Wham!, comprised of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley who are known for their boisterous charm within 1980s pop, released ‘Last Christmas’ December 3, 1984. The single, written by Michael, portrays the vicissitude of love and loss, especially during the re-encounter of an ex-significant other during the festive season. The band cleverly juxtapose the track’s heart-wrenching and sorrowful lyrics with sleigh bells and a synth, which maintains the melody, to blur both melancholy and festivities into a realistic perspective of Christmas.

In an interview with This Morning, Pepsi and Shirlie delved into ‘Last Christmas’. They recollected on their time shooting its iconic music video in the Swiss ski resort Saas-Fee, to which Pepsi recalled there was “no acting involved in that moment”, during the many scenes that saw the group drinking wine around a table and having snowball fights near the mountains – the group portrayed an infectious camaraderie during their celebration of Christmas, which has meant according to Shirlie: “the song hasn’t dated and the video hasn’t dated”.

The group recently went back to Saas-Fee for the anniversary, where they saw the unveiling of the local community’s statue of Wham! in commemoration of the music video. As Shirlie claims that when “working with George Michael, it’s going to be a success whatever he did”. Despite this, ‘Last Christmas’ fell short of the Christmas Number 1 in 1984, due to Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’, which Michael happens to feature on. The pair revealed all royalties made from ‘Last Christmas’ are still donated to Band Aid, forty years on, a promise made by Michael himself.

The track continues to be labelled as a  ‘favourite’ and ‘traditional’ Christmas song as it fights for the Christmas top spot year after year. However, this accomplishment was 39 years in the making, as the single was finally claimed Christmas Number 1 last year for the first time.

The ‘Heartache’ pop duo share a fondness when discussing their memories of Michael, who would have passed away eight years ago this Christmas Day. Shirlie thoughtfully recalls Michael’s love for Christmas, given his ability to slip away into the crowds and enjoy the festivities around him, due to Christmas being “bigger than him”. The pair revealed to This Morning hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley that the group of friends would go carol singing around London, along with Michael’s annual tradition to host extravagant Christmas parties in his home and decorate his entire street for the occasion.

The 40^th Anniversary of ‘Last Christmas’ along with Pepsi and Shirlie’s remarks on the single’s legacy welcome the release of BBC 2’s newest documentary: ‘Wham! Last Christmas Unwrapped’, to be aired on December 14 at 8:35pm GMT, which sees the creatives behind the iconic single delve into its creation, the memories it ignites 40 years on and its continued cultural legacy. The sentiment of the documentary is clear – Christmas is George Michael’s time of year, “so now we just have to enjoy it in his behalf”.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/pepsi-shirlie-reminisce-on-whams-last-christmas-following-its-40th-anniversary/feed/ 0 https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/george-michaels-careless-whisper-reaches-number-one-on-the-physical-singles-chart/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/george-michaels-careless-whisper-reaches-number-one-on-the-physical-singles-chart/#comments Sat, 16 Nov 2024 13:13:27 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=102935 George Michael’s first solo single, ‘Careless Whisper’ has posthumously claimed the Number One spot on the Physical Singles Chart more than 40 years after its release. The track, which established Michael as a solo artist, recently had its own EP released in October to commemorate its 40^th Anniversary, featuring an extended edition, a live rendition from Madison Square Garden and an instrumental alongside the original.

Michael gained worldwide acclaim through being a member of English pop duo, Wham! alongside Andrew Ridgeley from 1981 to 1986. The pair had many notable tracks throughout the 1980s, including: ‘Club Tropicana’, ‘Everything She Wants’ and ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ – an impressive discography which sold more than 30 million certified records worldwide.

‘Careless Whisper’ was written in 1981 by Michael at 17-years-old. The track juxtaposed Wham’s pre-existing hits, they were usually energetic with infectious dance-driven beats and playful lyrics, whereas ‘Careless Whisper’ conveyed a sombreness and sincerity, expressing a profound maturity from the singer-songwriter. Michael’s vocals were smooth and soulful alongside the captivating saxophone instrumental, which soon iconically characterised the track.

In Michael’s 1991 memoir, ‘Blare’, the pop icon reminisced on the construction of ‘Careless Whisper’: “I was on my way to DJ at the Bel Air when I wrote ‘Careless Whisper’. I have always written on buses, trains and in cars. It always happens on journeys… With ‘Careless Whisper’ I remember exactly where it first came to me, where I came up with the sax line… I can remember very vaguely where I was when I wrote things after Wham! got off the ground, but with ‘Careless Whisper’ I remember exactly the time and place”.

