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Wham! George & Me
For the first time, Andrew Ridgeley - one half of one of the most famous bands in the world - tells the inside story of Wham!, his life-long friendship with George Michael and the formation of a band that changed the shape of the music scene in the early eighties.
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In 1975 Andrew took a shy new boy at school under his wing. They instantly hit it off and their boyhood escapades at Bushy Meads School built a bond that was never broken. The duo found themselves riding an astonishing rollercoaster of success, taking them all over the world. They made and broke iconic records, they were treated like gods, but they stayed true to their friendship and ultimately to themselves. It was a party that seemed as if it would never end. And then it did, in front of tens of thousands of tearful fans at Wembley Stadium in 1986.
Andrew's memoir covers in wonderful detail those years, up until that last iconic concert: the scrapes, the laughs, the relationships, the good and the bad. It's a unique and one-and-only time to remember that era, that band and those boys.
AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER NOW.
In 1975 Andrew took a shy new boy at school under his wing. They instantly hit it off and their boyhood escapades at Bushy Meads School built a bond that was never broken. The duo found themselves riding an astonishing rollercoaster of success, taking them all over the world. They made and broke iconic records, they were treated like gods, but they stayed true to their friendship and ultimately to themselves. It was a party that seemed as if it would never end. And then it did, in front of tens of thousands of tearful fans at Wembley Stadium in 1986.
Andrew's memoir covers in wonderful detail those years, up until that last iconic concert: the scrapes, the laughs, the relationships, the good and the bad. It's a unique and one-and-only time to remember that era, that band and those boys.
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First published October 3, 2019
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About the author
Andrew Ridgeley
4 books63 followersAndrew Ridgeley is an English singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known for his work in the 1980s as a member of the musical duo Wham!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 886 reviews
January 15, 2021
I was such a big Wham! fan back in my teenage days. I especially loved George Michael! What an extraordinary talented man he was! I have been thinking of him and his song, "Praying for time" a lot these past few months. It really "calls" to me in this time of turmoil around the world.
I think Andrew Ridgeley was a true and devoted friend. I chose to listen to this one as I love memoir's narrated by the writer. Andrew tells the story of how they first met and grew to be friends and how Wham! was formed. His account comes across as thoughtful and genuine. No lurid innuendos or secrets revealed. I think he has done his friend proud.
I only wish Andrew had been a little more forthcoming about what he has been up to after Wham! He did a little but I guess he chose to keep some things private. He did not even mention his long-time relationship with Bananarama's (another old fave of mine back in the day) Keren Woodward. I think maybe they were separated at the time he wrote this but I'm hearing they have since reconciled.
Hopefully George is smiling now. His song, "Last Christmas" finally made it to #1 this past Christmas 2020...thirty-six years after its initial release! This was something they had both hoped for.
Just a nice tribute by a devoted friend and bandmate.
I think Andrew Ridgeley was a true and devoted friend. I chose to listen to this one as I love memoir's narrated by the writer. Andrew tells the story of how they first met and grew to be friends and how Wham! was formed. His account comes across as thoughtful and genuine. No lurid innuendos or secrets revealed. I think he has done his friend proud.
I only wish Andrew had been a little more forthcoming about what he has been up to after Wham! He did a little but I guess he chose to keep some things private. He did not even mention his long-time relationship with Bananarama's (another old fave of mine back in the day) Keren Woodward. I think maybe they were separated at the time he wrote this but I'm hearing they have since reconciled.
Hopefully George is smiling now. His song, "Last Christmas" finally made it to #1 this past Christmas 2020...thirty-six years after its initial release! This was something they had both hoped for.
Just a nice tribute by a devoted friend and bandmate.
November 10, 2019
Who didn't love Wham!? I loved listening to this book narrated by Andrew Ridgeley himself. The story of him and George growing up, their shared love of music and their quest to be famous. It was fabulous! So many memories. I cried when he talked about the passing of his best friend, I got Goosebumps when he talked about the Final.
Can't recommend this book more!
Can't recommend this book more!
November 13, 2019
Being a huge Wham fan I was eager to read a first hand account of how two young men, best friends growing up in grade school went on to become the pop sensation that was a part of my early teen years and still is.
Thinking that their infectious " Wake me up before you go go" was a bit hokey in the beginning I came to realize like a million other teen fans that they were a hot duo who made me want to get up, dance and have fun.
Andrew Ridgeley fondly recalls George Michael as a shy, awkward, frizzy haired lad who shared his love for music, growing up during the heady disco days of the late 70's, writing songs in their living rooms to becoming one of the 80's hottest acts.
This book also explained for me the mystery of why Wham disbanded at a time when they were riding high, not only for George Michael to pursue a solo career but because they both reached the pinnacle of Wham's success and wanted to go out on top. A thought I never knew, only knowing at the time that it left me bummed out because I never had the chance to see them perform in concert.This was also bittersweet for me because I finally did have the opportunity to see George Michael, something I desperately wanted to do because even though I never saw Wham, I could still make up for it by at least seeing George. My brother and I had planned to drive to Chicago and finally experience his beautiful, soul stirring voice, but never did get to make it there because of an illness my baby daughter had at the time, so, I missed my last chance to see him before he passed, a regret I still have today.
