The George Michael News
from October-December 1998
December 25, 1998
Happy Christmas!
Here area a few articles on George:
December 24, 1998
Happy Holidays! :)
I'd just like to wish everyone a joyous holiday season and a happy new year.
(And, happy Christmas, George! :)
Love,
Melanie
PlanetGeorge obliterated
Members of the PlanetGeorge fan club have
received notification that PlanetGeorge has closed. PlanetGeorge was an online fan
club with more than 2,000 members. It has closed because of scuffles among the fan
management.
"Michael's Christmas community spirit"
YOGfriend Angelo tells us that DotMusic has an
article on George's completion of his probation and his Christmas Number 1.
December 23, 1998
"30,000 E! Online Voters Select 1998's 'Best Celeb Scandal,' 'Best Sex Scene,' 'Most
Memorable Hair' and More in Annual Year-End Poll"
Aren't you so proud? George tops E! Online's Best Celeb Scandal according to the
Entertainment Wire:
Best Celeb Scandal
45% George Michael's restroom arrest
19% Dr. Laura's naked past
18% Leonardo DiCaprio nude in Playgirl
17% Tommy Lee jailed for abusing Pamela Anderson
More George completes community service articles
Here are a few more articles on George and his finishing of his community service.
December 22, 1998
"George Michael Sets Sights On Albert Square"
George is a bit of a EastEnders fan according to PA News.
During yesterday's interview on CapitalFM, George said, "I had EastEnders
flown out by courier to me last week, because Tiffany had been thrown down the
stairs."
AEGEAN offices closed for the holidays
According to Shirlie, the Aegean office will be closed from December 18th and to
January 4th.
"George Michael completes community service"
Jam! has an article
on George's recent completion of his community service. It also says that Municipal
Court Judge Charles Rubin asked that George be "reinformed" that he is not
allowed in the park for the duration of his probation.
December 21, 1998
Ladies and Gentlmen is 3rd biggest selling CD of the year in UK
The BBC
reports that Ladies and Gentlemen sold over 300,000 copies last week. The
greatest hits set in the UK is now the third-biggest-selling of the year. It also
quotes HMV's Jason Legg as saying: "If George Michael continues to sell as well as he
has been doing until the end of the year he looks likely to have the year's
biggest-selling album - only 50 days after it was released."
December 20, 1998
George in live interview on CapitalFM tomorrow
Forgive me MOLers for I must tell this news. Members Online participants received
an e-mail saying that George will be on CapitalFM
on Monday at 6 p.m. He will be answering e-mails and telephone calls.
Still Number 1 in the UK
YOGfriend Bev says:
I am delighted to report that LADIES & GENTLEMEN once again tops the UK album
chart. It has sold over 1 MILLION copies here...and it is still selling as strongly as
ever. In fact, "Dr Fox" on the Network Chart tonight said that L&G was the
fastest selling double album in UK chart history! CONGRATULATIONS GEORGE! :o)
"George Michael's Outside"
There's a great ;) article at NZONE Magazine that
recaps some of the recent events in George's life. It's written by ???
<g> If you have any problems, the direct link is here.
"U2 and George Michael lead Xmas album sales"
DotMusic's
sister publication, fono, reports that Ladies and Gentlemen ranks in the top 10 in 14 of
15 European territories as of last week. They are projecting that the greatest hits
collection will be one of the biggest selling albums this Christmas.
December 19, 1998
"George Michael Completes Court-Ordered Community Service"
According to SonicNet,
George has completed his community service. (Thanks, Margaret!)
L & G drops in Billboard
YOGfriend Angelo tells us that Ladies and Gentlemen has dropped another twenty spots
but has been certified platinum in the U.S.
Sony Music Latin promotes L & G
I guess sometimes it's worth it to have interests other than George. :)
While venturing to the Sony Music Latin site
to read about Chayanne for my other website, I noticed that they have George on their
front page and a series of pages dedicated to him.
December 18, 1998
Welcome to YOGworld
Over the last few months, many of you might have wondered what happened to all the
updates that used to be a regular part of the Yours Only George website. Well, fear
no more. We have a new design and more information than ever before. Make sure
to read the update section for more information about changes
and additions to the site. (And for those of you who like singer/actor Chayanne,
please take a look at my newly redesigned site, Solamente
Tu Amor.)
