We Lost George Michael

The news came as a shock on a quiet Christmas night: George Michael, dead at age 53. According to police, there was no foul play and nothing suspicious about the death and that George died "peacefully at his home."

It is very uncommon for a 53 year old to die of natural causes. Perhaps it was a massive heart attack or something else. I'm sure we'll find out more in the days ahead when TMZ and the rest of the paparazzi vultures sniff around.

The news of George Michael's death is very hard for me to process. You see, I loved him. If Aerosmith is my favorite rock band, then George Michael is my favorite pop artist. I saw him live in Philadelphia in 2008 and that remains my favorite concert of all time. The show was part of the 25 Live tour. During that tour, George performed for two million fans and earned something like $200 million bucks. He didn't play all that many American dates on that international tour, and I took whatever seats I could get - but luckily I ended up pretty close to the stage! I had to join the fan club to even have a shot at seats. The Philadelphia show was at the Wells Fargo Center, so it was a pretty big.

George, as part of Wham!, produced the only Christmas song I like, "Last Christmas" and his video for "Freedom! 90" is my favorite music clip period. He was a genius. George knew how to work the new media that was MTV in the early 80s. His voice flawless and his hooks infectious. I've spent hours upon hours on the treadmill, running to all his fast tracks from his greatest hits package. In fact, just hearing the opening to "Outside" puts a smile on my face and make me want to run.

2016 sure has taken a lot of great musicians from us, including Prince and David Bowie... and now George Michael. For me, this one hurts the most. I am in shock. I kept hoping he would do another album or play another couple of shows in America.

I hope his last days were happy and that he found peace, as he did live both a fabulous and very tormented life. I am so thankful for his music.

Here are some of my favorite George Michael songs:

"Freedom! 90"

Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (with Elton John). The first time I heard this, it was a near religious experience for me.

"Fastlove" - another one of my workout songs.

"Careless Whisper" This is perhaps one of the most perfect pop songs ever recorded.

"Amazing" - a later career dance hit:

Comments

[Him]

Sadly, an all too common tale of talent, tragedy, and . . . you know the rest.

GM was never my bag. But recognized (even as a much younger person) his magnetism and creativity. A huge loss for a lot of people. I hope his fans and loved ones find some measure of peace amidst their grief.

[Bkallday]

Not a fan but the man was def a great entertainer. Absolutely shocked that HIM wasn't a huge fan, though! I figured he & Madonna would be huge icons for em.

[Bob]

Same here; GM's music never did anything for me, but I absolutely acknowledge his talent. two live performances in particular stick out for me: His Duet with Elton John on "Don't Let The Sun go down on Me", and his amazing version of "somebody to Love" from the Freddie Mercury tribute concert. due could definitely sing. Not that anyone cares, but the two deaths that hit me the hardest in 2016 were Keith emerson and Greg Lake dying nine months apart. Here's to a better 2017.

[Gary]

I never gave him a thought until I heard him do "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me". His duo with Elton was absolutely incredible.It blew my mind the first time I heard it. I always loved Eltons stuff from the 70's. I thought Micheal did that song justice. He actually took a great song and,IMO, (with Elton along for the ride), made it better. RIP George.

[Steverox]

Wasn't a huge fan, but agree that especially his performance at The concert for Freddie was amazing. I also really hate that Last Chrisrmas song, but it will have some extra meaning now. Yes 2016 was bad for music deaths, given those guys (George, Bowie, Prince) all died too soon. but there are also a lot of artists we all love that laid the foundation for hard rock getting up there in age unfortunately ...

[Darren Keane Storm]

In 80s all girlg in school was his fan. Not a fan but I saw a talent and great voice. Like Bowie and Prince left too early.

[Dj]

Not a fan of his, but a very sad loss indeed. We've lost so many great entertainers this year whether it be music or movies and so on. It's very sad to see the originals go, rest in peace George Michael, and as of today rest in peace Carrie Fisher, not glam or music related, but seriously, what the f@$k is going on???

[stu]

my first concert. 1988 at Texas stadium, about halfway back on the floor. though i went because the ticket was free and the bangles were opening, i was amazed at how good the show was. he new how to hold an audience.

[Him]

Bkallday, you make me blush. Go on with your bad self, what with your ability to stick a slightly homophobic twist into an otherwise respectful discussion. I can--as you can, so the dig is oddly out of place, even for you--see the merits of artists I don't like. Madonna is another good example. Just like seeing the deficits in bands I love (and even deficits in my own thinking about bands I love and hate, relatively speaking), I think I am a fairly consistent poster on this board. Trouble is, so are you. That said, and in spite of your jab, we agree that GM's death is a loss. I can live with that.

And, Dj, I hear you. That's the problem with time. It keeps moving. Regardless the genre of music (or even the type of entertainment), best that we continue to celebrate what we love before it is gone. Actually, that applies to a host of other things--family, friends, etc.--as we continue to age.

[fletch]

Him: "I think I am a fairly consistent poster on this board. Trouble is, so are you. That said, and in spite of your jab, we agree that GM's death is a loss. I can live with that."


Me, too! Meaning, I have been consistently, inconsistent...on purpose, that is. To me, no equation will right a wrong. No situation is exact. No formula is magical. If you hit upon something (brilliant for you). Born into something (even better- if you can keep it going for the right reasons). Make something happen out of chopsticks and the kremlin...well again, inconsistent.

It's not about the porn you look up and jack off to every so often. It's what you (the collective us) what we do each and every single day. the greatest orgasm is our minds. It's what's in our brains, in our hearts and in our blood. always.

this one goes out to you, freddy! you asked (needed) me to rock out one more time. I hope I didn't disappoint. Me neither. love you more!

[Metalboy!]

RIP, George.

Though I could never get into his music, there's no denying his enormous talent, popularity and incredible singing ability!

[TheCheapSeats]

Wow. Almost every comment begins with "Not a fan, but".

I have a rant, and could. but this is not the proper space.

RIP, George Michael.

[Metalboy!]

Let's hear it, Cheapseats. That's when the conversation starts. If one reads about Michael, he would relish the thought of debate spurred on by his legacy.

[Him]

I agree, Metalboy! Where else but here, TheCheapSeats?

I read most of these comments as incredibly respectful, personally. To recognize a gift, even if it wasn't to your liking, is to recognize a gift _period_. Do I have to love an artist's work to grieve their loss? No. Do I have to withhold a critique just because I love an artist? No again.

I really would like to hear your rant, TheCheapSeats. And, even if I don't end up agreeing with what you have to say, I will appreciate you saying it nonetheless.

[Noda Frind uv Pstr Jim]

Miss Ally Katz,

Your reflections on George Michael and his music are spot on. He was truly a musical genius and the music world is a darker place, now that this shining star has been extinguished. His soulful voice in Freedom 90 is nothing short of amazing and his brilliant lyrics a foreshadowing of the political realities we find ourselves in...

"All we have to do now, is take these lies and make them true somehow..."

You certainly have great taste for a lady dedicated to glam. But then again, I always knew that. :)