussed his arrest, coming out, and return to performing.
2004: End of Most Played Artist Period
The Radio Academy later recognized 2004 as the end of the period during which George Michael was the most played artist on British radio.
2004: George Michael Discusses Past Relationships and Bisexuality
In 2004, George Michael openly discussed his past relationships with women, stating that while he was attracted to them, he knew he was gay emotionally. He also spoke about his decision to stop pursuing such relationships due to the AIDS epidemic and his belief in honesty.
2004: George Michael Crowned Most Played Artist on British Radio
By 2004, George Michael's consistent popularity on British radio earned him the title of the most played artist between 1984 and 2004, as declared by The Radio Academy, underscoring his significant impact on the music landscape.
2004: Release of "Patience"
George Michael released his fifth studio album, "Patience," in 2004.
November 2005: Plans for Civil Partnership with Kenny Goss
In November 2005, George Michael and Kenny Goss announced their intention to enter into a civil partnership in the UK. However, they postponed their plans due to negative publicity and Michael's upcoming tour.
2005: Performance with Paul McCartney at Live 8
George Michael joined Paul McCartney on stage at the Live 8 concert in Hyde Park, London in 2005, harmonizing on The Beatles' "Drive My Car."
2005: George Michael Becomes Patron of Swan Lifeline Charity
In 2005, George Michael became a patron of the Swan Lifeline charity. This came about after he moved to Highgate and discovered swans in the river at the end of his garden. A neighbor involved with the charity suggested he might be interested, and he readily agreed.
2005: Release of "A Different Story"
The documentary "A Different Story," which provided an intimate look into George Michael's life and career, was released in 2005.
February 2006: Arrest for Drug Possession
George Michael was arrested for possession of Class C drugs in February 2006. He acknowledged his mistake and received a caution from the police.
July 2006: Accusation of Public Sex
In July 2006, George Michael faced accusations of engaging in anonymous public sex in London's Hampstead Heath. Despite the controversy, Michael maintained that his actions were not an issue in his relationship with his partner at the time, Kenny Goss.
November 2006: Release of "Twenty Five"
In November 2006, George Michael released "Twenty Five," his second greatest hits album, marking the 25th anniversary of his music career. The album debuted at number one in the UK.
2006: Release of "Twenty Five"
George Michael released the greatest hits album "Twenty Five" in 2006.
2006: Start of George Michael's Lucrative 25 Live Tour
George Michael's "25 Live" tour commenced in 2006, marking a significant period of financial success in his career. The tour continued until 2008.
2006: Free Concert for NHS Nurses
In a gesture of gratitude in 2006, George Michael organized a free concert in London specifically for NHS nurses. He wanted to express his appreciation for the care they had provided to his late mother.
2006: Drug-Related Arrests
Throughout 2006, 2008, and 2010, George Michael faced legal troubles due to drug-related offenses, highlighting his struggles with substance abuse.
2006: Beginning of 25 Live Tour
George Michael embarked on his 25 Live tour in 2006.
June 2007: Performance at Wembley Stadium
George Michael became the first artist to perform live at the newly renovated Wembley Stadium in London in June 2007.
2007: Reflections on Hiding His Sexuality
In 2007, George Michael reflected on the emotional toll of hiding his sexuality, stating that it made him feel like a "fraud." He also suggested that his arrest in 1998 was a subconscious attempt to address the situation.
2007: John Lennon's Piano Peace Tour
In 2007, George Michael sent John Lennon's iconic piano, the one on which he composed "Imagine," on a tour across the United States. The piano was displayed at locations marked by significant acts of violence as a symbol of peace.
2007: Reasons for Hiding Sexuality
George Michael revealed in 2007 that he had hidden his sexuality due to concerns about the potential impact on his mother. He admitted that concealing his true self contributed to his feelings of fraudulence.
2007: Guilty Plea for Drug-Impaired Driving
George Michael pleaded guilty to drug-impaired driving in 2007. The incident involved obstructing traffic in London, leading to a driving ban, community service, and further legal trouble for the singer.
