Find out why Wham split? Iconic 80s pop duo Wham! they decided to part ways in 1986. George Michael’s desire to pursue a more mature musical direction led to an amicable split. Find out more about their farewell single, greatest hits album and final concert. After the breakup, George Michael began a successful solo career, releasing critically acclaimed albums until his untimely death in 2016.
What is Wham?
Wham! (also known as Wham! UK) were an English pop duo formed in Bushey in 1981. The duo, consisting of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, rose to fame in the 1980s and became one of the most commercially successful pop acts of the era. Their music was influenced by funk and soul, and they presented themselves as disaffected youth.
Wham!’s debut album, Fantastic, released in 1983, tackled issues such as unemployment in the UK and teenage angst. Their second album, Make It Big, released in 1984, achieved worldwide success with chart-topping hits such as “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Careless Whisper”. In 1985, they made history as the first Western pop group to visit China, contributing to improved relations between China and the West. Wham! eventually disbanded in 1986.
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Why is Wham! Abort?
Wham! disbanded in 1986 primarily due to George Michael’s desire to explore a more mature musical direction. After achieving massive success as a pop duo, George felt a strong desire to create music that penetrated deeper emotions and resonated with a more sophisticated audience. This decision was not motivated by any animosity between the members; instead, it was a mutual agreement that they would follow different paths in their musical careers.
Wham! marked their departure by releasing a farewell single called “The Edge of Heaven” and a greatest hits album aptly named “The Final”. They also held an unforgettable farewell concert at the iconic Wembley Stadium, bidding a heartfelt farewell to their dedicated fans who have supported them throughout their journey. The decision to disband was a significant turning point for George Michael, as it paved the way for his highly successful solo career, cementing his position as a respected artist in the music industry.
When the Wham! Abort?
Wham! made the decision to officially break up in 1986 after their unforgettable farewell concert held at Wembley Stadium. This landmark event took place in June, attracting an impressive crowd of 72,000 enthusiastic fans. It served as a touching end to the era of the hugely popular pop duo. After the concert, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley decided to take different paths in their musical careers.
The Breakup of Wham! it marked a turning point for both artists as they sought to explore new creative endeavors as individuals. It was a bittersweet moment for fans enthralled by Wham!’s infectious pop hits, but it also marked the start of exciting solo careers for George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley.
After Wham! It broke, what did Andrew Ridgeley do?
After Wham!’s breakup, Andrew Ridgeley explored various endeavors. He initially tried to make a career in Formula 3 motor racing, but failed. He then moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. In 1990, Ridgeley returned to Britain and released his first solo album, “Son of Albert”. However, the album received mixed reviews and was not a significant commercial success.
Ridgeley eventually settled in Cornwall, where he embraced a quieter life. He developed a passion for surfing and golf, enjoying the anonymity that comes with living in a rural area. Ridgeley briefly reunited with Bananarama’s Keren Woodward before they parted ways in 2017. He has since become involved in charity work, notably racing to raise funds for the Dallaglio RugbyWorks Charity.
After Wham! Broke up, what did George do?
After the breakup of Wham!, George Michael began an extremely successful solo career that further cemented his status as a music icon. He continued to create and release music that captivated audiences around the world. In 1987, George released his highly acclaimed album “Faith”, which demonstrated his versatility as an artist, fusing pop, R&B and soul with his clear voice and compelling songwriting. The album was a huge success, spawning hits like “Faith”, “Father Figure” and “Careless Whisper”.
In 1990, George released “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1”, a critically acclaimed and introspective album that dealt with personal and social issues. Throughout his solo career, George Michael consistently pushed the boundaries and created timeless songs that resonated with fans across generations. Tragically, his untimely death on December 25, 2016 shocked the world and left a void in the music industry. However, his musical legacy lives on, as his deep voice and profound influence continue to inspire and move listeners around the world.
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Source: HIS Education