Notizie su George Michael http://www.george-michael.it Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:57:01 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.george-michael.it/visualizza_archivio_notizie.php?id=142
September 14th, 2011

The most stylish show of the year, a real performance of excellent classy jazz music, pop bordering on soul. George Michael during the first gig of his Symphonica Tour at the Arena, in front of an audience of 11000 (tonight at 21.00 rerun; few tickets still available) proves himself to have an immense class, in addition to a crooner voice; a symphonic orchestra and his band support him for two hours and a half. If he had recorded the show last night at the Arena, he could have sent it, let's just say, to another singer named Michael, too (come on! It's easy to guess who he is; his surname is from Veneto...) to let him see how one who once was called "crooner" should be.

IRONY AND CLASS. Who would ever have guessed that George is ironic, too? Before singing Let her down easy by Terence Trent d'Arby, he explains: «It is a song where a father talks to the man with whom his daughter will lose her virginity. In Italy their conversation would be very short: the dad would tell him: "if you do it I'll kill you"». Then, before facing Going to a Town by Rufus Wainwright (we have to say that, in this case, he can't surpass the angelic voice of the original) he allows himself to crack another joke: «For many years I couldn't understand what the author meant with this song. It could deal with the war in Iraq or gay marriage. Then, in an interview, Rufus said it was concerned with both».

LATE APOLOGIES. He really makes us smile when, before singing Understand, he apologizes for the previous concert at the Arena which was cancelled for technical problems. We are talking about an episode that happened more than twenty years ago. «I make my apologies very late», George admits, «Twenty-three years ago, here, at the Arena, I had to cancel a concert. Was someone of you there at that time? [just some screams for answer, editing note]. It had been raining all day and at night the technical staff told me there was 50% of possibility that the stage could not support the heavy structures. Do you feel up to singing?, I was asked. And I didn't want to risk. My band safety and mine were involved.». It was a pity, that time (he should have sung I Want Your Sex in a hanging cage) even because for Michael «the Arena is the best auditorium in the world». Fitting perfectly his show, characterized by the elegant music of the orchestra, in addition to a huge video-wall, with video shows and amazing images.

THE TRIBUTES. George is not the only one in the show, in the sense that the English star remembers Nina Simone with two songs, Billie Holiday and Rihanna, Amy Winehouse, John Lennon and Elvis Presley (in the song John & Elvis). By means of these tributes, the Symphonica Tour is essentially his celebration, as a voice capable of giving emotions with songs by great male artists (apart from Wainwright, he remakes Roxanne by The Police and the jazz version of New Order's dance track) and with songs by real female icons (Nina Simone, Amy and Rihanna: do you know any tones which are more diverse from one other?). The only flaw: the vocal electronic filter which is used for... destroying a ballad as Where I hope You are. Too little to spoil a perfect concert.
]]> info@george-michael.it Mon, 19 Sep 2011 06:57:01 +0100 http://www.george-michael.it/visualizza_archivio_notizie.php?id=141 Six thousand people in Piazza Santa Croce for the pop-rock icon's great show. Shaved head and typical goatee, Michael excites the audience: from Through to the greatest hits of Eighties. And there is no lack of a tribute to Amy Winehouse.

Florence, September 11th 2011 – Black suit, black glasses, shaved head (and his typical goatee) for an intimate and confidential show, completely played with a thousand levels of mellowness belonging to one of the most flexible voices of pop music. With his "Symphonica Tour", George Michael converts Piazza Santa Croce in an enormous nightclub (6000 seats for a stage in open air theatre style, sold out).

Sitting on the classic stool, from an enormous stage (30 metres wide, as high as the surrounding houses), George spreads the most mellow keys of his voice for two hours and a half; he delights the audience in front of him and even the dozens of fans living in the surrounding houses which are looking out of their windows, some of them cheer him shouting "Michele! Michele!". Behind the pop star, a video wall showing soft coloured patterns underlines the charming and cosy atmosphere, and also the work of 41 orchestral players from the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, of the jazz sextet and the 4 backing vocalists which accompany him in every gig of his tour. The warm tone of George's voice fires the audience immediately, starting the concert with the anguished Through and shifting to an easier atmosphere with the sound of My Baby just cares for Me. His voice becomes a whisper when he sings Kissing a Fool and it finally shows a mood of the thirties in Cowboys and Angels.

