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Wham!

Wham! News
Credit: Netflix
Members
George Michael, Andrew Ridgeley
Genre
Pop
Formed
1981
Hometown
Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom
Top Tracks
'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go', Club Tropicana', 'I'm Your Man'.
Top Albums
'Make It Big', 'Fantastic', 'Music From the Edge of Heaven'.
Records Sold
30+ million
Number Ones
Four

Wham!, the iconic British pop duo consisting of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, emerged onto the music scene in the early 1980s, captivating audiences with their infectious energy, catchy tunes, and undeniable charisma. Their meteoric rise to fame marked a defining moment in the history of pop music, as they became synonymous with the vibrant sounds and exuberant spirit of the decade.

Formed in 1981, Wham! quickly rose to prominence with their debut album ‘Fantastic’ (1983), which featured hit singles like ‘Young Guns (Go for It!)’ and ‘Club Tropicana’. Their fusion of catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and sleek production captured the essence of 1980s pop culture, earning them a dedicated fan base and international acclaim.

It was their sophomore album, ‘Make It Big’ (1984), that catapulted Wham! to superstardom. Bolstered by the chart-topping singles ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ and ‘Careless Whisper’, the album showcased the duo’s musical maturity and songwriting prowess, solidifying their status as pop icons.

Despite their immense success, Wham! disbanded in 1986, with George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley pursuing solo careers. However, their legacy as pioneers of ’80s pop music endures, with their music continuing to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.

From the dance floors of London to the stages of stadiums worldwide, Wham! left an indelible mark on the fabric of popular music, shaping the sound and style of an entire decade. With their infectious melodies, infectious energy, and timeless appeal, they remain forever etched in the annals of music history as one of the most beloved and influential pop acts of all time.

Wham! News

George Michael - WHAM - 1987

The record George Michael released at the peak of his powers: “Even if we were wankers”

His best work.

Reuben Cross
Mar 2, 2026
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The singer George Michael knew was out of his league

“I’m standing there just freaking out…”

Tom Phelan
Dec 9, 2025
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The one song George Michael called “an albatross around my neck”

A hit he had a serious problem with.

Arun Starkey
Oct 3, 2025
George Michael - 1990s

Was George Michael the victim of “illegal entrapment” that led to sex in a public toilet?

“How do you simulate urination and make no noise?”

Thomas Coll
May 17, 2025
George Michael - 1990s

The night George Michael made a Beatles classic his own

A truly moving and layered tribute.

Will Howard
Apr 5, 2025
George Michael - WHAM - 1987

“Pure cheese”: why George Michael thought ‘Last Christmas’ was incredibly corny

Using the power of cliches.

Tim Coffman
Dec 26, 2024
10 songs artists tried to delete from history

10 songs artists tried to delete from history

Trying to get back to the drawing board.

Tim Coffman
Nov 28, 2024
George Michael - 1990s

“Stuck in my head”: The artist that made George Michael want to be a star

The musical awakening moment.

Tim Coffman
Nov 27, 2024
George Michael - WHAM - 1987

The performance George Michael called his “proudest moment”

Paying tribute to a musical icon.

Tim Coffman
Jan 14, 2024
Wham! - Last Christmas - 1986 - George Michael - Andrew Ridgeley

Wham! The hidden meaning in ‘Last Christmas’

“A face on a lover with a fire in his heart.”

Kelly Murphy
Dec 24, 2023
George Michael - Andrew Ridgely - Wham! - Far Out Magazine

Did Simon Le Bon sabotage the final Wham! show?

Unintentional hilarity in their final hours.

Tim Coffman
Dec 23, 2023
George Michael - Andrew Ridgely - Wham! - Far Out Magazine

The song that reminds Andrew Ridgely of George Michael

Reminiscing about the good times.

Tim Coffman
Nov 17, 2023

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