Tag: 2022

Older remastered is out

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The remastered Older album is out as a deluxe limited-edition box set, a 2 LP in a variety of colours, a cassette and to listen to digitally.

Older saw George exploring new music, as he reflected on life, loss and pain with, ultimately, the redemptive power of love triumphing over everything.

Originally released in the UK on 13 May 1996 through Virgin Records, Older, reached the pinnacle of chart success, where it remained for three consecutive weeks, spending 35 weeks in the top 10 overall. The album produced six singles, two of which Fastlove and the haunting Jesus To A Child – reached No.1, with the other four peaking in the top three. The album was a huge global commercial success, going 6x platinum in the UK, as well as verified platinum in another 22 countries – an achievement which is unparalleled to this day.

This re-issue of Older has re-entered the Official UK Albums Chart at number 2 – having missed out on the number 1 position by a mere 340 copies.

However it was number 1 on three of the sales charts:
#1 Official UK Albums Sales Chart
#1 Official UK Physical Albums Chart
#1 Official UK Vinyl Album Chart
 
It lost out on the overall sales chart as it was streamed less than the number 1 album.

 

George Michael Freedom Uncut is now available on digital and on demand

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The Freedom Uncut film is now available to download and keep here.

George Michael was heavily involved in the making of the documentary before his tragic death in 2016. This 108-minute version has 17 minutes of extra footage that didn’t appear in the Channel 4 cut of George Michael Freedom.  

The film covers the turbulent period after Faith leading up to, during and after the making of his Listen Without Prejudice: Vol 1 album in 1990. 

“George Michael Freedom Uncut is also a brilliant reminder of Michael’s outstanding musical genius during the Wham! years and throughout his solo career,” said the announcement. “The film features timeless duets with George’s favourite artists and explores how he influenced the cultural landscape of his generation as one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time.” 

Interwoven with exclusive, personal archival footage, the theatrical release includes previously unseen footage from Freedom! ’90. The music video has been recently remastered in 4K and will screen in full ahead of the main feature in cinemas worldwide. 

The feature documentary is produced by Big Geoff Overseas Limited in conjunction with Sony Music Entertainment, and distributed theatrically worldwide by Trafalgar Releasing.

David Austin, co-producer, collaborator and manager for George Michael, said: “The film is George’s final work. Narrated by George himself, it is the complete story.”

“George Michael was an inspiring artist whose story deserves to be shared on the big screen globally,” said Tom Mackay, president, premium content, Sony Music Entertainment. “In honour of George’s birthday this June, we are thrilled to be working with David Austin and our partners at Trafalgar Releasing to bring fans unprecedented access to his extraordinary life both on and off stage.”

Marc Allenby, CEO of Trafalgar Releasing, added: “We are proud to be bringing George Michael’s final work to the big screen in this global cinema event. As an artist whose music continues to resonate across generations, this event will be a fitting tribute to George’s life and career, giving fans the opportunity to celebrate communally in cinemas worldwide.”

Contributors include George Michael, Stevie Wonder, Sir Elton John, Ricky Gervais, Nile Rodgers, Mark Ronson, Tracey Emin, Liam Gallagher, Mary J. Blige, Jean Paul Gaultier, James Corden, Tony Bennett, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista and Tatjana Patitz.

 

Source: Georgemichael.com

 

George Michael’s grand piano sells for £200k at auction

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A piano once owned by George Michael has raised a staggering amount of cash for music charity Nordoff Robbins. The organisation held their annual star-studded auction during the 2022 Silver Clef Awards. One of the most talked about moments came when George’s prized Bechstein grand piano was on the lot, and went under the hammer for a brilliant £200,000. Before it was auctioned off, the piano was played by blind and autistic pianist Derek Paravicini, who performed Cowboys and Angels during the awards ceremony. The auction was virtual, which meant anyone around the world could bid on taking home a piece of music history. 

George Michael won his own Silver Clef prize in 1989 for his outstanding contribution to UK music. During that year’s event, George bid a large amount of money on a guitar, which he then re-donated to be auctioned off again the following year. 

The piano was provided by George’s Estate, who said they were proud to be able to continue his legacy with Nordoff Robbins. They explained in a statement:

“George supported many charitable and philanthropic causes during his lifetime which his Estate will continue to do in his memory. We hope that the return of the O2 Silver Clef lunch after a two-year absence will be a huge success and that the piano will raise a substantial amount of money to help continue this vital work after the toughest couple of years for the sector that most of us can remember.”

In total, the Silver Clef Awards raised £750,000 for Nordoff Robbins, meaning more money to help those most vulnerable with music therapy.