Andrew Ridgley lovingly goes on to express the profound loss of his best friend who shared his hopes, ambitions and together achieving their ultimate dream.
I was happy to have read this remembering a time for me that was not so serious, a time to experiment with whether I wanted to be a new waver cutting all my hair off to look cool, listening to all the new sounds of Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna and my all-time favourite band, Wham, who still has me turning up the music and having fun.
Thinking that their infectious " Wake me up before you go go" was a bit hokey in the beginning I came to realize like a million other teen fans that they were a hot duo who made me want to get up, dance and have fun.
Andrew Ridgeley fondly recalls George Michael as a shy, awkward, frizzy haired lad who shared his love for music, growing up during the heady disco days of the late 70's, writing songs in their living rooms to becoming one of the 80's hottest acts.
This book also explained for me the mystery of why Wham disbanded at a time when they were riding high, not only for George Michael to pursue a solo career but because they both reached the pinnacle of Wham's success and wanted to go out on top. A thought I never knew, only knowing at the time that it left me bummed out because I never had the chance to see them perform in concert.This was also bittersweet for me because I finally did have the opportunity to see George Michael, something I desperately wanted to do because even though I never saw Wham, I could still make up for it by at least seeing George. My brother and I had planned to drive to Chicago and finally experience his beautiful, soul stirring voice, but never did get to make it there because of an illness my baby daughter had at the time, so, I missed my last chance to see him before he passed, a regret I still have today.
Andrew Ridgley lovingly goes on to express the profound loss of his best friend who shared his hopes, ambitions and together achieving their ultimate dream.
I was happy to have read this remembering a time for me that was not so serious, a time to experiment with whether I wanted to be a new waver cutting all my hair off to look cool, listening to all the new sounds of Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna and my all-time favourite band, Wham, who still has me turning up the music and having fun.
October 30, 2019
Wham! George and me is a delight. Written in a way that is open, self-deprecating and above all generous to his great friend, Andrew Ridgeley charts the meeting of two boys at school through to two young men of the biggest pop duo for a short period in the mid1980s.
For me the real interest was the period where George and Andrew had become friends and were dreaming and gently stepping into music. This period is told with detail to see and understand how the two got along, planned and played things and importantly how the dynamics of that friendship worked.
As things come together and Wham! gets going and makes their way, the songs and how they're written and crafted are explained. Relationships with families are also noted as is the part played by Shirlie, DC Lee and later Pepsi.
Andrew covers the development of George as not just a singer, frontman and performer but as a songwriter of rare and great talent. I've noted other reviews have suggested this sees Andrew writing to justify his involvement in songs. I see this as unfair and indeed Andrew recognises George is and needs to take the lead. Also it is natural for Andrew to note and explain his part in the creation of early songs and how Wham! develops as at its heart are two young boys/men who are friends and spend almost all their time together; that in itself is enough to listen and understand what he writes, and why it adds to the Wham! story.
Overall this is a book by a man in his mid-fifties about his youth and his best friend: a friend he loves, shared great times with; misses with his heart and knows George (or Yog) was one of the greatest songwriters and performers of all time.
For me the real interest was the period where George and Andrew had become friends and were dreaming and gently stepping into music. This period is told with detail to see and understand how the two got along, planned and played things and importantly how the dynamics of that friendship worked.
As things come together and Wham! gets going and makes their way, the songs and how they're written and crafted are explained. Relationships with families are also noted as is the part played by Shirlie, DC Lee and later Pepsi.
Andrew covers the development of George as not just a singer, frontman and performer but as a songwriter of rare and great talent. I've noted other reviews have suggested this sees Andrew writing to justify his involvement in songs. I see this as unfair and indeed Andrew recognises George is and needs to take the lead. Also it is natural for Andrew to note and explain his part in the creation of early songs and how Wham! develops as at its heart are two young boys/men who are friends and spend almost all their time together; that in itself is enough to listen and understand what he writes, and why it adds to the Wham! story.
Overall this is a book by a man in his mid-fifties about his youth and his best friend: a friend he loves, shared great times with; misses with his heart and knows George (or Yog) was one of the greatest songwriters and performers of all time.
January 14, 2020
If you love Wham, George, Andrew, all 3 or a mixture you will love every word of this memoir
Reading in a kinda diary form from start to finish it details everything from the moment they met until the moment Andrew spoke at the Brits after George’s death
Its rich in fact and I cant fault the information given as it builds an in depth picture into the whole Whamania years plus the before and after
The last part of the book is very moving re their Goodbye concert and then George’s death and the impact both had on Andrew, you could feel his emotion and he told of the moment on that Christmas Day when he took the call from George’s sister relaying the terrible news
Quick and easy read and took me
back to those heady 80’s days of dancing to Wham Rap in my bedroom!!
