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  • Wham!, George Michael and Me

  • A Memoir
  • Written by: Andrew Ridgeley
  • Narrated by: Andrew Ridgeley
  • Length: 5 hrs and 58 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (28 ratings)

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Wham!, George Michael and Me

Written by: Andrew Ridgeley
Narrated by: Andrew Ridgeley
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Publisher's Summary

For the first time, Andrew Ridgeley - one-half of one of the most famous bands in the world - tells the inside story of Wham!, his lifelong friendship with George Michael, and the formation of a band that changed the shape of the music scene in the early '80s.

In 1975 Andrew took a shy new boy at school under his wing. They instantly hit it off, and their boyhood escapades at Bushy Meads School built a bond that was never broken. The duo found themselves riding an astonishing roller coaster of success, taking them all over the world. They made and broke iconic records, they were treated like gods, but they stayed true to their friendship and ultimately to themselves. It was a party that seemed as if it would never end. And then it did, in front of tens of thousands of tearful fans at Wembley Stadium in 1986.

Andrew’s memoir covers in wonderful detail those years, up until that last iconic concert: the scrapes, the laughs, the relationships, the good, and the bad. It’s a unique and one-and-only time to remember that era, that band, and those boys.

©2019 Andrew Ridgeley (P)2019 Penguin Audio
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What the critics say

“One half of one of the world’s most famous bands tells his (fascinating) side of the story, offering readers intimate access into how his friendship with George Michael developed, and taking them behind the scenes of Wham’s beginnings, heights, and lows.” (Entertainment Weekly)

“A tender, admiring tribute to [George] Michael, whom Ridgeley repeatedly calls his best friend.” (The Washington Post)

“A memoir of a friendship as much as it is a look back on pop stardom, Ridgeley's first book is an enjoyable callback to a different, yet thanks to its preservation on videotape still instantly memorable, musical era.... While the book is focused on Michael, it isn't an explosive tell-all - but that makes it a more enjoyable read. Ridgeley's motivations for writing the book seem as rooted in telling his side of the Wham! story as they are in reminding readers of Michael's songwriting genius, often overlooked by pop-averse critics and taken for granted by listeners who gorged on the hooky riches of the '80s. Written in sepia hues that allow Wham!'s floodlight-illuminated musical triumphs to glow even more brightly, it's a loving tribute to a friend and a more innocent pop era.” (NPR)

What listeners say about Wham!, George Michael and Me

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  • Overall
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Surprised!

Interesting listen. Left with the impression that we should all have such a steadfast friend.

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Excellent!!

As a huge fan of Wham! from back then, it's wonderful to hear the behind the scenes stories of these guys. I loved them as a teen and young adult, their music is timeless in my humble opinion. I remember hearing about their break-up and was so sad and angry at the time. But this memoir brings such clarity and I get it now. Thanks Andrew, it's been such a pleasure listening to your book. Much love from Canada!

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Attention: Eighties Music Lovers!

I really enjoyed this book! I always loved Wham and George Michael but it was especially eye opening to realize the immense talent of these two guys. Thanks for a well written story.

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Excellent Recount of Wham! Life

I purchased this audio book as I have been and still am a fan of Wham! and George Michael's music. To be able to listen to Andrew Ridgely recount his story of Wham! was too good to pass up and I must say it was well worth listening too.

I always got the sense that Andrew Ridgely was someone who is a very giving person and understood his place in the band and that as George Michael exploded on to the Pop scene in his own right, rather than be bitter and petty at being left behind he would be supportive of his friend and graciously continue their friendship in the wings and that is what you get from this audiobook.

If you are a fan of Wham! and George Michael I definitely recommend picking this one up. Excellently read and an entertaining story to listen to. Great job Andrew!

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Excellent!

Took me back to great times! I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it!♥️

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Enjoyed by both I and my 9 year-old daughter...

I was a huge fan of WHAM as a little girl... Loved, loved, LOVED George Michael and actually had a little shrine set up on my nightstand that house the Make It Big album, buttons and any other WHAM paraphernalia I could afford at that young of an age. My daughter fell in love with Last Christmas when she was 6, and I was thrilled when I saw Wake Me Up Before you Go Go on her Spotify favourites list. It was clear that we had to listen to the book. Andrew Ridgeley’s voice and elegance in his story-telling had us coming back over and over, most often listening in the kitchen during our dinner-making time. We would quite often pause the book in order to jump online and find the songs Andrew spoke of during the timeline of releases.

It has been a true gem in the time of COVID slow down - showing the courage it takes to stay focused and passionate, having fun along the way, and knowing when to let go with grace. Thank you Andrew Ridgeley for this. Very well done!
P.S. We both agree that your voice is dreamy!

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excellent story telling

Loved hearing the story of Wham and the amazing friendship between Andrew and George! So many things I didn't know or realize at the time. thank you for sharing your story. ❤️

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SHOCKING!!!

As a fan I learned so much, from this well written time that WHAM was in existence.

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Perfect stroll down memory lane

Well written and well told. Enjoyed listening immensely and devoured it.
Fans of Wham! And anyone who enjoys memoir and tales of friendship will love this book.

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