Andrew Ridgeley opens up about impact of George Michael's death: 'It leaves a void'
Michael died ten years ago at the age of 50 on Christmas Day
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Andrew Ridgeley has opened up about the impact Wham! bandmate George Michael's death has had on him.
Michael died a decade ago on Christmas Day at the age of 50 and in an interview with The Big Issue, Ridgeley has discussed how he felt after finding out the pop icon — who he knew from childhood as Yog — was deceased.
Read more: Andrew Ridgeley is working with Netflix on a Wham! documentary
Ridgeley said: “When I found out [George had died] it was a moment of disbelief.
“I think anyone finds it difficult to comprehend when someone they’re so close to passes away, it’s an inconceivable moment. It leaves a void in your life. I’d love to just sit and have lunch and play Scrabble with Yog again.”
Ridgeley also denied ever feeling jealousy over Michael after the later's solo career exploded saying he was 'never envious' of the Careless Whisper singer's success, saying he was 'thrilled' by his development into the artist that he grew to be. "It is so alien and bizarre to me that anyone would feel otherwise,” he explains.
The singer also reflected on their decision to end Wham! at the height of their fame in 1986, saying it came at the right time as they both began to embark on new chapters of their lives.
He added: "We were extremely fortunate to have the friendship we did. And we were extremely fortunate to have achieved far more than we ever thought we would."
After Wham! disbanded, Ridgeley stepped back from his music career and attempted to become a professional racing driver and also tried his hand at acting.
He returned to music in 1990 with his only solo album Son of Albert which was received negatively by fans and the press.
They performed together for a final time in 1991 when Ridgeley joined Michael on stage at Rock in Rio.
Ridgeley has largely eschewed the spotlight since the group's split but did make a cameo in the film Last Christmas and paid tribute to Michael at the Brit Awards.
Watch below: Andrew Ridgeley and Netflix join forces for Wham! documentary
