George Michael’s backing singers are thrilled to be performing his songs throughout the UK to maintain his spirit alive.
The George Michael Singers can not wait to exit on their UK tour this 12 months
Shirley Lewis, whose voice might be heard on ‘Freedom’ and ‘Father Determine’, has labored with an array of musical greats through the years – together with Sir Elton John and Stevie Marvel – however it’s her 30-year collaboration with the late icon that stands because the defining spotlight of her profession.
She stated forward of the seven-day ‘The George Michael Singers’ UK tour: “We’re excited to have the ability to carry out George’s lovely songs once more, and though our hearts will endlessly miss him, working collectively once more positively retains George with us.”
Becoming a member of Shirley is Jo Garland, whose vocals had been adored by the Wham! frontman.
Resulting from this, George – who died from a fatty liver on Christmas Day in 2016 aged 53 – obtained Jo to put her vocals on his ‘Older’, ‘Women and Gents’ and ‘Endurance’ albums.
Jo – who additionally appeared within the ‘Fastlove’ music video – stated: “While Shirley and I had been touring final 12 months we began reminiscing about George, and realised in a short time simply what number of unbelievable reminiscences we had and from that, a present was born.”
Acclaimed worldwide session vocalist and ‘The Voice UK’ vocal coach Jay Henry carried out ‘Freedom 90’ alongside the hitmaker on the August Closing Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Video games.
Nevertheless, performing on the Olympic Stadium – now known as the London Stadium – in Stratford, was simply one in all many collaborations with George as Jay labored intently with him within the recording studio and on quite a few world excursions.
Visualising George within the viewers when he performs on stage – starting on the Cliffs Pavilion in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex on Thursday, March 27, he stated: “I’m simply going to think about George sitting Within the viewers wanting up at us proudly with a smile and saying, ‘Thanks, you guys. This simply what I’d have wished.'”
In addition to the trio, a few of George’s authentic band members and his musical director Steve Sidwell with visitor vocalists will come collectively for this distinctive present – which follows from a sold-out present at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire in December 2024.
Renditions of a few of George’s largest hits, from Wham! to ‘Religion’ by means of to ‘Symphonica’ will probably be carried out, in addition to Shirley, Jo and Jay sharing their untold tales about working with their late expensive pal.
George Michael’s Property stated: “The George Michael Property wish to want ‘The George Michael Singers’ each success for his or her upcoming present.
“Flip up the amount, preserve the music alive, and better of luck.”
‘The George Michael Singers’ 2025 tour dates:
March
Thursday, March 27, Westcliff/Southend – Cliffs Pavilion
April
Thursday, April 3, Fareham – Reside
Saturday, April 5, Salford – The Lowry
Tuesday, April 8, Cardiff – New Theatre
Friday, April 11, Swindon – Wyvern Theatre
Friday, April 25, Birmingham – Alexandra Theatre
Wednesday, April 30, Guildford – G Reside