Andrew Ridgeley Discusses George Michael’s Complex Relationship with Fame

George Michael, known for his powerful vocals and chart-topping hits, had a complicated relationship with fame according to his Wham! bandmate, Andrew Ridgeley. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Ridgeley shared insights ahead of the documentary release “WHAM! 10 Days In China.” He described Michael’s struggle with stardom as an ongoing conflict.

“He didn’t want to be a star… in the sense of constantly projecting himself,” Ridgeley stated. “George Michael was a character he created to fulfill his artistic destiny as a songwriter, singer, and musician.”

Ridgeley continued, “He wanted to live as Yog, not as George Michael. The conflict between his public persona and his private self was always there and never completely resolved.” Michael, affectionately called “Yog” by friends, led a private life while being a global icon. Ridgeley believes many fans did not fully grasp this struggle.

“I don’t think… he was misunderstood,” Ridgeley explained. “People weren’t aware of all the facts for a long time. He was a very private man.” More than his personality, audiences underestimated the magnitude of Michael’s talent, Ridgeley added.

“People probably didn’t understand the depth of his talent for a long time,” he noted. “That is bewildering and has always been bewildering… If there’s any misunderstanding, it was over the sheer scale of his talent.”

The documentary “WHAM! 10 Days In China”, featuring untold stories and archival footage, explores Wham!’s groundbreaking 1985 concerts in Beijing and Guangzhou. These performances marked the first occasion a Western pop group performed in China. Ridgeley noted the lasting legacy uncovered during the documentary’s production.

“This is a retrospective that reveals as much as we possibly could about why we went, what we did, who was there, and its legacy,” Ridgeley shared. “Understanding the legacy in China was the most important aspect for me to discover.”

Despite criticism from Michael, who famously critiqued the band’s first China show, Ridgeley was not surprised by his reaction. “That wouldn’t have been the first time he described a show as horrible,” Ridgeley recalled with a laugh. “I understood why he felt that way, but in hindsight, the impact those shows had on people was life-changing.”

Michael passed away on Christmas Day in 2016 at age 53. Ridgeley believes the continued admiration from fans would deeply move Michael.

“I think he would be very flattered by the depth of feeling held for him, by how his memory is honored and his talent is recognized,” Ridgeley said.

“WHAM! 10 Days In China” premieres in theaters for a one-day-only showing on July 28. Stephanie Giang-Paunon is an entertainment reporter for Fox News Digital.