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George Michael performs in Paris in 2006.
Credit: Getty Images
The world was shocked to learn singer George Michael died, aged 53, on Christmas day. The ex-Wham performer reportedly “passed away peacefully at home” where an ambulance was called at 1.42pm.
“It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period,” the star’s publicist said. “The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage.”
While police aren’t treating his death as suspicious, the cause of death at this stage is unknown. In 2011, George battled a “touch and go” case of pneumonia where doctors allegedly performed a tracheotomy to save his life. Only this month, producer Naughty Boy announced he was working with George on a new album indicating his death was untimely and perhaps sudden.
While he led a colourful life (there were drugs, there were arrests, there was jail and hospital time), George was a multi-million selling artist over a career – both in Wham and as a solo musician – spanning four decades. Here, as the sun has now gone down on George, some of his most famous hits.
And surely, that’s enough great musicians lost for 2016.
Faith
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go
Careless Whisper
Monkey
Praying For Time
Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