Michael had released many hits throughout his solo career, including ‘Faith’, ‘Freedom ‘90’, ‘Father Figure’ and Fastlove, Pt. 1’, however, ‘Careless Whisper’ would always remain his biggest hit after it released on July 24, 1984. It sold over 6 million copies and reached Number 1 in 25 countries. It made Michael a breakthrough artist when he was awarded an Ivor Novello in 1985 for the track as ‘Songwriter of the Year’, becoming the youngest recipient at 21-years-old.

The re-release of the single in October saw the track climb to the Number 1 spot on the Physical Singles Chart on October 31 and again this week on November 14.

Upon the anniversary re-release of ‘Careless Whisper’, the track’s guitarist Hugh Burns fondly discussed with the Independent his work with Wham! and Michael. He stated: “The thing about George that was exceptional – and I’ve worked with a lot of wonderful singers – is that he had all his ideas in his head… Very often he would sing it to you, to give you an idea. He was very strict on detail, and he had a remarkable talent for getting the feel just right”. Burns had recorded on the track ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ and performed alongside Michael during his performance of ‘Jesus to a Child’ at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 1994.

Despite his devastating passing over seven years ago, Michael remains a prominent musician in the industry, continuing to posthumously top the charts. Not only with ‘Careless Whisper’ but during every festive period, Wham’s iconic Christmas single, ‘Last Christmas’ tops the charts. 39 years after its release, it was crowned a UK Number 1 single on December 22, 2023, for the first time.

]]> https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/george-michaels-careless-whisper-reaches-number-one-on-the-physical-singles-chart/feed/ 0 https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/last-christmas-by-wham-is-this-years-christmas-number-one/ https://www.mxdwn.co.uk/news/last-christmas-by-wham-is-this-years-christmas-number-one/#comments Sun, 24 Dec 2023 09:19:21 +0000 http://www.mxdwn.co.uk/?p=98422 This year, Wham!’s “Last Christmas” has claimed the title of Christmas number one, a remarkable achievement considering it was first released 39 years ago. In a highly competitive race, this festive classic surpassed Sam Ryder to secure the top spot. Mariah Carey secured third place, while Noah Kahn’s “Stick Season” came in fourth. Originally released in 1984, “Last Christmas” was initially held back from the top spot by Band Aid’s charity single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” However, this week, UK fans streamed “Last Christmas” a staggering 13.3 million times, making it the most-played song ever during Christmas week.

Interestingly, this is the first time that George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s song has reached number one during Christmas week. Ridgeley expressed his delight and humility at achieving this milestone, stating,“It’s marvellous and humbling to have got there. Top of the pile is a great place to be.” He added that Michael, who died in 2016, had always wanted the song to be a Christmas number one.”He felt any great songwriter should be able to write a Christmas hit to order. Unfortunately, it’s taken too long for George – but he’d be absolutely over the moon.”

The Top Five Christmas Songs

1. Wham! – “Last Christmas”
2. Sam Ryder – “You’re Christmas To Me”
3. Mariah Carey – “All I Want For Christmas Is You”
4. Noah Kahan – “Stick Season”
5. Ed Sheeran and Elton John – “Merry Christmas”

For the past five years, the charity campaigners LadBaby have secured the coveted Christmas number one spot with their singles aimed at raising funds for food-related causes. However, this year they decided not to participate, leaving the title up for grabs. Out of the top 40 songs this week, a total of 33 were Christmas-themed, including popular tracks like Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me” and Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.”

“Last Christmas” was written by George Michael in his childhood bedroom in February 1984. In an interview with Smash Hits in 1986, he confidently stated, “As far as I was concerned, it was a number one.” The inspiration for the song struck unexpectedly while the singer was spending time at his parents’ house in Hertfordshire. According to Andrew Ridgeley, Michael’s bandmate, “There was a footy match on the telly and he suddenly jumped up and disappeared upstairs where he had a little four-track studio. About an hour later, he came back and said, ‘Andy Andy, you’ve got to listen to this’. I rarely saw him as excited or as animated as that. And as soon as I heard it, it was so apparent that it had all the hallmarks of a Christmas classic. It was a jaw-dropping moment.”

