Wham!'s Andrew Ridgeley and Shirlie Kemp on George Michael and celebrating 40 years 🎶

[@ChadBest-ug8uo]

Im sure many of you watched the Netflix documentary. What caught my eye was Andrew's support. He knew it was time for George to expand his solo career, and he gave him the space. Andrew was also so kind to his fans and the press. Stardom never changed this man. He is a legend.

[@sandrahughes673]

Such a loyal friend. Got new found respect for Andrew ❤

[@carolinegilles9181]

U kidding..!! 🥴🥴🥴 Andrew gave George space..!! 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 George with his GIGANTIC talent of music gave Andrew John Ridgeley the opportunity of his life to be ‘’ a pop star’’ cos it’s needed to be cleared, Andrew never EVER sang a lyric, nor wrote one, and NEVER EVER plays a chord ..! Either LIVE or studio..! Why..? cos Andrew’s a fake guitarist (he mimics playing guitar)..! If not why...!!WHY..! does he never shows his music skills, or plays a WHAM! song by himself..! LOL..! Andrew ‘’helped’’ George in his confidence..! but not without a selfish interest behind..!!!! BTW..! Never forget Andrew never accomplished any musical success on his own..! and lives his life on WHAM’s ..Oops..! George 💷💷 and GIGANTIC music talent..! George.! Angel he was, left AJR 50% of WHAM! future 💷💷 for life..! The dude is a fraud, a parasite..! Stop being so snobbish Ridgeley..!!! 🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴

[@rebeccapettiford5389]

I thought that was the most amazing thing about the documentary! That was incredible.

[@ChadBest-ug8uo]

@@rebeccapettiford5389 Thought it was cool that he took a back seat a Live Aid. He could have easily been upset with not being front and center.

[@narelleravesi4993]

Agree 100% this is what stood out to me the most,that incredible support from Andrew to George,bless him 🌻

[@carouselcakes6237]

It’s rare to see ex bandmates talking about their time together with such positivity, love & affection. Usually by this point ex bandmates are either battling over royalties, don’t speak or have nothing nice to say about each other. These guys really were true & loving friends.

[@catherinedavidson1661]

Exactly! A genuine life long friendship and camaraderie. ❤

[@steffanhoffmann]

Melodramatic rubbish.

[@kennyphoun4880]

Agreed

[@erictaylor2831]

I think they have all done quite well out out of Wham thanks to George 😂

[@RolandDeschain1]

Andrew Ridgeley is a class act. It's great that he and George maintained their friendship after Wham!.

[@selaang1825]

I think Andrew was the support that George needed. It’s because of this friendship they had that George was able to achieve his full potential. We all need a friend like Andrew, incredible guy.

[@LeeThrough]

Rubbish - yes, Andrew was and remains a good friend to GM but GM was going to go where he went regardless - his music was what his was all about, as he has said. He may have taken a different route to get there had Andrew not been there but he would have gotten there - it's just silly to think otherwise. They remained friends until the GM's death which is the greatest thing about someone (Andrew) who recognized his friend's immense talent (as he has routinely said so) and was just happy to be in a band that represented their youth for the time that they did.

[@LeeThrough]

You actually believe that George, who had been writing songs since the age of 7 years old, was only going to gain confidence by having a good friend? This is really kind of a tiresome myth about these two. Yes, Andrew was a great friend and they had a good friendship but George always right from the start had the motherlode of talent and was doing all of it early on. George gained his confidence as he began to develop his talent and realize just how vast his talent was. HIS confidence came about from something substantive: his songwriting (which he had said many times) - that is what gave him confidence. Some other people just have confidence and you can never figure out why, it's just there. With George it came from something real.

[@FatNorthernBigot]

I can't get over how well & positive Andrew is. It's great to see.

[@farmerfarmerer3847]

Lovely people! Just watched doco today as well.

[@meilingflesa8140]

I love Andrew he is still hot 🔥

[@jjtotheb]

Saw from the documentary what a wonderful guy he was. I don't think George would have made it without him ❤

[@steffanhoffmann]

He looks older than 60.

[@meilingflesa8140]

@@steffanhoffmann I think he is

[@nelsonc6173]

This is a great conversation! How great would it have seen to see George with the two of them laughing it up as they are doing now?!! Ridgeley and Shirley, so nice to see them reminisce about the days of Wham with such fond memories!!! RIP GM we miss you!