Some great pics and some things I never knew, for instance:
Andrew co wrote Careless Whisper and that he missed Band Aid as he thought it was a hoax so George went without him and he went to a local cafe for his brekkie, soon realising what he had missed out on
Main thing the book showed was they were best friends, his love and respect for George shine through and it was good to see no salaciousness or bitterness throughout the book
Loved it as any fan will from beginning to end
Btw did you know from their inception to their farewell concert was only 4 years, before reading that I would have said 10 years!!!
Got to be a 10/10
5 Stars
October 9, 2019
A great read...
After reading several biographies of George and reading "I'm Coming To Take You To Lunch" by Wham's manager Simon Napier-Bell it was blast to read the story from a different perspective, especially from the other main man who was there...
Concise and to the point. Couldn't put it down.
If you're big fan of Wham! and George Michael then this is a must read. Even if you're not, read it anyway. Enjoy it. I did!
After reading several biographies of George and reading "I'm Coming To Take You To Lunch" by Wham's manager Simon Napier-Bell it was blast to read the story from a different perspective, especially from the other main man who was there...
Concise and to the point. Couldn't put it down.
If you're big fan of Wham! and George Michael then this is a must read. Even if you're not, read it anyway. Enjoy it. I did!
October 20, 2019
20191018 ◊ Good-natured, sweet, and vaguely shallow, kind of like Wham! itself. I did appreciate Ridgeley's sincere narration; his admiration of and deference to George Michael's superior talent was touching. Some bits were pretty defensive, which surprised me -- mostly because I wasn't paying enough attention to the press around the band at the time to hear how thoroughly he was trashed by the media. I enjoyed the view into George and Andrew's early friendship, but the story really thinned out once the band took off -- probably because that's when their friendship thinned out as well. I'm glad I listened to it, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone except the keenest of Wham! fans.
January 8, 2020
A disappointingly shallow recounting of their relationship from middle school onwards. 1) I think if you need to state "I was confident" every 8 to 10 pages for the first 250 pages of a book, then you were not, 2) Anyone who looked at George Michael could tell that he spent a lot of time on his hair. This fact also need not be reiterated every 30 or so pages. Emotional events about the direction of the group were skimmed over in a nonchalant way and then a dozen pages from the end, we leap from recounting 1991's Live Aid concert to George's death in 2016. Nothing about their friendship in those 25 years is mentioned at all. I was hoping to read something new about the bandmates from the group I enjoyed so much in my youth, but there is little actual content here.
October 20, 2019
I really wanted to love this. Wham! were my first concert, the first band I really followed and loved.
It is part "we were best friends, always and forever"and part, "I contributed more than people realize".
A lover letter to a deep friendship from young boys to popstars but I didn't learn anything new about either of them. If you want salacious you wont find it here!
Part of me wonders why bother and part of me wonders if George was still here would he refute how Andrew insists he contributed more than we all knew. It felt too insistent.
It is part "we were best friends, always and forever"and part, "I contributed more than people realize".
A lover letter to a deep friendship from young boys to popstars but I didn't learn anything new about either of them. If you want salacious you wont find it here!
Part of me wonders why bother and part of me wonders if George was still here would he refute how Andrew insists he contributed more than we all knew. It felt too insistent.
October 8, 2019
This book was a beautifully written story of friendship. Andrew Ridgeley shares his life story from how his parents met, through his meeting George Michael and days in Wham to life after Wham and his ( and Shirlie’s and Pepsi’s ) tribute to George at the Brits. It’s such a great read that I couldn’t put it down and read it all in one setting. Thank you Andrew for writing this book and sharing your memories and pictures with everyone who reads this book.
October 14, 2019
I loved wham from the age of 12, my fave was always George. And have followed George’s career since.
Have always loved his voice. One of my biggest regrets was never seeing wham or George live.
I was given tickets for wham the final, but couldn’t make due to a holiday booked.
This book is a must read, Andrew telling their story from the beginning and was from the heart. What a beautiful friendship they had! It’s was lovely to read, how they met and supported each other through thick and thin! While I was reading the book and Andrew was describing each song and video they filmed, I stopped and would watch each one on u tube. This really brought the book and George and Andrew to life!! Would defo recommend doing this!
Like other reviews, this book made me laugh out loud and actually sob at the end, remembering that day when I heard that George had passed away. I still absolutely love their music, and play it regularly. Thank you to Andrew for letting us read all about wham from the start!
Have always loved his voice. One of my biggest regrets was never seeing wham or George live.
I was given tickets for wham the final, but couldn’t make due to a holiday booked.
This book is a must read, Andrew telling their story from the beginning and was from the heart. What a beautiful friendship they had! It’s was lovely to read, how they met and supported each other through thick and thin! While I was reading the book and Andrew was describing each song and video they filmed, I stopped and would watch each one on u tube. This really brought the book and George and Andrew to life!! Would defo recommend doing this!
Like other reviews, this book made me laugh out loud and actually sob at the end, remembering that day when I heard that George had passed away. I still absolutely love their music, and play it regularly. Thank you to Andrew for letting us read all about wham from the start!
March 15, 2025
What a journey of friendship between Andrew and George.