@smoothradio The story of Last Christmas, told by Wham!’s Andrew Ridgeley #lastchristmas #lastchristmaschallenge #georgemichael #andrewridgeley #smoothradio Last Christmas –

The song was then recorded in August at London’s Advision Studios, which Michael adorned with Christmas decorations to create the right atmosphere. When the duo played the song for their families, Ridgeley recalled, “It claimed its first victim. One of my mother’s friends had a romance at Christmas, which is what the song is about. She got jilted and when she heard it, she burst into tears.”

The iconic and cheerful music video, featuring Wham!’s backing singers Pepsi & Shirlie and model Kathy Hill, was filmed later that year in Switzerland. In addition to the memorable chunky knitwear and the prominent silver brooch, the video also marked the final time Michael would be seen without his trademark designer stubble.

Sam Ryder emerged as a strong competitor to Wham! this year with his track “You’re Christmas To Me.” this track received a boost in the charts thanks to support from Amazon. Despite an extensive publicity campaign, Ryder couldn’t surpass Wham!’s dominance but remained enthusiastic about his achievement. The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl also made a bid for the number one spot with “Fairytale of New York,” landing in sixth place.

The two artists are set to be joined by five other American acts, including country icon Willie Nelson, rap metal band Rage Against the Machine, rapper Missy Elliott, singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow and rhythm and blues vocal group the Spinners.

Bush has been nominated three times in the past five years (2018, 2021, 2022) but 2023 is the year she finally claims her prestigious place among music’s greats. Having released 25 UK Top 40 singles, including her first, “Wuthering Heights“, released in 1978 when only 19 years old, which reached number one in the UK and stayed there for four weeks, Bush is a late 70s and 80s music icon.

Watch the music video for “Wuthering Heights” below:

She recently came back to the limelight following the resurgent success of hit single “Running Up That Hill“, reaching UK number one a full 38 years since it was first released. The resurgence came after the song featured in the extremely popular Netflix drama Stranger Things. If Bush was to travel to New York to accept her induction and perform, as is customary, it would be her first public appearance since 2014, and as such would greatly excite her many fans.

Michael received his induction by way of a fan vote, receiving 1.04 million votes, just ahead of fellow nominee and singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper. Michael is one the best-selling musicians of all time, achieving widespread success both in the UK and the US, releasing seven UK number one singles and eight US number ones. His induction also coincides with the 40th anniversary of Wham!’s debut album, Anniversary. 

Watch the music video for “Careless Whisper” below:

Artists who were nominated this year but din’t make the cut include English post-punk band Joy Division (subsequently New Order) and English heavy metal group Iron Maiden. Cyndi Lauper, as previosly mentioned, also didn’t make it, along with American rock band Soundgarden, brother and sister rock duo the White Stripes, singer-songwriter Warren Zevon and legendary New York hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest.

Other winners include DJ Kool Herc and guitarist Link Wray, both receiving the Musical Influence Award, while the Music Excellence Award will be awarded to singer Chaka Khan and songwriters Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin, and television presenter Don Cornelius is set to win the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony will be held at the Barclays Center in New York in November.

Celebrate #Pride with your favorite George Michael songs reimagined by @palewaves, @yearsandyears, @MNEK, @theebillyporter, and more.

Listen now to all the covers in #SpatialAudio with @Dolby Atmos. https://t.co/15lheVMHIu pic.twitter.com/DnFoPe45Zp

— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) June 28, 2022

Opening the playlist is “Faith” covered by English indie outfit Pale Waves, the 1987 smash hit is widely regarded as the start of Michael’s long and storied solo career. Next up is “Outside” covered by Olly Alexander’s solo project Years & Years. Originally released in 2006 the track was accompanied by an infamous music video which cemented Michael as a cultural hero. Alexander has spoken on the importance of Michael and the power of his enduring legacy, “One of the things I love most about George Michael was his ability to own his narrative. He was a huge, huge star. I’m sure he struggled with some of the attention and issues that come with worldwide fame, and he still remained so iconic, so true to who he was.”

The singer continued to discuss the impact of the music video for “Outside”, “He still had fun with it. He was always trying new things and taking risks and unashamedly himself. And I take so much inspiration from that … He got arrested in 1998—I think the terminology is ‘soliciting a police officer in a public toilet’—then goes and writes a song about it. And it’s such a banger. Wow! I just think it’s so incredible for him to just own that narrative and really go, ‘Yeah, I like to have sex outside.’ And it’s such a bop.”