[@suehurrell134]

❤❤❤

[@jennyhulltvmoments2779]

Met Andrew years ago, think he was to twisted sister singer? Siobhan something? May have got that wrong but it’s ringing a bell…. ? Actually first impression He was quite strange looking up close. Slightly alien in a David Bowie kind of Interesting face way . He was big on surfing and lived in Cornwall we were at an art gallery opening in Truro some boxing guy really lovely invited us all Such a fun evening had by us all. Thank you x

[@jevward5428]

I love this its more like a general chat than a stiff interview which is refreshing lovely to see Shirley & Andrew laughing together.

[@trainerrick1958]

I just finished watching the NetFlix WHAM! Documentary. It was very well done and very enjoyable to watch. It increased my already great opinion of Andrew Ridgeley. He is a very gracious person.

[@philnewton-england7795]

Fabulous to see Andrew back in the public eye. He's just as important to WHAM! as George was. ❤️❤️❤️

[@hutch1197]

I mean, he's a wonderful guy and I wish him nothing but the best, but WHAM! was pretty much all George. He gave his friend Andrew writing/production credits to make sure he was taken care of for life. No disrespect to Andrew, but it was never an equal partnership.

[@philnewton-england7795]

@@hutch1197 Really? ....I never knew that. It shows you what a true gentleman George was then. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@RetroReminiscing]

@@philnewton-england7795 👌Does indeed

[@RetroReminiscing]

👍

[@AnneSpeeFrickus]

But also: I do think George needed Andrew by his side to be able to shine. It might have stayed a dream but together it was easier to take the limelight.

[@samanthadawson3803]

It’s lovely to see Andrew so relaxed and happy back in the public eye. He doesn’t seem so defensive because he knows he doesn’t have to be. Everyone realising what a contribution he made and what a true gentleman and friend he has been ❤️

[@FacheChanteDeux]

I love Wham. What a great way to keep George's legacy alive.❤

[@steffanhoffmann]

Yea making another few million or so 😂

[@adesh806]

@@steffanhoffmannto be fair. Andrew is already rich he doesn’t need the extra money. From seeing his character, it’s clear they wanted to tell a good story. They didn’t even delve into George’s transgressions.

[@steffanhoffmann]

@@adesh806 Point 1. Rich people are never satisfied. Point 2. They covered it up then, which is indirectly dishonest.

[@pranavchandrasekhar6454]

When these two and Pepsi got on stage at the Brit Awards in 2017 for their tribute to George, I was in tears. You could tell they were really trying to hold themselves together as they publicly mourned the loss of the legendary George Michael. Of course, they did so with absolute grace and dignity. Andrew's speech, in particular, was one of the best tributes I've ever heard.

[@demonsnfan]

I love Andrew, he's so humble and generous. He's smart and proud and had no regrets in his life. Proud of himself and George and the girls. Its no wonder everyone loved WHAM

[@zsazsafabian3958]

I was so very I impressed on the depth of their friendship and how supportive Andrew was to George when his star rose higher than Andrew. Andrew handled that with such grace and love and still remained supportive no jealousy or negativity. Well done Andrew I loved Wham❤ RIP George he’s forever in my heart loved his solo music now even more.

[@ianian2502]

he comes over very well. A decent man.

[@peggychabala5493]

I think everyone realizes what an integral part of WHAM Andrew was! Even though George surfaced as front and certain of the group, Andrew was not to be denied. He recognized that WHAM had a shorter shelf life, and that George was key to going to the next level as a single performer. Andrew has always been a class act and will always, always be known as just as important to WHAM'S success as George was!!°❤

[@DarioCastagno]

Andrew is simply a marvelous guy. Period.

[@seekshallfind6410]

It's so odd how intelligent he is and how well spoken. In the doc he said he was done with school, not interested, but he's still so intelligent! It says something about education back in those days compared to today.

[@hnc52]

The doc was great. Andrew was such a loyal and supportive friend to George. Andrew seems like such a kind soul...and he has aged gorgeously.