January 20, 2024
Since I was born into a pop music loving household, I've known Wham! all my live, even though I was too young to fully grasp their success back in the early eighties (I didn't understand why it was so special that they were the first Western Band to perform in China). I've caught up since (and watched the recommendable Netflix documentary which also features Andrew's commentary), so this book didn't give me many new information. It was a nice read nevertheless, a true fairy tale about two boys of immigrant fathers whose shared dream became true: This is the story of two childhood friends who wanted to start a band and become famous and then, wham, it happened. Told by Andrew, we not only get an understanding of how this all happened, we're also with him to experience the evolution of shy Georgios Panayioto into legendary George Michael. Andrew's memoir about his friendship to George and their Wham! years is warm, loving and nice to listen to.
December 29, 2024
CHOOSE LIFE
If you remember the bold block writing on white t-shirts, you probably also remember tube skirts, fingerless lace gloves, aviator sunglasses, fluro clothing, staying up realllllllllllly late to watch The Young Ones on TV and the music....Oh, the music! Of which Wham! of course were mega. HUGE. Bigger than Ben Hur. Such an amazing time for music and creativity. And joy! Which is the overall sense I got from this book. The pure joy of meeting your soul mate at school, starting a band with him, having fun and realising that yes, you do actually have a bunch of songs that will stand the test of time.
Andrew Ridgley regales the story of his childhood (a happy one, which is refreshing), meeting George at school and the rest - as they say - is history.
Did I learn anything new? Probably not a lot. But then I was a teen when Wham! were at their zenith and learnt everything I needed to know by reading music magazines at lunchtime at school (yes kids, so much more satisfying than simply "googling" something). But having said that, this is a loving tribute to a dear friend that Andrew loved and created magic with. He knew from the beginning what a special talent George had. It's utterly heartfelt and I couldn't help but smile throughout the book. In retrospect life seemed so much easier then. Good music brought people together and is tied up to so many memories.
We grow older, maybe not always wiser. And sadly lose friends along the way. But it's so nice to reminisce.
I'll leave you with words from their debut record. It may not be Shakespeare but it shows a youthful exuberance that we lose all too quickly:
If you remember the bold block writing on white t-shirts, you probably also remember tube skirts, fingerless lace gloves, aviator sunglasses, fluro clothing, staying up realllllllllllly late to watch The Young Ones on TV and the music....Oh, the music! Of which Wham! of course were mega. HUGE. Bigger than Ben Hur. Such an amazing time for music and creativity. And joy! Which is the overall sense I got from this book. The pure joy of meeting your soul mate at school, starting a band with him, having fun and realising that yes, you do actually have a bunch of songs that will stand the test of time.
Andrew Ridgley regales the story of his childhood (a happy one, which is refreshing), meeting George at school and the rest - as they say - is history.
Did I learn anything new? Probably not a lot. But then I was a teen when Wham! were at their zenith and learnt everything I needed to know by reading music magazines at lunchtime at school (yes kids, so much more satisfying than simply "googling" something). But having said that, this is a loving tribute to a dear friend that Andrew loved and created magic with. He knew from the beginning what a special talent George had. It's utterly heartfelt and I couldn't help but smile throughout the book. In retrospect life seemed so much easier then. Good music brought people together and is tied up to so many memories.
We grow older, maybe not always wiser. And sadly lose friends along the way. But it's so nice to reminisce.
I'll leave you with words from their debut record. It may not be Shakespeare but it shows a youthful exuberance that we lose all too quickly:
Do you enjoy what you do?
If not, just stop
Don’t stay there and rot...
March 16, 2020
Super interesting, especially if you're fan. I'd call it, self-contained and to the point.
To all naysayers, I think it's pretty obvious from the book, if not for Andrew Ridgley, there would never be Wham!, and quite possibly, even probably, there wouldn't be George Michael. Andrew didn't say that himself, but simply go from event to event and it remains as one glaring, undeniable fact. Even if you're not prone to taking serendipity into life equations, Andrew and his friendship seem to have taken away many random variables from Yog's life that were working against him. Ultimately, enabling him to stay on the path to greatness. So thank you, Andrew.
To all naysayers, I think it's pretty obvious from the book, if not for Andrew Ridgley, there would never be Wham!, and quite possibly, even probably, there wouldn't be George Michael. Andrew didn't say that himself, but simply go from event to event and it remains as one glaring, undeniable fact. Even if you're not prone to taking serendipity into life equations, Andrew and his friendship seem to have taken away many random variables from Yog's life that were working against him. Ultimately, enabling him to stay on the path to greatness. So thank you, Andrew.
January 7, 2020
Bursting with youthful exuberance and joyful energy, sparkling and effervescent, WHAM!, GEORGE MICHAEL AND ME is an absolute delight! I was never a rabid WHAM! fan - my mother was! - but some songs were irresistible, particularly Careless Whisper and the infectious and Wake Me Up (Before You Go Go). But there was always the question: "What did Andrew do, really?". It turns out that without Andrew Ridgeley, there would have been no WHAM!.