 

 

 

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The next hit to receive a makeover is the 1996 track “Fastlove”, included within the playlist is a cover by Grammy-nominated singer and producer MNEK. The fourth song within George Michael Covered is” Praying For Time” covered by English singer-songwriter Self Esteem, the track was originally released in 1990 and was taken from the seminal album Listen Without Prejudice Vol 1.  Apple Music’s playlist also features celebrated figure Billy Porter, the multi-talented American artist can be heard within his cover of “Monkey”. Originally released in 1988, the track was featured on the iconic album Faith and was the sixth single to be released from the album.

Faith was Michael’s debut solo album and is now a landmark release within popular music, Apple’s playlist also contains the album’s final single “Kissing A Fool”. Originally released in 1987, Apple’s curated collection features a cover by Brooklyn-based artist serpentwithfeet. Michael’s anthem and cherished love song “Careless Whisper” is also included within the playlist and has been covered by 26-year-old singer Tiana Major9. Britain’s Got Talent contender Calum Scott provides a cover of “One More Try”, the third track from Faith to be included within the playlist. The specially created compilation concludes with “Amazing” covered by Jake Shears, best known as the lead singer of pop-rock group Scissor Sisters.

For Pride, Apple Music are honouring an icon. Hear my cover of George Michael’s #Amazing now on their #GeorgeMichaelCovered playlist here: https://t.co/otq0XZHBiH pic.twitter.com/krRkFVk1z7

— Jake Shears (@Jakeshears) June 28, 2022

In celebration of the playlist’s release, Apple Music teamed up with Gay Times to host a special party. The event took place on Wednesday 29th June 2022 and was held on the rooftop of London’s The Standard hotel. Those in attendance included guests such as Ella Vaday and Kitty Scott-Claus, stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race and English electro pop artist Girli. The event also included DJ sets from ABSOLUTE and Nimmo and performances by LGBTQIA+ dance troupe Sue Veneers Club.

Along with the specially curated playlist, fans have also been treated to the inclusion of Michael’s back catalogue in Spatial Audio. This is the first time that the singer’s music has been made available in the cutting edge 3d audio technology and is accessible to stream now via Apple Music.

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A post shared by George Michael (@georgemofficial)

A press release for the film provides the following description, “The film features George’s incredible, unseen archival and private home footage, giving viewers a first-person account of this dramatic period in his life, revealing how he became one of the most influential recording artists of all time, who alone fought a corner for all artists by challenging the standard recording contract helping to rewrite the rules of the music industry. He talks about why he stepped out of the lime light and turned his back on celebrity. ”

The film focuses on a difficult but poignant time in Michael’s life and career and charts the period after the release of his debut album Faith. The documentary pays special attention to the making and release of the singer’s 1990 album Listen Without Prejudice Vol 1, the infamous court battle with his record label which followed the release is also fully documented.

The singer’s personal life is fundamentally an important element in the film, George Michael Freedom Uncut shows the painful journey the singer endured following the passing of his first love Anselmo Feleppa. The two met at the Rock in Rio concert and became a couple in 1992, Feleppa tragically lost his life in 1993 due to an AIDS-related brain haemorrhage. The film shows the singer’s bravery in the face of tragedy when he must endure sadness again with the passing of his mother.

The main theme seen throughout the documentary is Michael’s meteoric rise to the important cultural figure he became. Featured within the documentary is the artist’s most beloved music video and single “Freedom! 90”, all supermodels which were famously featured in the video appear in the documentary to discuss the production’s making. Released in 1990, the video became a worldwide hit and marked the birth of a new generation within culture and the music industry. The video was directed by Oscar Nominated and Grammy award-winning David Fincher, the director best known for his work with pop music’s most successful artists.

The film’s co-director and producer David Austin has given a statement concerning the release, “The film is George’s final work. Narrated by George himself, it is the complete story. George Michael was an inspiring artist whose story deserves to be shared on the big screen globally.” Sony Music Entertainment’s President of Premium Content Tom Mackay has also supplied a statement “In honor of George’s birthday this June, we are thrilled to be working with David Austin and our partners at Trafalgar Releasing to bring fans unprecedented access to his extraordinary life both on and off stage.”

Along with exclusive and never before seen footage, the documentary will also feature interviews with some of Michael’s most beloved duet partners and musical friends including Sir Elton John, Stevie Wonder, comedian Ricky Gervais, Tracey Emin, Mary J. Blige, Tony Bennett and Nile Rodgers.