March 2008: Announcement of North American Tour
A North American leg of the "25 Live Tour" was announced in March 2008, with 21 dates scheduled across the US and Canada.
June 2008: George Michael Reveals Jewish Ancestry
In June 2008, George Michael disclosed to the Los Angeles Times that his maternal grandmother was Jewish.
June 2008: Support for Same-Sex Marriage in California
In June 2008, upon California's legalization of same-sex marriage, George Michael expressed his joy and support, stating that this progressive step was "way overdue."
September 2008: Arrest for Drug Possession
George Michael was arrested again for drug possession in September 2008. The arrest, this time for Class A and C drugs, occurred in London's Hampstead Heath area and resulted in a police caution.
December 2008: Release of "December Song"
George Michael released a new Christmas song, "December Song," for free on his website in December 2008.
2008: Conclusion of 25 Live Tour
George Michael concluded his 25 Live tour in 2008.
2008: Drug-Related Arrests
Throughout 2006, 2008, and 2010, George Michael faced legal troubles due to drug-related offenses, highlighting his struggles with substance abuse.
2008: Reflections on the Loss of Anselmo Feleppa
In 2008, George Michael spoke about the enduring pain of losing Anselmo Feleppa, describing the grieving process and the impact it had on his life.
2008: Conclusion of George Michael's Highly Successful 25 Live Tour
George Michael concluded his highly successful "25 Live" tour in 2008, having earned a reported £48.5 million. This tour marked a major period of commercial success in his career.
December 2009: Efforts to Reduce Cannabis Consumption
In December 2009, Michael revealed in a Guardian interview that he had cut down his cannabis consumption significantly.
February 2010: First Concerts in Australia Since 1988
George Michael performed his first concerts in Australia since 1988, beginning with a show in Perth at the Burswood Dome in February 2010.
July 2010: Car Crash and Arrest
In July 2010, George Michael was arrested for crashing his car into a Snappy Snaps store in London after attending a Gay Pride parade. He was found to be under the influence of drugs.
August 2010: Charges and Guilty Plea
In August 2010, Michael was officially charged with possession of cannabis and driving under the influence. He later pleaded guilty to the charges.
September 2010: Sentencing and Imprisonment
In September 2010, George Michael was sentenced to eight weeks in prison and given a five-year driving ban for the drug-related driving offense.
October 2010: Release from Prison
In October 2010, after serving four weeks of his sentence, Michael was released from Highpoint Prison in Suffolk.
2010: Anonymous Act of Kindness: George Michael Funds IVF Treatment
In 2010, George Michael anonymously paid for a woman's IVF treatment after seeing her discuss her struggles with conceiving on the television program "This Morning." The woman gave birth to a girl in 2012. This act of generosity remained secret until after Michael's death.
2010: Drug-Related Arrests
Throughout 2006, 2008, and 2010, George Michael faced legal troubles due to drug-related offenses, highlighting his struggles with substance abuse.
March 2011: Release of "True Faith" Cover and Carpool Karaoke Appearance
In March 2011, George Michael released a cover of New Order's "True Faith" for Comic Relief. He also appeared on the UK charity telethon, participating in James Corden's first Carpool Karaoke segment.
April 2011: Release of "You and I" Cover
George Michael released a cover of Stevie Wonder's "You and I" as a free MP3 gift for Prince William and Catherine Middleton's wedding in April 2011, encouraging donations to their charitable fund.
August 2011: Breakup with Kenny Goss
During the opening night of his Symphonica Tour in August 2011, George Michael publicly announced his separation from Kenny Goss. He revealed that the couple had split two years earlier.
August 2011: Start of the "Symphonica" Tour
The "Symphonica Tour" commenced at the Prague State Opera House in August 2011.
October 2011: Cancelled Performance Due to Viral Infection
In October 2011, Michael had to cancel a performance at London's Royal Albert Hall because he came down with a viral infection.
October 2011: Songwriter's Hall of Fame Nomination
George Michael was nominated for the Songwriter's Hall of Fame in October 2011.