WHAM!, GEORGE MICHAEL AND ME is one of the best memoirs I have read in recent memory for several reasons, the first one being the exceptional quality of the writing. Andrew Ridgeley's prose is effortless, vibrant, fresh, modern, and dynamic. Andrew paints a vivid picture of the Thatcher years, the economic hopelessness that prevailed and the importance music played in the life of English youths. You experience the excitement of an exploding musical revolution as the author describes the clothes, the energy, the creativity that gave the young a reason to live and an escape from the dreary reality.
Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael were childhood friends, that friendship was fierce, and Andrew takes the reader right where, when, and how it all happened. He's candid, honest, very funny, cocky, confident, but not arrogant. He acknowledged his strengths but also his weaknesses; I knew very little about Andrew Ridgeley before reading this book, and now I can say that I admire him, his determination, his fire to succeed, and I wish I had known all that a long time ago. I found him very charming and sympathetic.
I was a bit surprised how little there was post-WHAM!, but the title really says it all. If you liked Andrew and/or George, if you want an insider's look at the 1980s English pop music scene, this is a great book. And let's not forget the dozens of fab photos in black and white and in colour. Andrew Ridgeley is such a gifted writer, I hope he doesn't stop at this book.
WHAM!, GEORGE MICHAEL AND ME is one of the best memoirs I have read in recent memory for several reasons, the first one being the exceptional quality of the writing. Andrew Ridgeley's prose is effortless, vibrant, fresh, modern, and dynamic. Andrew paints a vivid picture of the Thatcher years, the economic hopelessness that prevailed and the importance music played in the life of English youths. You experience the excitement of an exploding musical revolution as the author describes the clothes, the energy, the creativity that gave the young a reason to live and an escape from the dreary reality.
Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael were childhood friends, that friendship was fierce, and Andrew takes the reader right where, when, and how it all happened. He's candid, honest, very funny, cocky, confident, but not arrogant. He acknowledged his strengths but also his weaknesses; I knew very little about Andrew Ridgeley before reading this book, and now I can say that I admire him, his determination, his fire to succeed, and I wish I had known all that a long time ago. I found him very charming and sympathetic.
I was a bit surprised how little there was post-WHAM!, but the title really says it all. If you liked Andrew and/or George, if you want an insider's look at the 1980s English pop music scene, this is a great book. And let's not forget the dozens of fab photos in black and white and in colour. Andrew Ridgeley is such a gifted writer, I hope he doesn't stop at this book.
January 14, 2021
I contributed this review to Really Into This
Check out all of our reviews at https://reallyintothis.com
Happy Reading, friends!
Do I want to read a memoir by George Michael's BFF & Wham! member Andrew Ridgeley?
In case you do not know me, I am obsessed with George Michael & Wham! Truly, I am still heartbroken over his passing. Any stories, music, I can get about George or Yog I am GAME. So, getting the first account from Andrew Ridgeley about his life with George is something that I savor. No doubt, I'm doing the audio so I can hear the words directly from Andy's mouth.
Andy tells us everything. Well, likely not everything. He's a true friend to George through & through. Readers get a first-hand account of the start of the friendships, school days, listening to records at each other's houses & the birth of Wham!
I just love this book so much. Andy highlights his friendship with George in a way that is so meaningful, respectful & loving that I will listen to Wham! George & Me again & again. A wonderful farewell to a dear friend.
Check out all of our reviews at https://reallyintothis.com
Happy Reading, friends!
Do I want to read a memoir by George Michael's BFF & Wham! member Andrew Ridgeley?
In case you do not know me, I am obsessed with George Michael & Wham! Truly, I am still heartbroken over his passing. Any stories, music, I can get about George or Yog I am GAME. So, getting the first account from Andrew Ridgeley about his life with George is something that I savor. No doubt, I'm doing the audio so I can hear the words directly from Andy's mouth.
Andy tells us everything. Well, likely not everything. He's a true friend to George through & through. Readers get a first-hand account of the start of the friendships, school days, listening to records at each other's houses & the birth of Wham!
I just love this book so much. Andy highlights his friendship with George in a way that is so meaningful, respectful & loving that I will listen to Wham! George & Me again & again. A wonderful farewell to a dear friend.
February 19, 2020
I was never a fan of their music, I dismissed them as a fad, and didn't pay much attention to them. Then why read this book? It was an interesting story about the author and his role and memories of chasing and ultimately living his dream. His angle and his perception on how everything went down. Very interesting.
December 6, 2019
I saw an interview with Andrew Ridgeley in which he discussed this memoir and “Last Christmas” (which I have seen and loved). I am a fan of Wham! I have their first album tucked away in my stash of vinyl from my ever distant youth. I saw them live in eighth grade. I can recall the fervor they caused in their red satin hats and matching lounge jackets. I love “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1” and I was stopped in my tracks when George Michael died on Christmas Day.
Why am I telling you all of this? Because I expected so much from this book, so you know it could never fulfill that expectation. Ridgeley gives the origins of his friendship with George Michael. He discusses the provenance of Wham! But it feels equal turns precious and equal turns simmering resentment.
It feels like all along Wham! was a springboard for George Michael’s solo career, but it is difficult to understand why this is the case. Michael was an excellent songwriter, so why the duo first? Ridgeley takes credit for pushing George Michael to start the band. I believe him. I think he wanted to be a pop star. But what I don’t fully understand is why Ridgeley wanted the fame for just a minute and then he basically left the music business without looking back.