[@paulgreen3361]

Wow seeing Shirley is so strange I’ve not seen her for many years now, I use to work with Shirley at the steak house called the Ponderosa in Watford, I once changed the light bulb in the Kitchen and I got electrocuted and I ended up on the kitchen floor, Shirley came running in and helped me up off the floor. I will never forget when Shirley came back after leaving the job asking us to buy their single which we all did. The last time I saw Shirley was in British Homes Stores where she was trying on hats, she was with Andrew Ridgeley it was lovely to see her again, I think that was around 1984 or 1985. Shirley those Ponderosa days were the best days of my life and it was great to have known you and the rest of the staff that worked there. Oh I will also never forget George, Andrew & Pepsi use to come in to meet Shirley quite often.

[@julieshakespeare8407]

Lovely memories ❤I remember the ponderosa in Watford. I met my husband also Greek Cypriot in the belated restaurant in Northwood where he was a waiter and George used to dj there ❤great memories

[@catherinehunt7693]

Wow celebrating 40 year’s what beautiful memories for Shirley and Andrew. Such a shame that George isn’t here too celebrate with his best mates. What a beautiful way too include George in this incredible celebration. Close friends forever ❤

[@catydee6241]

The Wham! doc is probably the most joyous, uplifting piece of tv I’ve watched this year. As a teenager of the 80s, I have such fond memories of Wham! and the music. It’s all over the audio background of my 16th birthday home movies. ;) I guess I was never truly aware of the depth of the friendship between George and Andrew and all they meant to each other. But thanks to the documentary, I am now. How cool to have the sweetest friendship of your youth immortalized in music. May we all have a friend who lifts us up the way Andrew did for George. ❤️

[@thierrydubois3648]

When everyone is happy, generous, not selfish, it gives that. A true friendship.

[@DAYGLOUKNOUKNO]

Just look at how nice they all are......all legends....

[@elimb6071]

Love the genuine love that's so evident between them all ...

[@martiniv8924]

That’s a cool interview, best wishes to Shirley and Andrew, RIP George 🙌🏻

[@angieguest8903]

Watched the Wembley concert last night and George at the BBC ..such a loss of a great talent and a beautiful kind caring person inside and out ❤

[@gailcusden3607]

That was a really moving documentary and Andrew such a kind person.

[@kimmarievan-ever6599]

I really loved this..not long enough though..I was at that last Wembley concert..it was bloody fantastic..loved Wham!.. so great to see Andrew and Shirlie together again..just shows what a close friendship they all had from the start.. so sad we lost George ..I honestly think if he had been in a loving stable relationship he'd still be with us..maybe he wouldn't have needed all the drugs which damaged his heart..bet they miss him so much..can't believe it was only 4 yrs...great music..great fun..Club Tropicana video has still got that vibe..great memories of the brilliant 80's..love to to go back and do it all again..🇬🇧💞🙏✝️👍👏🎶🎵🤣

[@coolbreeze5683]

I'm glad to hear from Shirlie here. I saw the documentary and thought it would have been cool if they had a few more sound clips from her and Pepsi just to get more of a perspective. We have our soulmates in life and Andrew and George were definitely destined to meet and bring out the best in eachother. You can tell he had genuine joy in supporting George. Even when Andrew was in the tabloids and being portrayed as the party guy/ Randy Andy, he did it to take the heat off of George to protect him from being outted before he was ready to come out.

[@catydee6241]

If you go back and watch old 80s interviews with the two of them, you can actually see how Andrew steps in to take the heat off when George is being questioned about his love life. Likewise, you can see George step in when interviewers ask Andrew if he feels sidelined in the group. It’s amazing how they protected one another, and it’s even more obvious now with perspective and knowing what GM was going through emotionally at the time. Andrew understood.

[@samtaw3440]

Can honestly say Wham: The Final at Wembley Stadium was one of the best days of my life ❤

[@apricot1959]

Yes, I was there. Such a scorching hot day !!

[@KC_sonic-on]

yes! yes! yes!! 🥰 same

[@Taki_Rad]

I was thinking how I wish I could hear how that concert was from someone that was there!!! I imagine it was so magic! Lovedddddd the 80’s!

