The Double-Edged Sword: George Michael on Fame and Ambition (A 1985 Interview Revisited)

An interview George Michael did with PEOPLE magazine in 1985 has surfaced on the day that would have been his 61st birthday. It provides insight into the complicated relationship the young pop star had with ambition and fame.

The interview, titled “Double Wham! My George Michael & Andrew Ridgeley Are Making It Big,” features the Wham! duo at the height of their pop stardom. Michael, already a self-proclaimed “shrewdest craftsman of commercial tunes,” candidly discusses his drive for success and his growing ambivalence towards the trappings of fame.

Hit-Making Machine with a Humble Start

The interview portrays Michael as a focused and ambitious musician. He describes his lifelong obsession with analyzing chart music and understanding the structures that resonate with audiences. This dedication to crafting catchy tunes translated into a string of hits for Wham!, solidifying their place in the pop music stratosphere.

Fame: The “Wanker” in the Room

However, Michael’s ambition is juxtaposed with a surprising cynicism towards fame. He refers to it as “totally wankers” (a British slang term for something rubbish or annoying). This blunt statement hints at the potential downsides of superstardom, a sentiment that would become more pronounced later in his career.

The Wham! Dynamic: A Shift in Focus

The interview also explores the evolving dynamic within Wham! Michael acknowledges the shift in public perception, with fans increasingly drawn to his stage presence compared to bandmate Andrew Ridgeley. This highlights a desire for individual recognition that would ultimately lead to Michael’s pursuit of a solo career.

A Legacy Beyond the Headlines

George Michael’s 1985 PEOPLE interview paints a portrait of a pop star with a complex mix of ambition and disillusionment. While driven to create chart-topping hits, he also grappled with the downsides of fame. His legacy extends far beyond the controversies that followed him later; it’s a testament to his songwriting prowess, soulful vocals, and the impact he had on generations of music lovers.