In spite of this, Michael is not satisfied and chooses to remake, in a British style and with the class of a great singer, some famous and less famous gems performed by other great names of pop and rock music, such as Let her down easy by Terence Trent d'Arby, Roxanne by The Police (meanwhile the screen behind him shows some images of prostitutes walking the streets), New Order's True Faith, the bowian Wild is the Wind and Rihanna's Russian Roulette. Before the grand finale, there is enough time for a tribute to the young star who faded away recently, Amy Winehouse with a version of Love is a losing Game that he sings on tiptoes. The moved audience clap. And so on, to the encore, among storms of applause and standing ovations, when George, at last, gives the audience, well beyond two hours, some of the greatest hits of his former band of the Eighties, Wham!: Amazing, I'm your Man, Freedom, I remember You and everyone sings and dances rhythmically.
In Italy, after Florence, the Symphonyca Tour will continue for five more gigs: Naples, September 11th, Verona at the Arena, September 13th and 14th, and finally Milan, November 11th and 12th.

]]> info@george-michael.it Mon, 19 Sep 2011 05:08:46 +0100 http://www.george-michael.it/visualizza_archivio_notizie.php?id=140 We were seated in row 3 right dead centre and it was such a fantastic view. Then the lights went down and the music started and my hands went to my face and I gasped as I recognised the tune they were playing. It was Through, a song that holds such a special place in my heart. The venue was so intimate and George was so close…
I know I was sat there with a big grin on my face as I listened. George even commented in between songs that he was 'shitting himself' and also that he didn't know what to say so he was winging it. Then he said that the next song was one that he knew people had been longing to hear. He started to sing Cowboys & Angels. The song was nearly 7 minutes long. For me personally the concert just continued to get better and better in the sense that time and again he would sing one of my favourite tracks, both his own songs and the covers. For example I remember loving the Terence Trent Derby song 'Let Her Down Easy' even though George seemed to think it was not a well-known song. I guess that's what I get for being so old… His version of Going To A Town by Rufus Wainwright was awesome. But for me the other stand out song was It Doesn't Really Matter which has always been a favourite of mine. I remember years ago ( I think the Chris Evans interview for Unplugged) he mentioned that it was his favourite song on Older but most people passed it over and I remember shouting at the radio…well I don't, I love it. The first half ended with George belting out Brother Can You Spare A Dime. This version was slightly different to when he sang it at Net Aid and Pavarotti & Friends. During the interval we sat and chatted forgetting that we'd arranged to meet the guys at the bar. 20 minutes was soon over and the lights dimmed once more. You could see the silhouette of George seated on his stool and then it happened…the moment I had been waiting so long for…the words It's like a conversation were ringing out in the auditorium and my hands went to my face and the tears started to fall. I can't begin how to explain the feelings I had when I heard George sing my favourite ever all-time track that he has ever recorded. It wasn't long after the song was over that my phone was vibrating like crazy in my bag and I guess because I had told so many people on Twitter etc. that I was longing for him to sing this song. I was barely recovering and wiping my face when George started singing John & Elvis…another of my favourites which I'd only ever seen him mime at Parkinson. This was followed by my favourite Rhianna track Russian Roulette…I just couldn't believe all these wonderful songs I was hearing.
However, I am going to have to be truthful and say that Rhianna probably had the edge on that song, after all it was hers first. George talked about Amy Winehouse and how she was such a loss to the musical world before he sang one of her own songs in dedication to her. I managed to record the whole of 'Love Is A Losing Game' A few songs later saw us witnessing the most powerful & heartrending moment in the whole concert when George seemed to bare his soul to the audience. He said there was something he hadn't decided if he would tell us about or not in connection with the next song but that at this very moment he had decided that he would. He then went on to say that he and Kenny had not been together for 2.5 years. He mentioned Kenny's addiction to alcohol as well as his own problems with addiction. He said that his love life had been more turbulent than he had ever let on. He talked about the sadness of Kenny losing both his parents and said that he still loved Kenny. It was so emotional a speech that your heart couldn't help but go out to him. I hope he felt the love from the audience flowing back in his direction as he spoke. However, the moment was marred by some idiots (that's all you can call them) who decided to cheer and calp when he mentioned about the break up. He then went on to sing the brand new song 'Where I Hope You Are'. The lyrics that have stuck with me the most are the words 'I'm so sorry'. It was a beautiful song which plucked at your heart strings. You could have heard a pin drop in that room…everyone was enraptured by it. At some point when George was about to sing a song from SFTLC he made us smile when he said the song came from Songs From The Last Century or as he liked to call it Listen Without Purchasing. Finally George announced that he couldn't let us go without getting us on our feet for a singalong and said that the next bit was something that they had only just finished rehearsing that day so it might not go too well. He called us all to stand up and the orchestra broke into the first few bars of Amazing and suddenly the party started. He sang a medley of Amazing, I'm Your Man & Freedom 90 and the place was rocking!! Everyone was dancing and singing along. When George finished singing the place erupted with cheers and catcalls….it was a fantastic ending as George waved goodbye to us and walked off the stage. Thankfully we knew that he would be back for an encore. When he came back on he was holding a piece of paper in his hand because he wanted to say his thank yous to all those who had played on stage with him as well as the conductor of the orchestra who he thanked first. The loudest cheers were for Phil Palmer & Lea (can't right now remember his surname) as well as the 4 backing vocalists but that was because we remembered them from 25Live. The next song George sang was the amazing You & I…he did it brilliantly. I love that song so much…its no wonder the night was so special for me…so many songs that were my favourites. I had been listening to You & I nearly every night before I went to sleep so I was well able to sing along with him…I was in heaven! When it was over once again he got a standing ovation and once again he waved his goodbyes, blew kisses at us and left the stage. But atill it was not over…he came back a 3rd time and gave us a wonderful rendition of I Remember You. The night was amazing…I had been on an emotional rollercoaster. I can genuinely say that it was one of the most memorable nights in my entire life.
After the lights went up we all hung around chatting and buying merchandise. Most of us bought the hardback book of the programme. There were some great…no fantastic…pictures in it. Finally about a dozen of us headed for a local bar to have a drink and chat some more. It was great to be with friends old and new to talk about the concert. It was very late before they turfed the last of us out of the place and we headed back to our hotels and very late before I finally got some sleep.
SETLIST

