Ridgeley's heartache over George Michael funeral delay

Ridgeley's heartache over George Michael funeral delay



NEWS: goo.gl/a3kAcQ



George Michael tragically passed away on Christmas Day, but his friends and family have yet to see the late singer buried.

And former Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley has now told of his heartache at the delay over funeral proceedings, revealing that it has been very difficult to live in 'limbo'.

Speaking backstage at the BRIT Awards on Wednesday night, Andrew told The Mirror: 'We've not had closure. It's difficult for me.



Sharing a series of anecdotes from their early years growing up in north London, he said: 'We were two boys who shared a love of life-affirming music and a sense that we understood it.

'Careless Whisper was the song that got us signed, showed his extraordinary talent and the song which launched his solo career.'

Ridgeley also praised his friend's music, adding: 'He understood love, loss and grief and in his music, he helped to heal the wounds life left on us.'

Shirlie also shared her memories of joining the pair, saying: 'The three of us hung out together, listening to music and making up dance routines.



'These innocent moments became the seed from his amazing and enthralling showmanship was conceived.

An emotional Pepsi added: 'We always knew that George was destined to become a star in his own right. George, Andrew and Shirlie changed my life by choosing me to join Wham!

'These three amazing friends took me into their fold and there was so much laughter, fun and kindness. They were truly wonderful times and I will always cherish them. George wrote from the heart and from his own experience and his fans have shared how his music changed their lives.'



And Shirlie could not stop the tears when she said: 'The side of George that was unknown was the help he gave to charities. He gave so many people the chance to change their lives and anyone who asked for help, invariably got it.

'George was like a brother to me and I will always be so proud of his achievements. His wonderful way with words spoke to everyone and his beautiful voice will live on forever as a gift to us all.'

Andrew then said: 'His is a legacy of unquestionable brilliance which will resonate years to come. I loved him and in turn, we, you have been loved.



George is said to have introduced Shirlie to her husband Martin Kemp and, and as their son Roman revealed in his tribute at Christmas, forced Martin to call her.

Their son - also George's godson - affectionately referred to George as 'Yog' - Yours Only George - and it was later revealed that there was reunion planned for Boxing Day, featuring Martin, Shirlie and Roman.

Up and coming Capital FM radio DJ Roman hosted the first chat with Wham! since George's death, on Wednesday night.

Shirlie told her son: 'It was really hard to tell how it was because the emotions were so high, and paying respect to someone that you love so much but also someone you know so personally but who everyone knows as an artist, so I was kind of stuck in the middle of all these emotions, but I think it was a great tribute to him.'

On the decision to bring out Coldplay's Chris Martin, Pepsi added: 'He was the perfect fit, and the fact that he wanted to do it was amazing because I know George just loved his voice, so it was just perfect.



'But I have to say there was incredible amounts of love in the room and we really needed it.'

Pepsi confirmed that it had been the first time the trio were back together on stage since since June 28, 1986.

Andrew and George forged a close bond in the early Eighties when they were part of the band The Executive.

They went onto create Wham! in 1981 and eventually their demo got picked up, with Shirlie confessing on Wednesday that she remembered mailing out the tapes.

Explaining how Shirlie came into the fold, she told The Independent in 1997: 'I'd been friends with George and Andrew since school - I was the year above them.

'George used to make up all these dance routines which we'd do in nightclubs; we were either great or so bad that everybody cleared the floor.

'Wham! started out as an extension of the dance routines. George was the organiser, Andrew had all the charisma - I went out with Andrew for two years. My mum adored both of them.'



Pepsi and Shirlie forged the eponymous in 1986, when Wham! split, after meeting in 1982 when the band was looking for another backing singer.

Later on Wednesday evening, Andrew introduced one of George's favourite singers, Coldplay front-man Chris Martin, to pay tribute.

Chris took to the stage to sing 1987 hit A Different Corner while a video of George singing the song played throughout, their voices mixing for an unforgettable duet.

During the In Memoriam segment, music from George, David Bowie, Prince, Pete Burns, Viola Beach, Glen Frey and Leonard Cohen played as the names and faces of those who the music industry has lost played appeared on screen.

Poignant footage of George speaking was also aired as Chris sang.