Netflix’s new documentary deals with the rise of the British duo Wham!, their path to global fame and the dynamic between George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. It sheds light on Michael and Ridgeley’s creative partnership and the tensions that arose when Michael took over the songwriting duties.
The documentary combines archival footage and audio interviews that showcase how the teenage best friends formed the iconic duo in 1981 and achieved massive success in just four years. Wham! released multiple chart topping albums in the UK including songs like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.”
Michael’s vision and songwriting prowess propelled the band towards quick success but it also created friction between the two. Ridgeley admits, “George’s songwriting was developing at an amazing pace. My songwriting just wasn’t developing in the same way, creating a little bit of friction.”
The transition from shared songwriting to Michael taking over created tension. However, the film portrays Ridgeley in a bright light highlighting his role as not only a driving force in Wham! but also a source of personal inspiration for Michael. Michael acknowledges Ridgeley’s contribution in his growth. He said, “He (Andrew) was the first person that I’d ever hung around with that was much stronger than me. Almost everything came from Andrew. Andrew changed my life in exactly the way someone needed to change my life if I was gonna be a pop star.“
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In 1986 the duo decided to go their separate ways following a last Wham! Concert at Wembley Stadium in London. Michael cited his desire to come out of the closet with his sexuality as one of the reasons for him to disband. He said, “The turning point with Wham! was me as I suddenly thought, ‘Oh my god, I’m a massive star, and I’m gay.’” The persona he had to maintain as a Wham! Heartthrob was depressing for him.
Ridgeley was also tired of being seen as the lucky guy coasting along with Michael’s success. “I think Andrew was ready to finish because, much as he understood his importance, he was tired of being, you know, taken potshots at as the lucky guy that’s kind of coasted along with George Michael. He was so much more than that,” Michael said. After the band’s breakup, Michael went on to release 5 successful solo albums before passing away unexpectedly due to heart failure.
The documentary offers a nostalgic look at the 80s pop scene and adds some grace to Andrew Ridgeley’s often misunderstood character.
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Source: Unveiling the Rise and Friction of Wham! in Netflix’s New Documentary
Category: News, Netflix, news, Wham!