Through
My Baby Just Cares For Me
Cowboys & Angels
True Faith
Let Her Down Easy (Terence Trent D'Arby)
Kissing A Fool
Going To A Town (Rufus Wainwright)
Roxanne
It Doesn't Really Matter
Brother Can You Spare A Dime


Patience
John & Elvis Are Dead
Russian Roulette (Rihanna)
Love Is A Losing Game (Amy Winehouse)
You Have Been Loved
You've Changed
Where I Hope You Are
Praying For Time
Wild Is The Wind
A Different Corner
Feeling good
You and I
Amazing
I'm Your Man
Freedom 90
I Remember You
]]> info@george-michael.it Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:58:45 +0100 http://www.george-michael.it/visualizza_archivio_notizie.php?id=139 info@george-michael.it Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:29:13 +0100 http://www.george-michael.it/visualizza_archivio_notizie.php?id=138
1. December Song
2. Jingle (A Musical Interlewd) A brand new recording from George .
3. Edith & The King Pin (Live at Abbey Road) - A brand new remixed and
remastered version of this special track recorded at Abbey Road
4. Praying For Time (Live at Abbey Road) - A newly remixed and remastered
recording of this classic track from the 'Listen without prejudice' album

December Song will be on Italian radios from November 27th.

 EXCLUSIVE!: see the lyrics

]]> info@george-michael.it Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:19:45 +0100 http://www.george-michael.it/visualizza_archivio_notizie.php?id=136 To coincide with the holiday season and by public demand, George Michael will release a brand new version of his single 'December Song' on the 14th December on Island Records, also available on download from 13th.

George Michael produced and arranged 'December Song', which was co-written with his long time collaborator David Austin. A beautiful ballad, it is the first Christmas record he has released since the iconic 1984 classic 'Last Christmas', which has now become synonymous with the holiday season and a favourite worldwide.

In 2006, George Michael returned to touring for the first time in seventeen years. During the next two years, the legendary superstar performed 80 shows in 12 European countries and 22 shows in the U.S. for a staggering 2 million fans including 350,000 people in London alone. On the 25 Live tour, Michael left both fans and critics alike in awe: 'It was a master class in pop genius.' - The Observer.

George Michael has enjoyed one of the most successful and enduring careers in the history of pop music, selling more than 100 million records globally , encompassing eleven British No. 1 singles, eight British #1 albums, and ten U.S. No. 1 singles. A singer, songwriter, performer and actor, George Michael's outstanding ability to entertain continues to capture the imagination of millions.