What is also not clear are the many years between the dissolution of Wham! and the death of George Michael. I would have liked a bridge to close the gap. But it’s the end of Wham!, failed solo album for Ridgeley, failed motor racing career and then the phone call in 2016 letting him know his best mate died.
I suppose as this is a memoir about Wham! Ridgeley sticks to the friendship he had with George Michael and how it shaped up his music career. I got the high points and plenty of nostalgic moments. There are lots of photos thrown in that highlight some poor fashion choices (it was the 80’s after all). I guess I feel like I want the other side of the story. Maybe I need to read Bare (although this book was written way before George Michael had time to reflect back on his career).
Sigh. I’m going to go listen to “Praying for Time” now.
Why am I telling you all of this? Because I expected so much from this book, so you know it could never fulfill that expectation. Ridgeley gives the origins of his friendship with George Michael. He discusses the provenance of Wham! But it feels equal turns precious and equal turns simmering resentment.
It feels like all along Wham! was a springboard for George Michael’s solo career, but it is difficult to understand why this is the case. Michael was an excellent songwriter, so why the duo first? Ridgeley takes credit for pushing George Michael to start the band. I believe him. I think he wanted to be a pop star. But what I don’t fully understand is why Ridgeley wanted the fame for just a minute and then he basically left the music business without looking back.
What is also not clear are the many years between the dissolution of Wham! and the death of George Michael. I would have liked a bridge to close the gap. But it’s the end of Wham!, failed solo album for Ridgeley, failed motor racing career and then the phone call in 2016 letting him know his best mate died.
I suppose as this is a memoir about Wham! Ridgeley sticks to the friendship he had with George Michael and how it shaped up his music career. I got the high points and plenty of nostalgic moments. There are lots of photos thrown in that highlight some poor fashion choices (it was the 80’s after all). I guess I feel like I want the other side of the story. Maybe I need to read Bare (although this book was written way before George Michael had time to reflect back on his career).
Sigh. I’m going to go listen to “Praying for Time” now.
December 9, 2019
Whizzed through this on a plane journey. It’s lightweight in the extreme and reads like a padded long-form interview from a Sunday tabloid. It’s knowingly fluffy which is a perfect metaphor for Wham! And, like Wham!, the book is entertaining, competent, crystal clear about its purpose and it doesn’t outstay it’s welcome.
Ridgeley is well aware of his role as one of the luckiest men in pop. He seems to have made his peace with it as long ago as Wham!’s second album and it means his book is unburdened by bitterness. He’s sweet, his friendship with George was sweet and his book is a gentle reminder of the virtue of good power pop.
I love George, I love Wham! and I loved this inoffensive view from the sidelines.
Ridgeley is well aware of his role as one of the luckiest men in pop. He seems to have made his peace with it as long ago as Wham!’s second album and it means his book is unburdened by bitterness. He’s sweet, his friendship with George was sweet and his book is a gentle reminder of the virtue of good power pop.
I love George, I love Wham! and I loved this inoffensive view from the sidelines.
September 17, 2022
I liked this quite a bit. There's a self-awareness about Ridgeley I found very appealing, especially as he was reading the audiobook edition. It's also a memoir that covers a specific moment in time - becoming BFF's with George in school, struggling to get a pop band off the ground, and then suddenly thrust into the spotlight as the biggest pop stars of that early-to-mid-1980s era. It's not a tell-all style memoir where Ridgeley dishes dirt (so if you're looking for it here you're going to be disappointed) - it's more coming of age memoir, a story of friendship and ultimately love. A lovely tribute to that moment in time and to a best friend gone too soon.
October 22, 2019
Admittedly, I'm the girl who would see the guy tagging along with George Michael on TV and videos, or in my teen magazines, and say, "Who's that guy that's always with George Michael?!"
In my mind Wham! was always George Michael and some dancers, including some vague other guy...
I kind of still feel that way after reading this book. While it's fun to hear about the beginnings of the band, their high school years together, their friendship, and stories spanning their career, I probably would not have immediately dropped twenty bucks on this book were it not for George Michael's face on the cover and his name in the title.
This book kind of reminds me of the book Cured, by Lol Tolhurst, in which he tells the stories of the beginning of The Cure and his friendship during the band's very formative years between himself and Robert Smith.
The two books are alike in that they come across as a means to justify the past and straighten out the public's perception of who they were and what part they played in the success of the band. Both books seem somewhat of a grasping effort to take the credit the authors feel they deserved but were never openly lavished with in the hayday of their careers.
A lot of, "Well I helped write that song but I let George take all the credit..."
I mean, I'm not complaining at all. I got my tasty fix of some juicy George details, and Andrew Ridgeley's book debuted number 3 on the UK's top 10 books this week. I know from reading his book that his position on the charts is very important to him, so congrats Mr. Ridgely, on the success of your new book! And thank you for sharing your memories with George Michael fans everywhere.
In my mind Wham! was always George Michael and some dancers, including some vague other guy...
