HE was a global superstar and one of the best-selling music artists of all time who died on Christmas Day 2016 at the age of only 53, but a new George Michael song is receiving its world premiere today.
A new song?
An unreleased track recorded prior to his death, titled This Is How (We Want You To Get High), that Michael had been working on for his next album.
Why now?
The song features in the upcoming movie, Last Christmas, which takes its name from the iconic festive track released by Wham! in 1984, the duo that Michael formed at school with friend, Andrew Ridgeley.
What’s the film about?
Co-written by Dame Emma Thompson - who also co-stars - it tells the tale of an unlucky young woman who accepts a job as a department store elf during the Christmas holidays.
Michael gave his approval?
Prior to his death, Michael gave Thompson his blessing for the project that features three Wham songs!, as well as 12 solo tracks, including Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Everything She Wants and Praying For Time. Director Paul Feig – known for directing Bridesmaids and the Ghostbusters remake – said he was inspired to expand the soundtrack when he began to explore Michael's catalogue.
And the song premieres today?
It gets its first play on Radio 2’s Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, ahead of the movie’s release on November 15.
Ball said: "I was, and am, a huge Wham! and George Michael fan and even though he is no longer with us, his music remains a joy to us all. I’m honoured to be premiering this previously unheard song from George on my Breakfast Show.”
What would George say?
Dame Emma believes the iconic singer - who sold more than 115 million records – would have loved the movie. She said: “So we lost him and I miss him so much. I wish he was here because I know he'd love it, because the film's like being hugged.
“The wisdom and emotional scope of George’s lyrics have always amazed me. So many feel like they were written for the movie.”
What did Michael die of?
The star – who had a turbulent personal life and was open about drug use – died of heart failure, having previously suffered serious health problems, including nearly dying after collapsing with pneumonia in 2012.
Now there’s a campaign to get the song Last Christmas to number one?
Released in December 1984, Last Christmas peaked at number 2 behind Band Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas, which also featured Michael. His lawyer, Chris Organ, said it would be a “nice tribute” if the track hit number 1 this Christmas, saying: "Everyone's going to be working very hard to make that happen," adding: “George was not only one of greatest British vocalists of all time, he was one of greatest British songwriters of all time.”
And what’s the new song about?
Feig says it is “just an absolutely amazing song” that is “celebratory”.
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