Tickets go on sale from Wednesday 27th April 2022, more information concerning ticket sales can be found here.

I’m so excited our memoir is out today!@Waterstones @WHSmith pic.twitter.com/w58RuOB6GZ

— Pepsi DemacqueC (@PepsiDemacqueC) September 30, 2021

The duo is known for being the backing singers in the band Wham, with the late singer and songwriter George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley (backing vocalist, guitarist, songwriter and producer) in the 1980’s. Kemp also dated Ridgeley for a few years in the 80s and DeMacque-Crockett joined the band following the departure of DC Lee (Singer). It was then that DeMacque-Crockett and Kemp formed their special friendship. DeMacque-Crockett and Kemp attended a book signing yesterday September 30th in Leeds to mark the release of their new book.

Looking forward to our @waterstones book signing in Leeds tonight with @PepsiDemacqueC for our new book It’s All In Black & White pic.twitter.com/fofoj2ZYDN — Shirlie Kemp (@Shirliekemp) September 30, 2021

Kemp explains that the book title refers to the duo putting their words into ink for their book and DeMacque-Crockett explained that the book title also refers to Kemp viewing everything in black and white. The book starts off with the duo detailing their special bond and how their friendship began in 1982 on a windy day outside Finsbury Park tube station. The duo in reference to the evolution of their book stated “We have been inspired now to put our memories on the page after many years of requests, reminiscing of our time in the spotlight, on and off the stage” 

In an interview, Kemp said of her time in the band “It was a very innocent time of experiencing fame. “I just felt so lucky to be touring England and then the world. It was like a free holiday constantly” DeMacque-Crockett stated that she feels that the late George Michael has been sending the duo messages of support for their book release and said in the same interview “I’m quite emotional actually. I’ve been walking into the hotel foyer and every time one of George’s songs comes on. I think he’s got his fairy dust on our book, wishing us well”

The duo both agreed that being part of the band was hard work and were supported by Ridgeley when they paid their public respect and tributes to Michael following his sad passing in December 2016. The duo formed their group Pepsi and Shirlie when Wham disbanded in 1986 and released 5 singles as well as the memorable debut single“Heartache” (1987) which debuted at number 2 in the UK Official Singles Charts. (1987). The single was kept off the number 1 spot by Michael and Aretha Franklin’s single “I knew You Were Waiting”  (1986) The single Goodbye Stranger” (1987) quickly followed reaching number 9 in the UK Official Singles Charts.

The duo disbanded to pursue family life and seek alternate careers and teamed up again for their 10th Anniversary Here and Now Tour in 2011. Kemp married Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet in 1988. Their daughter Harley Moon Kemp was born in 1989 and her son Roman Kemp (Radio Host and TV Personality) was born in 1993. In 2019 Kemp released an album In The Swing of It with her husband and they also wrote their book It’s A Love Story in 2020. Kemp also worked for Michael’s record label Aegean in 1997 and recently appeared in her son’s documentary Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency.

DeMacque-Crockett went on to work as a film and TV actor and portrayed Josephine Baker on-screen and completed a stint in the production of Hair at the Old Vic Theatre. DeMacque-Crockett moved to St Lucia with her husband where they operate a charter sailing business and is currently in England promoting the duo’s new book.

Ajda Vucicevic (Wellbeck Editorial Director) who worked with the duo on their book said “I’ve long admired Pepsi and Shirlie, so it is a dream come true to work with them on their book. “They have the most extraordinary connection as friends that we can all learn from” Pepsi and Shirlie’s book has been described as “A story of love, heartbreak, determination, and above all the unbreakable bond of friendship”

Pepsi and Shirlie’s book ‘It’s All In Black & White: Wham! Life and Friendship’ is now available to order online and in all participating stores.

I’m so excited to finally be able to tell you that I have a new single with @DUALIPA, ‘Cold Heart (@pnau Remix)’, coming out this Friday – I can’t wait for you all to hear it!

Pre-save link in bio #coldheart pic.twitter.com/kZjNreWzcM

— Elton John (@eltonofficial) August 11, 2021

The single is a remix of John’s 1991 hit single “Cold Heart” and is set for release on August 13th. The teaser for the single features John’s songs “Sacrifice” (1989) and “Rocketman” (1979). The dance trio Pnau remixed the single and have previously remixed John’s music. The band’s collaboration album “Good Morning To The Night” with John in July 2012 reached number one on the Official Albums Chart giving John his first UK number one album in 22 years.