I kind of still feel that way after reading this book. While it's fun to hear about the beginnings of the band, their high school years together, their friendship, and stories spanning their career, I probably would not have immediately dropped twenty bucks on this book were it not for George Michael's face on the cover and his name in the title.
This book kind of reminds me of the book Cured, by Lol Tolhurst, in which he tells the stories of the beginning of The Cure and his friendship during the band's very formative years between himself and Robert Smith.
The two books are alike in that they come across as a means to justify the past and straighten out the public's perception of who they were and what part they played in the success of the band. Both books seem somewhat of a grasping effort to take the credit the authors feel they deserved but were never openly lavished with in the hayday of their careers.
A lot of, "Well I helped write that song but I let George take all the credit..."
I mean, I'm not complaining at all. I got my tasty fix of some juicy George details, and Andrew Ridgeley's book debuted number 3 on the UK's top 10 books this week. I know from reading his book that his position on the charts is very important to him, so congrats Mr. Ridgely, on the success of your new book! And thank you for sharing your memories with George Michael fans everywhere.
January 29, 2020
A chance to hear from the other half of Wham? Yes please! Andrew Ridgeley takes us from his early childhood, his school years where he met the boy who was to become George Michael (that he affectionately called Yog), right through to the height of Wham's fame and beyond.
I absolutely loved reading this - it was a nostalgic trip through my preteen years with the music and the fashions. Ridgeley was always a shadowy sort of figure for me because of my all-encompassing George Michael crush so it was nice to read his take on the Wham years. He comes across as so different to how the press made him out to be, he has a lovely acerbic wit when casting a critical eye over some of his sartorial choices in the 80s, and his genuine affection for George comes through the writing. It doesn't contain any earth-shattering revelations but I would recommend this to any Wham fans looking to learn more about the truth behind the band.
I absolutely loved reading this - it was a nostalgic trip through my preteen years with the music and the fashions. Ridgeley was always a shadowy sort of figure for me because of my all-encompassing George Michael crush so it was nice to read his take on the Wham years. He comes across as so different to how the press made him out to be, he has a lovely acerbic wit when casting a critical eye over some of his sartorial choices in the 80s, and his genuine affection for George comes through the writing. It doesn't contain any earth-shattering revelations but I would recommend this to any Wham fans looking to learn more about the truth behind the band.
October 16, 2019
A quick read (Wham! wasn't around too long in the scheme of things) about the power of a beautiful friendship between Ridgeley and George Michael. I really enjoyed the funny captions for Ridgeley's photos, many of which I had never seen before. I also enjoyed reliving the 80's, even wondering if Ridgeley had a crush on the Durans. It seems like he mentions them a lot! Great book, though. Have your tissues ready.
Read
October 31, 2019Like most teenagers in the 1980,s I remember listening to Wham. THINKING GEORGE HAD AMAZING HAIR AND ANDREW WAS CUTE AND THAT IT WAS TOO BAD IF MY PARENTS HATED THEIR MUSIC'
This was a very poignant story, you could feel the love and admiration that Andrew felt for George, this book was an intimate glimpse into their friendship and time in the spotlight.
This was a very poignant story, you could feel the love and admiration that Andrew felt for George, this book was an intimate glimpse into their friendship and time in the spotlight.
September 9, 2022
I love autobiographical/memoir books narrated by the authors. It makes it easier to fall into the story and you know you're hearing the memories they lived straight from them.
Wham! has so many great songs and George Michael's solo albums are fantastic as well. I wish I had been around in the 80's to see them perform live, I'm sure they were fantastic shows. I didn't know that much about George and Andrew and this was a great brief history of them. I think Ridgeley covered a lot of the important things, but I would love a bit more in depth of their time together and of George after the split.
I almost didn't want to listen to the end and I cried a little when George's death happens. (No spoiler tag because if you read this you should know he died.) I'm so happy Ridgeley decided to write this and I think I'll go listen to some music for a while.
Wham! has so many great songs and George Michael's solo albums are fantastic as well. I wish I had been around in the 80's to see them perform live, I'm sure they were fantastic shows. I didn't know that much about George and Andrew and this was a great brief history of them. I think Ridgeley covered a lot of the important things, but I would love a bit more in depth of their time together and of George after the split.
I almost didn't want to listen to the end and I cried a little when George's death happens. (No spoiler tag because if you read this you should know he died.) I'm so happy Ridgeley decided to write this and I think I'll go listen to some music for a while.
March 24, 2022
Wham! George and Me narrated by Andrew Ridgeley, the writer of this splendid memoir.
I was never a Wham follower as my teen heart belonged to Elvis Presley, ABBA, Olivia Newton John and The Bay City Rollers and bands such as Australian Crawl, Ol’ 55, Sherbet, Cold Chisel, and Status Quo however, I genuinely enjoyed this book, it’s a fascinating insight into the development of Wham! told from Andrew’s point of view.
A beautiful and heartfelt tribute to George. May he R.I.P.