2011: Pneumonia and Coma
George Michael faced a serious health scare in 2011 when he fell into a coma due to pneumonia.
February 2012: Appearance at the Brit Awards
After recovering from pneumonia, George Michael made a surprise appearance at the 2012 Brit Awards, presenting Adele with the award for Best British Album, in February 2012.
October 2012: Final Concert at Earls Court
George Michael performed his final concert at London's Earls Court in October 2012, marking the end of his "Symphonica Tour."
2012: Final Concert at Earls Court
George Michael's final concert took place at London's Earls Court in 2012, marking the end of an era for the legendary artist.
2012: Birth of Child Assisted by George Michael's Anonymous Donation
In 2012, a woman who had received anonymous funding from George Michael for IVF treatment gave birth to a daughter. This act of kindness, which took place in 2010, was only revealed after the singer's death.
2012: Relationship with Fadi Fawaz Begins
George Michael's relationship with Fadi Fawaz, a celebrity hairstylist, began in 2012.
May 2013: Car Accident and Head Injury
In May 2013, Michael was involved in a car accident on the M1 motorway in England, resulting in a head injury that required hospitalization. He was later released with minor injuries.
2013: Commercial Success of "Ladies & Gentlemen"
By 2013, "Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael" had sold 15 million copies worldwide, solidifying its place as one of his most commercially successful albums.
March 2014: Release of "Symphonica" Album
The "Symphonica" album, George Michael's seventh solo No. 1 album in the UK, was released in March 2014. This was the last album produced by Phil Ramone.
July 2014: George Michael Named as Celebrity Investor in Tax Avoidance Scheme
In July 2014, reports surfaced naming George Michael as a celebrity investor in "Liberty," a tax avoidance scheme. This revelation sparked controversy and discussion around his financial practices.
2014: Maintaining Sobriety
In 2014, George Michael shared that he had been abstaining from cannabis use for a year and a half.
June 2015: Entering Drug Rehabilitation
In June 2015, seeking help for his ongoing struggles with substance abuse, George Michael checked himself into a drug rehabilitation facility in Switzerland.
2015: George Michael Ranked Among Billboard's Greatest Hot 100 Artists of All Time
In 2015, Billboard recognized George Michael's enduring impact on music by ranking him 45th on their list of the "Greatest Hot 100 Artists of All Time," solidifying his place among music's elite.
2015: George Michael's Net Worth Estimated at £105 Million by Sunday Times Rich List
The Sunday Times Rich List of 2015 estimated George Michael's net worth to be £105 million, solidifying his status as one of Britain's wealthiest musicians.
November 2016: Announcement of "Freedom" Documentary
George Michael's management announced a new documentary about his life, titled "Freedom," in November 2016.
December 2016: Death of George Michael
George Michael died of heart disease on Christmas Day in December 2016.
2016: Kathy Jeung Remembers George Michael
Following George Michael's death in 2016, his former girlfriend, Kathy Jeung, shared her memories of him, describing him as a "true friend" and reflecting on their time together.
2016: Fadi Fawaz Finds George Michael Deceased
On Christmas morning in 2016, Fadi Fawaz found George Michael deceased at his home, marking a tragic end to the singer's life.
2016: George Michael Passes Away at Age 53
On December 25, 2016, George Michael was found dead in his Goring-on-Thames home by his partner, Fadi Fawaz. His unexpected passing at the age of 53 sparked global mourning and tributes.
January 2017: Posthumous Revelations of George Michael's Philanthropy
In January 2017, following George Michael's death, various charities revealed he had been a private benefactor for many years. These included Childline, the Terrence Higgins Trust, and Macmillan Cancer Support. He also made personal donations, such as funding IVF treatment for a contestant on the game show "Deal or No Deal."
February 2017: Musical Tributes to George Michael at Grammy and Brit Awards
The music world honored George Michael in February 2017 with tributes at prestigious award ceremonies. Adele performed a poignant rendition of "Fastlove" at the Grammy Awards, while Coldplay's Chris Martin sang "A Different Corner" at the Brit Awards.
