Andrew Ridgeley, the surviving half of the pop duo Wham!, has spoken about the band's groundbreaking 1985 tour of China, describing it as a cultural milestone that transcended music. In a new interview, Ridgeley reflects on the experience, which is the subject of the upcoming documentary 'Wham! in China', directed by Lindsay Anderson.
Historic Tour Recalled
Wham! became the first Western pop group to perform in China, playing a series of concerts in Beijing and Guangzhou in April 1985. The tour was a diplomatic and cultural breakthrough, coming at a time when China was slowly opening up to the West. Ridgeley noted that the band was aware of the significance but focused on delivering energetic performances. 'We knew it was a big deal, but we were young and just wanted to rock the place,' he said.
George Michael's Genius
Ridgeley paid tribute to his late bandmate George Michael, who died in 2016. He credited Michael with the group's success, calling him 'a once-in-a-generation talent'. Ridgeley recalled Michael's perfectionism in the studio and his ability to craft timeless pop songs. 'George was the driving force. I was the lucky guy who got to be his partner,' Ridgeley said.
Documentary Details
The documentary 'Wham! in China' includes never-before-seen footage from the tour, as well as interviews with Ridgeley and others who were involved. Director Lindsay Anderson, known for his work on music documentaries, said the film captures the excitement and cultural exchange of the tour. 'It's a story about music breaking down barriers,' Anderson said.
Legacy and Impact
Ridgeley expressed pride in Wham!'s legacy, noting that the China tour paved the way for other Western artists to perform in the country. He also addressed the enduring popularity of Wham!'s music, particularly among younger generations. 'It's amazing to see kids today singing along to 'Careless Whisper' and 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go',' he said.
Personal Reflections
Ridgeley, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight since Wham! disbanded in 1986, said he is grateful for the opportunity to revisit the tour through the documentary. 'It brings back so many memories. We had the time of our lives,' he said. The documentary is set to premiere at a film festival later this year.