"Import George Michael/Mary J. Blige Duet Hits U.S. Airwaves"
SonicNet
reports that a few major radio stations have decided to play "As" in the U.S.,
despite the fact that it is only available on imported copies of Ladies and Gentlemen.
December 17, 1998
Robbie tops pop icon poll
The BBC
reports that George came in second to Robbie Williams as Pop Icon of '98. (Thanks, to
YOGfriend Angelo!)
December 16, 1998
George is in OUT
According to the entertainment wire, "OUT magazine,
America's largest gay and lesbian publication, today announced its fifth annual list of
the top gay and lesbian newsmakers of 1998, the OUT 100." Under the category of
music, George is listed as "Pop singer/Public sex advocate."
TV Guide's "Match the really annoying celebrity with the really annoying
behavior"
George has a little spot in TV Guide's the Year In Jeers.
December 14, 1998
I fought the LAW and the LAW won
George might be in a little bit more trouble, according to MuchMusic. It seems that the
Beverly Hills police are none too happy about a recent interview George gave in which he
said his arresting officer flashed him first. Here is the article:
GEORGE MICHAEL SUED BY COPS?
The Beverly Hills Police Department is thinking about suing singer GEORGE MICHAEL for
comments he made on a London talk show. Michael reportedly accused Officer MARCELLO
RODRIGUEZ of flashing him first in the Beverly Hills park restroom where he was arrested.
A spokesman for the police department says Michael's comments are untrue and shed a bad
light on California law enforcement. Michael was arrested for lewd behaviour earlier this
year.
George tops the UK charts; details of recent BBC interview
YOGfriend Bev tells us about Ladies and Gentlemen's UK chart position and about
George's interview on BBC Radio 1:
This is becoming predictable -- but -- Ladies & Gentlemen enjoys yet another week
in the No 1 position in the UK!! In fact, according to the midweek chart, it was
out-selling the No 2 album by more than 2 : 1!! :o)
And George was on UK Radio 1 this evening! We were treated to an hour-long special! It
was really a monologue rather than an interview, interspersed with music and news reports
from various times in George's career. He spoke at length about several subjects,
including the arrest, his sexuality, Wham!, his bereavements (in the most moving detail),
Geri, Aretha Franklin, his music and how it is received in various parts of the world, and
what the future might hold creatively. He was candid and also very funny; he told an
amusing anecdote about the Sony Execs' reactions to the "Outside" video!! :o)
All in all, it was a real treat for us -- thank you George!
Love Bev.X
DotMusic's George Michael mini-site
DotMusic has a new area
dedicated to George, including an article entitled "Confess and Sell"
December 10, 1998
"George Michael Album Sales Soar After Parky Chat"
A PA
News article reports that L & G is selling 70% more than last week. The BBC also
has an article entitled "Michael's
sales rocket after Parkinson chat."
George on Radio 1 this Sunday
The lovely Bev tells us: "There's a strong possibility that George will be on UK
Radio 1 this Sunday 13th December at 9 p.m."
George in top 20 of BBC2 Top 50
"A Different Corner" ranks #17 on the BBC Radio's 2 Top 50 favorites.
December 7, 1998
"George Michael sees funny side of toilet incident"
Reuters
has a new article on George's recent interview with Michael Parkinson.
December 5, 1998
This and That
Here are a few new things on George:
December 1, 1998
AEGEAN news
According to this week's letter from Andreas Georgiou at George's official site:
- the new Members Online area is now open
- they will have an online music order area next week
- Georgiou is not leaving AEGEAN as had been reported in the UK press
Greatest Hits
Angelo tells us that the greatest hits has dropped 15 spots to #39 on
Billboard's Top 200 in the U.S. However, in the UK, the Best Of just went Triple Platinum. If I may quote Angelo, "Go
George!!!!"
George in British GQ
If you just don't have enough George in your life, make sure to pick up GQ for
an article on George. (Thanks, Anthony!)