'December Song' will be available through 'Island Records' for download on the 13th December and physical release on 14th December 2009.
]]> info@george-michael.it Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:00:26 +0100 http://www.george-michael.it/visualizza_archivio_notizie.php?id=135 'Live In London' features tracks from George's historic career including 'Careless Whisper,' 'Freedom,' 'Faith,' 'Everything She Wants' and 'Amazing.' A special behind the scenes bonus documentary, 'I'd Know him a Mile Off,' offers a glimpse behind the magic of these sold out shows even shadowing the man himself before and after his performances on stage. 'Live in London' will be available worldwide in two formats, double disc DVD and a single Blu-Ray disc.
When George first announced his 25 Live Tour tickets were snapped up in minutes. The critically acclaimed tour saw George perform in front of over 2 million people worldwide with a 49 date 25 Live Arena Tour and a 30 date 25 Live Stadium Tour. In Summer 2008 Michael took his 25 Live Tour to arenas across North America touring North America for the first time in 20 years. In London alone, 350,000 people collectively watched him performing in Earls Court, Wembley Arena, The Roundhouse and the newly renovated Wembley Stadium, where he made musical history as the first artist to perform at the momentous venue in June 2007.
His exceptional performances in the UK, Europe and North America received unprecedented praise from both critics and fans across the globe.
"George proved he is simply one of the best vocalists this country has ever produced." The Sun
"King George still reigns supreme" Mail on Sunday
"a masterclass in pop genius" The Observer
"A tremendous singer, a complete showman. All George Michael needs is a mic, his songs, and the magic on stage is instaneous" La Parisien
"As he closed with the still stirring 'Freedom', his hands raised high, testifying like an evangelist for self determination. Then he was on his knees, giving the 'I'm not worthy' bow several times towards his fans. His crowds roared back, still dancing to the music, suggesting that maybe he was." Rolling Stone
George Michael is one of the world's most successful male artists, selling over 100 million records world wide and encompassing 11 British No.1 singles, eight British No.1 albums and six US No.1 singles. The Multi talented artist also proved to be a big hit on the small screen as he parodied himself in Christmas specials of the hit UK television shows Catherine Tate Show and Extras.
Last year George participated in the US sitcom Eli Stone, where each episode was titled after a George Michael song and George made several appearances throughout the series.
DISC ONE
1. Waiting (Reprise)
2. Fastlove
3. I'm Your Man
4. Flawless (Go To The City)
5. Father Figure
6. You Have Been Loved
7. An Easier Affair
8. Everything She Wants
9. One More Try
10. Different Corner
11. Too Funky
12. Shoot The Dog
13. John and Elvis Are Dead
14. Faith
15. Spinning The Wheel
16. Feeling Good
17. Roxanne
18. My Mother Had a Brother
19. Amazing
20. Fantasy
21. Outside
22. Careless Whisper
23. Freedom '90
DISC TWO (BONUS TRACKS)
"I'd Know Him a Mile Off!" Documentary
Produced by Lisa Johnson, Filmed and directed by David Austin. Made by G K Panayioutou
1. Precious Box
2. Jesus To A Child
3. First Time Ever


]]> info@george-michael.it Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:02:29 +0100 http://www.george-michael.it/visualizza_archivio_notizie.php?id=134 December, 25th and 26th, has reached no. 9 in the chart of the most played songs by UK radios and is expected to gain more positions. Below is the lyrics

DECEMBER SONG (I Dreamed Of Christmas)

Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
May your every New Year dream come true

Sweet December song
The melody that saved me
On those less than silent nights
When snow would fall upon my bed
White sugar from Jesus
And take me to the day
She could always smile
The Virgin Child would always show, you see
Just to save me
(Just to save me)

There was always Christmas time
To wipe the year away
I guessed that Mum and Dad decided
That the war would have to wait

There was always Christmas time
Jesus came to stay
I could believe in peace on Earth
And I could watch TV all day
So I dreamed of Christmas

Maybe since you've gone
I went a little crazy
God knows they can see (the child)
But the snow that falls upon my bed
That loving I needed
Falls every single day
For each and every child
The Virgin smiles for all to see
But you kept her from me

There was always Christmas time
To wipe the year away
I guessed that Mum and Dad decided
That the war would have to wait

There was always Christmas time
Jesus came to stay
I could believe in peace on Earth
And I could watch TV all day
And so I dreamed of Christmas
Yes, I dreamed like you

Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
May your every New Year dream come true ]]> info@george-michael.it Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:16:40 +0100 http://www.george-michael.it/visualizza_archivio_notizie.php?id=133 themselves through music rather than fighting.
Baby gang crime is a growing in London and locals would like to try to get local children to focus on the challenges they face and express it in creative
songwriting instead of violence and asked George to use his contacts in organising a songwriting competition in schools."

