Andrew Ridgeley, the former Wham! bandmate of George Michael, reflects on the band's groundbreaking 1985 tour of China, which marked a pivotal moment in their career and had a profound impact on the lives of those they encountered. Ridgeley, in an exclusive interview, discusses the tour's significance, the challenges faced, and the lasting legacy it left behind.
A Cultural Ambassador's Journey
Ridgeley describes the tour as a 'masterstroke' by their manager, Simon Napier-Bell, aimed at generating global attention and launching a US stadium tour. However, the real impact, he believes, was on the Chinese audience. The concerts introduced Western pop music to a largely unfamiliar audience, acting as cultural ambassadors in a country where Western music was still unknown.
The documentary, 'Wham! 10 Days in China', highlights the emotional reactions of Chinese fans, who were inspired to pursue careers in music and entertainment. Ridgeley finds this aspect deeply moving, suggesting that the tour motivated individuals to take paths they might not have otherwise chosen.
A Missed Connection
One of the most poignant moments in the documentary is George Michael's acknowledgment of the tour's significance. He reflects on the responsibility they bore as the first Western pop act to perform in China, and the excitement of the Chinese fans who had never experienced such music before. Ridgeley shares his friend's regret at never returning to China to meet those whose lives were changed by the visit.
A Lasting Legacy
The tour's impact extended beyond China. Four months later, Wham! embarked on a successful US stadium tour, capitalizing on the global attention. Despite the end of their professional partnership, Ridgeley and Michael maintained an 'authentic friendship' that lasted until Michael's death in 2016. Ridgeley continues to preserve the Wham! legacy through documentaries and music, ensuring that the band's vibrancy and vitality remain relevant to new generations of fans.
A Serendipitous Encounter
Ridgeley also reminisces about the moment he and Michael met at Bushey Meads School in 1974. He describes it as a 'sliding doors' moment, a chance encounter that shaped their lives and ultimately led to the creation of Wham! and its global impact. Ridgeley emphasizes the power of small acts of kindness and the unexpected ways they can influence and change lives, both locally and internationally.