"Parkinson Meets George Michael"
If you're lucky enough to be in the UK, don't forget to watch Parkinson Meets George Michael
on Saturday at 9:25 p.m. on BBC One
November 27, 1998
"Michael Makes Aids Day Film"
PA
News has a brief article on George's new MTV half-hour documentary, "Staying
Alive."
November 26, 1998
"George Michael Blames Video For Community Service Restriction"
SonicNet
has an informative article about why George's community service request was denied.
"Pasa Algo? La nueva vida de George Michael"
George has recently given an interview with El Pais.
(Thanks, Anthony!) If you can't speak Spanish, try reading it by pasting in the web
address here.
Mr. Popular
George is even being mentioned in articles that aren't about him.
November 25, 1998
George is still making the news
More articles about George's community service controversy have appeared:
November 24, 1998
"Singer George Michael makes plea to help AIDS victims"
You really can't always get what you want.
Judge Charles Rubin has decided that George won't be working with Project Angel Food,
according to a Reuters
article. Instead, George will be working with a program that calls schools to urge
schoolchildren to do charity work. "This is a worthwhile cause, obviously, but I
can't really see how it can possibly measure up to the needs of the sick and dying,"
George said.
Update: More articles are now available:
November 21, 1998
"MTV Recognizes World AIDS Day with Unprecedented Global Telecast Tuesday, December
1"
PR Newswire reports that: "In an
unprecedented pro-social programming event, MTV's global networks -- collectively reaching
more than one quarter of the world's television homes -- will recognize World AIDS Day on
Tuesday, December 1 by televising "Staying Alive," a half-hour documentary
produced by MTV in association with UNAIDS and the World Bank. "Staying Alive"
is hosted by pop superstar George Michael, and supported globally by Levi Jeans."
Rainbow Trust
Bev tells us that there's an item in the new issue of OK! magazine (a British magazine)
that is of interest to George fans:
"RAINBOW TRUST Charity Ball Raises [sterling] 120,000" It was a case of
classical music's young pretender meeting one of the kings of rock. Charlotte Church, the
12-year-old whose Voice Of An Angel opera album is top of the classical charts, rubbed
shoulders with George Michael - whose greatest hits LP is top of the rock tree - at a
charity fundraiser. They were just two of the stars at the Rainbow Trust ball, which was
held at The Dorchester in London and raised [sterling] 120,000 for terminally ill children
and their families. Part of the evening was given over to an auction, during which a
signed George Michael double platinum disc raised [sterling] 10,000."
Community Service
Now all the other media outlets are picking up on the news of George's community
service. Here are just a few:
"Indulge Your Passions"
I have my e-mail set to deliver news with the keyword "George Michael." This
information doesn't really count as news, but I thought you'd be interested in this little
tidbit.
"THE PASSWORD is a new, free online service
that provides and personalizes the best of the web, organized around special interests --
and your interests. PASSWORD members can find over 600 "passWorlds," monitor and
publish their favorite web content about personal passions, peeves and preferences, from
Matt Lauer to George Michael -- from SNL to children's television. THE PASSWORD makes your
web easy, up-to-date and all about the things you want."
George getting married?
Yes, I've heard the rumors. And I guess Jay Leno of the
"Tonight Show with Jay Leno" did too. He made some sort of joke about George
getting married on Friday's show. (Thanks, Bril.) The report of George getting married to
Kenny has been published in various tabloids recently (and of course tabloids always tell
the truth. ;) During the recent MTV interview, a fan reportedly asked George if he had
plans to marry and he said no. (This fan wrote in to the PlanetGeorge newsletter with the details but I've
deleted the e-mail already so I don't recall which issue it was. Sorry.)
Friends
On last week's episode of "Friends," there
was a reference to George and Wham! There was a comment about rushing the stage at a Wham!
concert, with the statement, "I can't believe you let George Michael slap you."
November 20, 1998
"George Michael To Fulfill Sentence"
The Associated
Press now has an article on George's community service. It quotes spokesperson for
George as saying "It's a worthwhile cause ... but I don't know his motivation behind
it."
November 19, 1998
Best Of top 10 in Canada
Jam! says George's
greatest hits collection has premiered at the #10 spot in the Canadian charts.
Unfortunately, it's only #24 in the U.S. according to Billboard. (Thanks, Pat and Angelo!)
