Remembering George Michael on Virgin Radio 80s Plus

Virgin Radio

21 Dec 2022, 14:08

Six years ago on Christmas Day, the world lost music superstar George Michael. As one of the best-selling artists of all time, he left a significant musical and cultural legacy when he died.

Throughout the day this Saturday, 24th December, Virgin Radio 80s Plus will remember George by playing his solo songs and Wham! tunes.

The London-born musician achieved seven UK number one singles, and eight in the US. He also picked up three Brit awards, two Grammys Awards, three American Music Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, and four MTV Video Music Awards. 

The Radio Academy named him as the most played artist on British radio from 1984 to 2004.

So, if you listen to Virgin Radio 80s Plus on Saturday 24th December, you will hear plenty of classics. 

Here’s just a handful of notable songs from the artist’s impressive back-catalogue. 

Freedom! ’90

Also known simply as Freedom!, the song was the third single taken from the album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. The song refers to George’s success with Wham!, and its music video featured a host of 90s supermodels, including Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington and Cindy Crawford. 

Iconic!

Faith

This was lifted from the musician’s 1987 debut solo album of the same name. 

The song also reached number one in Australia and Canada, and number two on the UK Singles Chart.

And it offers another classic video. The jeans! The leather jacket! The shades!

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

Perhaps the ultimate Wham! song, this was first released all the way back in 1984.

It became their first UK and US number one, and the music video features George and Andrew Ridgeley wearing those magnificent CHOOSE LIFE T-shirts.

Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me (live)

Not one of George’s own compositions, this song was written by another legend, Elton John and Bernie Taupin. It was originally released in the 70s, before a version of the song recorded live as a duet between Elton and George was released in 1991. 

It reached number one in the UK in 1991, and did the same in the US in 1992. 

Careless Whisper

It’s the song with that saxophone riff, and was released in 1984. 

This track was absolutely massive. It reached number one in several countries all around the world, and shifted around six million copies in the process. 

To hear lots more George Michael classics, be sure to listen to Virgin Radio 80s Plus throughout 24th December.

You can listen to Virgin Radio 80 Plus HERE. You can also listen on DAB+ in London and Central Scotland and on smart speakers across the UK, as well as via the Virgin Radio UK app.