[@incrediblenif]

You can see why they all got along so well. He had super nice and faithful friends. Nice interview

[@shaw-m7w]

Best part about wham is George and Andy where best mates since 12 yrs old, they really made it in music,

[@ginalipkin4849]

WHAM would not exist without both of them making it happen, and Andrew looking after 11 year old George when he arrived at his new school. They have a lot to thank each other for plus their long close friendship x

[@rockmusic670]

Shirlie hasn't changed a bit!! She's still really really pretty just like she was in the Wham! days!! WAY TO GO GO GIRL, KEEP IT UP!!

[@jennifersivewright3117]

And natural. No weird aesthetics there.

[@steviem8466]

Apart from putting weight!

[@christophercurtis2893]

Are you serious! Lol.

[@lena-mariaglouis-charles7036]

@@steviem8466 ...and You haven't?

[@charlesbull6188]

Love how understated Andrew is

[@kimmarievan-ever6599]

Yes..he got slagged off so nuch during and after Wham broke up..but George said many times if it wasn't for Andrew Wham wouldn't have happened and they wrote together so much..he got ideas from Andrew then just transferred them into songs..they were definitely great friends .

[@Chris-sy4yt]

I agree. He has no regrets, no bitterness, just happy to been have been a huge part in Wham. I read his recent(ish) book, which is essentially a loving tribute to his best mate.

[@lenguindon5019]

Just watched on Netflix. very well done. Andrew is such a great guy to start his career with his child hood friend and unselfishly let his friend G.M go solo. Seems all Georges troubles started when he left. However he left us with some great music. He is one of the great vocalists of all time, right up there with Freddy.

[@jofrances3296]

Remembering a fantastic singer George would have been 60 today. Incredible artist shaped my teenage years love them all ❤❤

[@brunamagrini9014]

I’m so glad that the Netflix documentary shows what a strong and loyal person he was and his important contribution to Wham!

[@carolnalezinski9111]

Wow so nice to Shirley and Andrew reminiscent about there friendship with George Michael thanks very interesting 🇨🇦🏳️‍🌈😊❤️👍

[@DavideAfzal]

This is an amazing conversation. Andrew and Shirley are sooo lovely. The movie/documentary is just sooo great. But, in the end, there’s only one fact: I miss George Michael so much!!

[@pattiburton9976]

The documentary was fantastic! So wish George was still with us. Andrew never got the credit he deserved but now we are all learning about his amazing contribution to WHAM!!

[@rebeccapettiford5389]

I saw the documentary today. I was so impressed by Andrew. Supporting his friend George the entire time and either not feeling jealousy or at least not letting it get to him.

[@jammydodger9161]

Well done Andrew! What a beautiful touch of grace you are.

[@sharonalbanese8084]

I love that they are doing this, but it also makes me so sad that we all lost GM way too soon. What an amazing, wonderful talent. ❤❤❤

[@Hiltie1]

George Michael was a genius and my favorite artist ever. Andrew Ridgely can sing and has a good voice. I wish Andrew releases more music. Great to see them together. Shirley and Pepsi were very good.

[@RocStarr913]

Andrew Ridgeley definitely gave good effort with his solo album.

[@JohnHoganN8]

Great memories, good to see them both and miss George.

[@jazminratzlaff5357]

Love Graham Norton’s radio show, great interview with Shirley and Andrew. Adore the documentary, done properly and does Wham! Justice. So much true real friendship and fun. Love George Michael so much, passed way too young. He lives on forever. ❤ ♥️

[@kramer26]

So incredible!! Such a typical British success story. I watched the doco recently and it just reminded me of how big they were, I was still only 5 or 6 years old when they exploded so I have better memories of George's solo career, and still can't believe he was taken at such a young age. Despite the struggles he had later in life, it's easy to forget just how innocent and humble he was during the Wham! years.

[@miamijim5964]

I was close to tears watching the documentary, imagine how happy George could have been if only he'd been able to come out to everyone back then without judgement, he was a star.

[@elainebines6803]

Love this interview. Shirlie, Andrew and George, genuine, lovely and talented. So glad their paths crossed 👍

[@scottlong2505]

The greatest part of the Wham documentary was Andrews mom keeping scrap books.

[@markholohan4446]

Ah yes, THE FINAL. To this day it's by far the best gig I've ever been to. Fantastic atmosphere, glorious sunny day and so emotional. Looking forward to the documentary.

