From Melbourne's 'The Age' this morning

Quote:

---

George Michael retires
March 11, 2004 - 10:10AM

British singer George Michael said today he was retiring from the music business and intended instead to put all his future songs on the Internet - for free.

The 40-year-old pop star told BBC radio he would never make another album for sale in record shops, because he did not need the money and wanted to be less famous.

Michael is currently promoting his latest album Patience, but revealed it would be his last.

"I think it's going to be my last commercial promoted release. I've been very well remunerated for my talents over the years so I really don't need the public's money," he said.

Now, he added, he would "really like to have something on the internet with charitable donation optional, where anyone can download my music for free".

"Believe me, in the modern world if you take yourself out of the financial aspect of things, ie. if you're not in anybody's chart, you're not making anybody any money, you're not losing anybody any money, believe me, I'll be of very little interest to the press in a certain number of years.

"I'll hopefully be a happier man."

- AFP

---

Aah, takes you back to the days of WHAM. After they split up everyone said 'What happened to Andy Ridgely?' I suppose in a few years time people will be saying 'I wonder what happened to George Michael?'

I would hope that he is remembered for his on stage headlines rather than his off stage headlines.
That song he did with Aretha Franklin was just too cool.

He covered an EJ song 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me' for the 'Lost Boys' soundtrack. That's how I wish to remember him. Brilliant voice, one of the best around.

George said to Elton, "can I push your stool in for you Elton"

They were best mates, helped each other through their careers.

I just love George Michael's voice, but I think the Lost Boys soundtrack version of "Don't Let the Sun..." was sung by Roger Daltry of the Who.