I was never a Wham follower as my teen heart belonged to Elvis Presley, ABBA, Olivia Newton John and The Bay City Rollers and bands such as Australian Crawl, Ol’ 55, Sherbet, Cold Chisel, and Status Quo however, I genuinely enjoyed this book, it’s a fascinating insight into the development of Wham! told from Andrew’s point of view.
A beautiful and heartfelt tribute to George. May he R.I.P.
March 31, 2020
Een muziekbiografie verteld door de artiest zelf. Daar zijn er niet veel van. Deze van Andrew Ridgeley ging er in als Wieger Ketellapper in de pauze op de Havo.
Met een grote dosis Britse zelfspot en oog voor detail vertelt de donkerharige gitarist van Wham! over de aanloop en de korte bloeiperiode van de Engelse 2-mans boyband. Met name de gezamenlijke muzieksmaak is verrassend met namen van bands als The Beatles, Genesis, Queen, Joy Division, Talking Heads en zelfs Led Zeppelin (grappig is een anekdote over een ontmoeting na een Wham!-concert tussen Andrew, de gitarist Jimmy Page en Pages dochter).
Jammer dat Ridgeley voor het laatste jaar van Wham! minder - en zijn latere ontmoetingen met George geen tijd heeft ingeruimd. Alles bij elkaar vond ik het toch een onderhoudend boek maar niet van het kaliber Not dead yet, de recente autobiografie van drumopa Phil Collins.
You got a friend
Mijn conclusie: Iedereen wil een vriend als Andrew. Hij...
-neemt George (hij noemt hem Jok, een afkorting van zijn Griekse naam Georgios) op sleeptouw als hij op zijn eerste schooldag verlegen het lokaal in schuifelt.
ja echt waar, dit is George Michael in zijn tienerjaren
-haalt George over om samen een bandje (The Executive) te starten.
-blijft met George omgaan, ook als de ouders van George dat verbieden.
-doet bij het tweede album van Wham! een stap terug door George alle tekst en muziek te laten schrijven, iets waar hij later spijt van heeft.
-houdt George, uit de wind in de boulevardbladen.
-doet niet moeilijk als George na 2 albums de stekker uit Wham! trekt en voor een solocarrière kiest.
-heeft respect voor Georges keuze om maar 1 afscheidsconcert (op Wembley) te geven terwijl hij veel liever een uitgebreide afscheidstournee had gedaan.
-zet George op een voetstuk als één van de beste zangers en songwriters van zijn generatie, iemand die niet onderdoet voor Freddie Mercury en Elton John.
Zo'n vriend wil toch iedereen?
Oei!
Als je deze eerste versie van Careless Whisper hoort, merk je dat George Michael niet vanaf het eerste moment een geniale songwriterwas.
Met een grote dosis Britse zelfspot en oog voor detail vertelt de donkerharige gitarist van Wham! over de aanloop en de korte bloeiperiode van de Engelse 2-mans boyband. Met name de gezamenlijke muzieksmaak is verrassend met namen van bands als The Beatles, Genesis, Queen, Joy Division, Talking Heads en zelfs Led Zeppelin (grappig is een anekdote over een ontmoeting na een Wham!-concert tussen Andrew, de gitarist Jimmy Page en Pages dochter).
Jammer dat Ridgeley voor het laatste jaar van Wham! minder - en zijn latere ontmoetingen met George geen tijd heeft ingeruimd. Alles bij elkaar vond ik het toch een onderhoudend boek maar niet van het kaliber Not dead yet, de recente autobiografie van drumopa Phil Collins.
You got a friend
Mijn conclusie: Iedereen wil een vriend als Andrew. Hij...
-neemt George (hij noemt hem Jok, een afkorting van zijn Griekse naam Georgios) op sleeptouw als hij op zijn eerste schooldag verlegen het lokaal in schuifelt.
ja echt waar, dit is George Michael in zijn tienerjaren
-haalt George over om samen een bandje (The Executive) te starten.
-blijft met George omgaan, ook als de ouders van George dat verbieden.
-doet bij het tweede album van Wham! een stap terug door George alle tekst en muziek te laten schrijven, iets waar hij later spijt van heeft.
-houdt George, uit de wind in de boulevardbladen.
-doet niet moeilijk als George na 2 albums de stekker uit Wham! trekt en voor een solocarrière kiest.
-heeft respect voor Georges keuze om maar 1 afscheidsconcert (op Wembley) te geven terwijl hij veel liever een uitgebreide afscheidstournee had gedaan.
-zet George op een voetstuk als één van de beste zangers en songwriters van zijn generatie, iemand die niet onderdoet voor Freddie Mercury en Elton John.
Zo'n vriend wil toch iedereen?
Oei!
Als je deze eerste versie van Careless Whisper hoort, merk je dat George Michael niet vanaf het eerste moment een geniale songwriterwas.
December 7, 2019
An entertaining and easily read tale of how Andrew and his best friend ‘Yog’ became one of the biggest bands of the mid 1980’s. Some great stories and a fantastic amount of photos make this a book I’d strongly recommend for anyone who was once a Wham fan.
October 15, 2019
I loved this. An interesting insight into the Wham! years of which I remember fondly and I was a big fan.
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