[@Scoutmhen]

I never did get to see Wham live. I probably never would’ve even heard of them if not for MTV. I’ll never forget the first time I saw the “Wake Me Up” video. Then I fell hopelessly in love with George after seeing “Careless Whisper” (didn’t we all?) I saw George with my best friend at Texas Stadium in 1988 and then again in 2008 with another good friend. He was fantastic both times. So glad I have those memories. ❤Wish I’d been able to see Wham too-still love their music. I even introduced them to my 13 year old-she loves Last Christmas and Careless Whisper.

[@AntonioHyder]

Good on Shirley and Andrew. Amazing interview. Well done also Graham for letting them be. Excellent journalist style. The interviewees having fun throughout.

[@gucci6925]

Lovely George, the wham docu was fantastic. What an amazing friendship George any Andrew had ❤

[@jamesalex5051]

love Graham Norton 's interviews.

[@JeanetteMadsen-n3g]

Great documentary. Loved it😄 I was a big fan back in the eighties. Andy was so supportive. Bless him❤

[@theoriginalbluey]

Wham! always remind me of the Radio One Roadshow mid-80s's summers. You can't beat Club Tropicana and Everything She Wants, but also Young Guns was an incredibly cool tune when it came out. Great to see two of them chatting to Graham.

[@cmacmenow]

Wonderful ,deeply emotional and in fact inspiring stories form the Wham gang. George is having a laugh and a giggle I'm sure. This is Fab radio!

[@theoriginalbluey]

George died, sadly.

[@dioneparker6513]

Great to hear Shirley’s story. Love their friendship and loyalty to each other ❤

[@kevparry3687]

What a great interview between the three of them. How eloquent Shirley and Andrew present themselves.. a lot could be taken on how they conduct themselves by the majority of people in the public eye today.

[@shell150675]

The documentary was fantastic to watch! I've loved Wham! since they started and still love them to this day.

[@hermangouw]

I was in my early and mid 20's during the era of Wham! ... I always love Wham! and George Michael music. I didn't realise that their split was a peaceful and honorable one .... I just learned about this after I watched Wham! doco on NETFLIX this morning. Andrew is really a true friend and a gentleman.

[@leiac98]

what a great interview !!! I loved and miss those day - glad I grew up then and not now

[@ktinapema4244]

I could listen to them for hours...

[@GloryDaze73]

Loved Andrew! ❤❤❤ They were good together 🎉🎉🎉

[@kimlck86]

I'm so glad I found this. I've watched the documentary and can't believe how young they were! These guys were very important to me when I was at a very low place in my life. Still a huge Wham! Fan.

[@landismithCOJ]

I was wondering what Andy has been up to. Wham! was such an integral part of the 80s. George Michael Forever.

[@simon5005]

Wonderful to see Andrew and Shirley who both still look fabulous! And I just watched the video for Everything She Wants last night during the cocktail hour!!! 😍

[@ninahilton7623]

Such lovely, down to earth people. Can’t wait to watch the documentary ❤

[@Bad_Boy-Kraken]

Nice to see Andy more relaxed.

[@shahwiqarshahin2130]

It was a brilliant documentary. It revealed George's and Andrew's faith in their abilities to make. The way George and Andrew pushed back against Jerry Wexler's version of Careless Whisper is a lesson for us all - have faith in yourselves.

[@Hazelthehedgehog22]

george had faith for sure. wrote a whole song about having it LOL

[@chrisv.4071]

It was so nice the dear friendship they all shared for each other ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤.........

[@Milleymill]

I just watched the net flix doc., so cute to see you two. Good memory's from 1985.

[@nickywilks7928]

Great interview.......nice and relaxed, not false or pretentious, just lovely genuine people.

[@royboy2108]

Wonderful to see these great friends and artists reminiscence on their amazing journey. We'll done

[@dextermane3126]

Loved seeing Shirley and Andrew

[@michellelowry9784]

❤🎉 I loved this interview! Well done! It is so good to see close friends share memories, be so kind and supportive of one another. The documentary was fabulous and I’ve been playing the singles ever since!