John’s musical career began in 1969 and he has secured chart success with memorable songs such as “I’m Still Standing” and “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” both released in 1983. John’s single “Candle In The Wind” rewritten for the late Princess Diana in 1987 has been credited as being the best selling single of all time.

John has collaborated with various artists during his musical career and famously collaborated with the late George Michael on the memorable single “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” and played the piano on Wham’s single “Edge Of Heaven”.

John has collaborated with over 175 artists to date and won Oscars for his Lion King single “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and the single for his film Rocketman entitled “Love Me Again”.

Lipa started her musical career in August 2015 with the release of her debut single “New Love”. Lipa released her self entitled album in 2017, the album spawned the release of eight singles and the UK Offical Singles Charts number-one single “New Rules” Lipa has continued to enjoy success and is the winner of five Brit Awards. The collaboration follows John’s performance at Lipa’s Studio 2051 Livestream and Lipa’s performance at John’s AIDS Foundation Oscar party. 

Lipa tweeted

COLD HEART WITH @eltonofficial – I’m so excited!!! (@pnau remix) OUT THIS FRIDAY!!!!!!!! Pre-save now https://t.co/RKlQ8aBbjt pic.twitter.com/BrfYUl6rPF

— DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) August 11, 2021

John and Lipa have not yet confirmed if the single is a one-off project or will be part of further collaborative work.

Michael, known for his solo work as well as his tenure in Wham!, passed away on Christmas Day 2016 at the age of 53. He dies of natural causes at his home in Goring-on-Thames.

Michael was a keen art collector while he was alive. He was especially interested in the Young British Arts (YBA) movement, a loose collection of British visual artists that rose to prominence in the late 80’s and 90’s. Following his death, Michael’s collection is being sold to raise money for charities he supported.

Two of the collection’s main pieces, ‘The Incomplete Truth’ and ‘Saint Sebastian, Exquisite Pain’, were made by controversial artist Damien Hirst. Hirst, one of most notable members of the YBA movement, is known for his sculptures of dead animals encased in formaldehyde. ‘The Incomplete Truth’ features a dove shown in flight while ‘Saint Sebastian, Exquisite Pain’ features a dead bull representative of the Christian martyr. The two pieces sold for £911,250 and £875,250 respectively.

The first major work Michael bought was Bridget Riley’s 1982 abstract painting ‘Songbird’ which sold for £791,250. Another abstract painting, Tracey Emin’s ‘Hurricane’, sold for £431,250.

Michael also owned three works of art that directly referenced himself. Michael Craig-Martin’s ‘Untitled (SEX)’, ‘Untitled (GOD)’ and ‘Handcuffs’ all make reference to the singer’s 1998 arrest for engaging in a sexual act in a public toilet. The works sold for £125,000, £40,000 and £112,500 respectively. Another Craig-Martin work, an LCD portrait of Michael, sold for £175,000.

The sale of the collection was dealt with by auction house Christies. More information on the auction can be seen on their website.

Perhaps the most obvious example of this was David Bowie posthumously winning the Album of the Year, as well as British Male Solo Artist award for his final album Blackstar. The award was received by Dexter and Lazarus  star Michael C. Hall, who said in his speech “If David Bowie could be here tonight, he probably wouldn’t be here tonight

“I’m honoured to stand here before you and acknowledge the potency of his work and acknowledge his kindness and generosity and enthusiasm which inspires me to be better man.”

Elsewhere there was recognition give to 90’s rap legends A Tribe Called Quest, who picked up the gong for International group, following the release of their latest album We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service, as well as the death of founding member Phife Dawg.

Bowie was not the only artist to win two awards, with Rag’n’Bone Man also claiming two prizes, for both British Breakthrough Act, as well as having previously been announced as the Critics Choice winner.

Tributes were also paid during the night’s performances, with Coldplay frontman performing a posthumous duet with George Michael, following an impassioned speech from Michael’s former Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgely.

The rise of grime was also given recognition on the night, with Skepta performing his massive hit ‘Shut Down’, whilst Stormzy appeared onstage to perform with Ed Sheeran.

Robbie Williams, who has amassed the most Brits of any artist, also played live, as he collected the special Brit Icon award, to commemorate his lifetime in music. You can read the full list of winners here.