]]> info@george-michael.it Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:45:38 +0100 http://www.george-michael.it/visualizza_archivio_notizie.php?id=132
The track, which will receive its first radio play on Monday, will be available from his website and other digital stores on Christmas Day.

It is Michael's first festive single since Wham's Last Christmas in 1984.

The song was originally promised to fans on the last night of the star's UK concerts in August.

At the time, he said it would be released in conjunction with a cover version of Feeling Good, made famous by Nina Simone.

However, there were no details of that track - recorded for US TV show Eli Stone, in which the singer has a recurring cameo role - in a statement announcing
the Christmas Day download.


]]> info@george-michael.it Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:27:55 +0100 http://www.george-michael.it/visualizza_archivio_notizie.php?id=131 info@george-michael.it Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:59:24 +0100 http://www.george-michael.it/visualizza_archivio_notizie.php?id=130 George Michael is no 40

1 The Beatles
2 Madonna
3 Elton John
4 Elvis Presley
5 Stevie Wonder
6 Mariah Carey
7 Janet Jackson
8 Michael Jackson
9 Whitney Houston
10 The Rolling Stones
11 Paul McCartney/Wings
12 Bee Gees
13 Chicago
14 The Supremes
15 Daryl Hall & John Oates
16 Prince
17 Rod Stewart
18 Olivia Newton-John
19 Aretha Franklin
20 Marvin Gaye
21 Usher
22 Phil Collins
23 Billy Joel
24 Donna Summer
25 Diana Ross
26 Frankie Valli & The 4 Seasons
27 The Temptations
28 The Beach Boys
29 Lionel Richie
30 Neil Diamond 31 Carpenters
32 Boyz II Men
33 The Jackson 5/The Jacksons
34 Connie Francis
35 Brenda Lee
36 Barbra Streisand
37 Kenny Rogers
38 Bryan Adams
39 Cher

40 George Michael

41 Bobby Vinton
42 John Mellencamp
43 Three Dog Night
44 Huey Lewis & The News
45 Gloria Estefan/Miami Sound Machine
46 Bon Jovi 47 Ray Charles
48 Chubby Checker
49 Foreigner 50 Kool & The Gang
51 Ricky Nelson
52 Duran Duran
53 Commodores
54 Eagles
55 Paul Anka
56 TLC
57 Barry Manilow
58 Dionne Warwick
59 Gladys Knight & The Pips
60 Heart
61 The Everly Brothers
62 R. Kelly
63 Bobby Darin
64 James Brown
65 Paula Abdul
66 Richard Marx
67 Jefferson Airplane/Jefferson Starship/Starship
68 Destiny's Child
69 Linda Ronstadt
70 Celine Dion
71 Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
72 Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
73 Fleetwood Mac
74 Bruce Springsteen
75 The Pointer Sisters
76 John Denver
77 Four Tops
78 Tony Orlando & Dawn
79 The 5th Dimension
80 Alicia Keys
81 Captain & Tennille
82 Andy Gibb
83 Air Supply
84 Nelly
85 Roy Orbison
86 The Spinners
87 Queen
88 50 Cent
89 Dion
90 Aerosmith
91 Billy Ocean
92 Tommy James
93 Earth, Wind & Fire
94 Brook Benton
95 Michael Bolton
96 Styx
97 Toni Braxton
98 Neil Sedaka
99 Herman's Hermits
100 Simon & Garfunkel
]]> info@george-michael.it Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:45:30 +0100 http://www.george-michael.it/visualizza_archivio_notizie.php?id=129 info@george-michael.it Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:34:57 +0100 http://www.george-michael.it/visualizza_archivio_notizie.php?id=128
The concert of August 24th was the 1st of the 2 UK concert that will set the end of the marvellous 25 live tour. The final night will take place on August 30th in Copenhaghen. The 25 Live Tour started in September 2006 and was supposed to last only 3 months.]]> info@george-michael.it Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:26:45 +0100 http://www.george-michael.it/visualizza_archivio_notizie.php?id=127 info@george-michael.it Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:56:40 +0100