March 2017: George Michael Laid to Rest in Private Ceremony
Following a delay due to investigations into his death, George Michael's funeral took place on March 29, 2017. He was buried in a private ceremony at Highgate Cemetery in London, next to his mother's grave.
March 2017: Cause of George Michael's Death Revealed
In March 2017, the cause of George Michael's death was determined to be natural causes, specifically dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and a fatty liver. This announcement came after an investigation into his sudden passing on Christmas Day 2016.
March 2017: Planned Release of "Freedom" Documentary
The documentary "Freedom" was set for release in March 2017.
September 2017: Release of "Fantasy" and "Listen Without Prejudice / MTV Unplugged"
George Michael's estate re-released "Fantasy," remixed by Nile Rodgers, in September 2017. The album "Listen Without Prejudice / MTV Unplugged" included the original and a 1998 version of the song.
September 2017: Release of "Fantasy"
George Michael's estate released the single "Fantasy," featuring Nile Rodgers, in September 2017.
October 2017: Release of "Fantasy" Music Video
A music video for "Fantasy" was released on Vevo in October 2017.
2017: Temporary Memorial Garden for George Michael Created by Fans
During the summer of 2017, a temporary memorial garden appeared outside George Michael's former residence in The Grove, Highgate. Located in a private square he had owned, the garden was maintained by fans for approximately 18 months before being cleared.
March 2019: George Michael's Art Collection Auctioned for Charity
George Michael's art collection was sold at auction in March 2019, raising £11.3 million. The proceeds were donated to various philanthropic organizations that he supported during his lifetime.
November 2019: Release of "Last Christmas" Film and Soundtrack
The film "Last Christmas," inspired by the Wham! song, and its soundtrack, featuring George Michael's solo and Wham! hits, including the unreleased song "This Is How (We Want You to Get High)," were released in November 2019.
2019: Smooth Radio Names George Michael the Greatest Artist of All Time
George Michael's enduring appeal and musical legacy were further solidified in 2019 when Smooth Radio bestowed upon him the title of "Greatest Artist of All Time," a testament to his timeless music and lasting impact.
2019: Death of Melanie Panayiotou
George Michael's sister, Melanie Panayiotou, passed away in 2019.
2020: Mural Commemorating George Michael Unveiled in Brent
A mural celebrating George Michael's life and legacy was unveiled in his hometown borough of Brent in 2020. The artwork, part of the Brent Biennial, recognizes his contributions to music and entertainment and his significance as a cultural and LGBTQ+ icon.
January 2021: "Last Christmas" Reaches Number One
Wham!'s "Last Christmas" reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in January 2021, over 36 years after its original release.
2021: Settlement Reached with Kenny Goss Over George Michael's Estate
In 2021, the trustees of George Michael's estate reached a financial settlement with Kenny Goss, his former partner. Michael's will, which primarily benefited his sisters, father, and friends, did not include provisions for Goss or Fadi Fawaz.
June 2022: "Freedom Uncut" Documentary Release
The documentary film "Freedom Uncut," which George Michael had been working on before his death, was released in June 2022. The film, narrated by Michael himself, garnered positive reviews from critics.
September 2022: "Older" Remastered and Expanded Release
A remastered and expanded version of George Michael's album "Older" was released in September 2022, featuring the original album, bonus tracks, remixes, and live recordings.
October 2022: "Older" Charts on UK Official Albums Chart
The remastered "Older" album achieved commercial success, reaching number 2 on the UK Official Albums Chart in October 2022.
May 2023: George Michael Selected for Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
In May 2023, George Michael received the prestigious honor of being selected for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the 2023 class, cementing his status as a music legend.
November 2023: George Michael Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
George Michael was officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November 2023, with Andrew Ridgeley, his former Wham! bandmate, serving as his induction presenter.
2023: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
George Michael was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.
February 2024: Royal Mint Unveils Commemorative Coin Honoring George Michael
In February 2024, the Royal Mint unveiled a special collector's coin featuring George Michael. The coin, a tribute to the late singer, showcases his image wearing his signature sunglasses.