George Michael’s bequest and fortune

How Rich Was George Michael Really?

The news of the death of George Michael shocked many. The British superstar died on December 25th, 2016 with his family at his Oxfordshire home. George Michael began his success together with Andrew Ridgeley, they founded “Wham!”. With successful songs like “Last Christmas” or “Wake me up before you go go”, the duo “Wham!” Sold over 100 million records and can still be heard on radios around the world. In 1987 George started his solo career and was probably one of the biggest pop stars in the world. At the time of his death, George Michael is said to be one estimated assets of around 110 million euros had on the account.

Where did George Michael’s legacy go?

What happened to the estate of 110 million euros left behind? Most of the money and real estate are said to have gone to his sisters Melanie and Yioda. This also includes two properties in London. The sponsored children do not go away empty-handed either. However, until when the assets will be distributed remains to be seen, as an ongoing legal dispute is delaying the project for a long time. Long-term partner Fadi Fawaz (hairdresser, unemployed) is said to have gone completely empty-handed and is currently still occupying a property in London.

Musical successes from George Michael

Together with his school friend Andrew Ridgeley, “Wham!” Was founded in 1981. The duo was able to produce many hits, which is arguably the most famous song “Last Christmas”. The song was played on December 3rd, 1984 and has become an integral part of our Christmas music. The video production of the biggest Christmas hit of all time cost £ 60,000 at the time. Money that has definitely paid off when you consider this hit has lasted for more than 30 years and is played over and over again during the Christmas season.

This wasn’t the only song from “Wham!” To get a # 1 spot in the UK. “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go”, “Freedom” or “I’m Your Man” also played a lot of money in the duo’s coffers. In 1986 the duo resigned and their last concert, appropriately named “The Final”, was a worthy conclusion. It took place on June 28, 1986 in front of 72,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, where the legends Elton John and Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran) also performed. This concert was the fastest sell-out in music history in Great Britain: 72,000 tickets were sold within 3 minutes!

A successful start to the solo career with Faith

Anyone who thinks that the singer retired after the breakup of “Wham!” Is underestimating the artist enormously. In 1987 his musical life continued to improve. The Album “Faith” Contained among other things the songs “Father Figure”, “One More Try”, “Monkey” and the song “Faith” of the same name. These hits landed # 1 on the US Billboard charts and the album won a Grammy. This musical work has been sold more than ten million times worldwide.

The singer released nine more albums, most recently in 2014 “Symphonica”. But older works by George Michael also poured a lot of money into the coffers: For example, “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1” in 1990 or “Older” in 1996. In 2011 the album “Faith (Remastered)” came out. Although he had many successes, it was not always easy. Michael repeatedly struggled with writer’s block and also struggled with addiction problems. His life was marked by strokes of fate, which he also processed in his music.

Many duets with big stars followed, for example “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” with Elton John. Another hit followed with Mary J. Blige: The song “As”, which was covered by Stevie Wonder, delighted many fans. Other songs were recorded with artists such as Whitney Houston and Paul McCartney. These box office hits grew George Michael’s fortune, as did performances and concerts. At a New Year’s Eve party hosted by a Russian oligarch at the turn of 2006/2007, George Michael gave a one-hour performance for which he received 1.5 million British pounds. A really respectable hourly wage.

An eventful life

It wasn’t until 1991 that George Michael became aware of his sexual orientation. “From then on it was clear. It’s not about whether you go to bed with a man or a woman, but with whom you fall in love. ”A statement that really moves. It was then that Michael fell in love with the Brazilian Anselmo Feleppa. This man became his partner and shaped the relationship with him. Feleppa was HIV positive and died in 1993 of a cerebral haemorrhage from AIDS. Michael was not infected, but suffered from the great loss. This also had an impact on his profession, for more than 1.5 years he struggled with writer’s block and also became addicted to drugs. Since then he has repeatedly struggled with the addiction. The song “Jesus To A Child” was dedicated to his great love Feleppa. Michael came out in it and tried to process. Just four years later, in 1997, George Michael suffered another loss, when his mother died. The time was again followed by blockages and brought the singer additional depression.

The artist also had to cope with negative headlines. In 1998 he was arrested for immoral behavior, back then homosexuality was a much more difficult issue than it is now. This also made it known worldwide that George Michael is gay. From then on, the singer became more and more open, also towards the media. He talked about his orientation and also about his partner Goss. In doing so, however, he maintained a personal limit of intimacy.

Generosity and gratitude

In 2011 George Michael fought for his life, because of pneumonia he canceled the planned concert in Vienna. He was treated for a month in the Vienna General Hospital in the federal capital Austria. He thanked the hospital staff for saving lives by inviting 1,000 employees to a concert. The singer processed the near-death experience in the song “White Light”, which was released in August 2012.

An eventful life with great musical success. George Michael fell asleep peacefully with his family on December 25, 2016 at the age of only 53. The singer died of a heart attack while he was sleeping.

Image sources:
Solarpix / PR Photos