[@Michelle-wp3jl]

Wham Rap was a hit to me. I was 14 & remember hearing this & Young Guns. From that day my bedroom was totally wallpapered with posters, magazine clippings & album covers. I was never easily influenced by trends but I became a true Go Go Girl. Fluoro pink socks, tube skirts & that iconic tshirt. I had every single, 12” release & every album. Still remember at 15 my dad driving me to my first big concert in Melbourne. Oh the excitement being surrounded by thousands of screaming girls in a venue so big it was quite overwhelming. What amazing years they were!!!! Was devastated when they broke up as they were my real first crush💕. Thanks for a great interview & taking me back to my youth. Those years were so incredible for so many artists & music in general. We were all so lucky to be apart of it.

[@rhymeandreasoning]

Great hearing, and seeing Andrew and Shirlie.

[@ivonnevermeer3600]

So nice to see them again, and how good they still look. Wham for me was everything at the time, and later in 1988, I went to the Faith Concert in the Netherlands, I still play the music and it allways gives me a smile on my face 🥰

[@knipsi37]

OMG this is so beautiful specifically after seeing the documentary! Bless you guys and thanks for the laugh! 😍🥰🤣❤❤

[@aquablushgirl]

God Andrew was so gorgeous. I fancied the pants off him when I was younger.

[@gemmafernandez1234]

Grazie per la condivisione!!! Che emozione vedere insieme una parte degli Wham! e sentirli parlare e ridere di come hanno fatto la storia nel mondo della musica!!! Tristissimo che il nostro George non sia tra loro....e con noi!! Mi manchi tantissimo amore mio💔❤️🎼❤️💔

[@paulinemoriarty3627]

I watched the documentary and was transported back in time, it was magical. Thankyou so much

[@ensabah11911]

That scrap book is a best seller for sure! Please compile it into a book.

[@mariannepossemiers6885]

I ❤ Wham! I was soooo in love with George and my best friend with Andrew 😊. Worked out nicely 🤪

[@traceyneighbour3566]

What utterly beautiful humans these two are ❤ as was George

[@maricara3881]

WHAM is vision, perseverance, determination, passion and joy!! - A success formula. Love them!! 🙌🥰

[@MirandaBeerens-l9j]

Andrew knew what real friendship is about. And this interview is hilarius❤

[@jamesyoukhanis5074]

Andrew is so humble as a person. What an amazing soul.

[@Dogsrule777]

The performance they gave at Top of the Pops was so amazing. They grabbed it by the balls and completely owned it. :) My wife and I loved the documentary!

[@lisalocci4801]

I love Andrew, Shirlie and Pepsi... Miss George, I really miss him. He was, is and will be the love of my life!

[@wombatlittle1]

Andrew looks so well and relaxed really hasn't aged much at all.

[@joanneadair7498]

Great interview. The M&S jumper - 😂😂😂

[@ГалинаЕселевская]

Друзья Джорджа Майкла были прекрасными ,выступали вместе несколько лет Ширли и Эндрю были очень близкими в отношениях ,доверяли друг другу многое !Они могут рассказать очень интересные истории в их дружбе !Джордж всегда был великолепным ,интересным человеком в жизни !Очень жаль ,что прожил не очень долгую жизнь ,но успел написать много прекрасной музыки и песен !Скоро было бы день рождение Джорджа 25 июня ,исполнилось бы ему 60 лет (юбилей)!Вечная память великому артисту !!!

[@ЛюбовьМельникова-ъ7ц]

И все - таки интервью без Джорджа Майкла это пустота . Но , пусть будет в память о нем .

[@givemeahappyending]

Watched the documentary moments after it dropped on Netflix, had no idea it was coming, was the best surprise. I spent practically every night of my senior year of high school using the Cool Side of the Music From the Edge of Heaven album to help me drift off to sleep. I can’t believe it’s been almost 40 years. I’ve been in this state of …melancholy, almost, longing to have just one more day as that 17 year old girl again.

[@Taki_Rad]

I can sooooo relate to your last sentence. I do too! What I would give to go back to the 80’s and relive that magical era!

[@IsabelleSt.Pierre-q2n]

What an impactful 4 years that was on the global music industry. Great memories…

[@Swat-ed5bt]

George forever ❤️

[@marlenemacfarlane6199]

Great interview with Andrew and Shirley

[@nisansalaliyanage469]

Soo nice to see this ❤❤ Miss GM badly every single day 🥲. My kids 7 and 1/2 love wham and GM 🥰. My sisters kids too.. Im so glad about it