November 18, 1998
George's community service
According to "George
Michael To Do Community Service Next Month" in PAnews, George will be completing
his community service by delivering meals to people with AIDS. He will be spending two
weeks working with Project Angel Food in Beverly Hills.
An earlier article, "George
Michael To Deliver 'Meals On Wheels' For Aids Victims" also mentions that George
will be flying to Los Angeles this week to start working on his community service. The
original article also says that George "will travel around LA in a van with another
worker from the charity to give out free food to the dying." Project Angel Food was
set up 10 years ago, and through its volunteers, 900 meals are delivered to those who are
sick and dying.
Also, a spokesperson said that George never offered to perform at a concert to fulfill
his community service time.
November 16, 1998
Best Of goes double platinum
During its first week of release, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Best of George Michael
has already gone double platinum, according to DotMusic.
(Thanks, Pat!) Also, as reported earlier, the new greatest hits collections debuted at #1 on the UK album chart.
"Outside" drops from #7 to #13
on the UK singles chart.
"Music stars will change the world"
DotMusic also has an article on the Power 300 list, a list of the most influential
people in the UK. George ranks #210. (Thanks, Angelo!)
"Schoolgirl tops charts with record record "
The BBC
has an article on how young Charlotte Church has become the youngest female singer to make
the UK top 40 album chart. So what does this have to do with George?
It was the perfect end to a week in which she met her pop idol George Michael at a
charity ball at London's Dorchester Hotel where they both performed.
The pair helped raise more than £100,000 for terminally and critically ill children.
Describing her encounter with the singer, Charlotte said: "He was really nice and
when I asked him for his autograph he wrote: 'What a voice!!! Love and good luck,
George'."
"Not so nice, Spice"
And here's just a mention of George in a BBC
article about Geri Halliwell, formerly of the Spice Girls.
"George tells of wild bi-sex orgies"
From the Sunday Times
in South Africa:
GEORGE Michael has confessed to a string of bisexual orgies while tanked up on drugs
and drink. "I was having lots of nasty, tacky sex. Some of it was with women and some
of it was with guys. I'd get rat-faced drunk and involve myself with a guy and a girl or
I'd find myself having sex in a car park with some girl I'd just met. "After a while
I realised it was making me very unhappy, so I had to change." He admits to taking
lots of drugs, mainly ecstasy - which he now reserves for "special occasions".
November 15, 1998
Ladies and Gentlemen tops the UK charts
George has indeed gone to number one on the UK album chart with Ladies and
Gentlemen, the Best of George Michael, his greatest hits collection, during its first
week of release. (Thanks to Bev and Amanda for this information. :)
November 13, 1998
Absent Duet with Mary J. Blige in North America
MTV's "George
Michael Discusses 'Missing' Mary J. Blige Track" includes a RealVideo sample of
the Mary J. Blige duet with George and a RealVideo clip of George discussing why the duet
is not on the North American version of his greatest hits collection.
Limp Bizkit's new "Faith" video
MTV has an article entitled "Limp Bizkit Mixes George
Michael And Mötley Crüe For 'Faith' Video". It includes information about Limp
Bizkit's rendition of George's "Faith," along with a RealVideo clip.
George at the MTV Europe Music Awards
Here's a quick report from Bev on George's appearance at the MTV Europe Music Awards:
The event was broadcast live here in the UK, and to say that it was *star-studded* is
an understatement! George presented the very first award, that for "Best Male".
He looked supremely elegant, dressed in a black pin-striped suit, with a black shirt and
tie. Sheer class! He smiled broadly at the audience's warm reception, and greeted them in
Italian! What a shame then, that the recipient of the award, Robbie Williams, was so
ungracious and rude.
But on a lighter note, there was a funny report in a tabloid yesterday that George
*supposedly* beat Madonna to the best suite at their Milan hotel. He had his own private
swimming pool, but she didn't! :o)
There's also a Reuter's
article on the awards show that mentions George.
November 12, 1998
George predicted to top the album charts
According to a PA News
article George's new greatest hits collection should top the UK charts this week.
MTV Europe Music Awards
George is scheduled to appear as a presenter today at the MTV Europe Music Awards. It will air in the U.S. on
Friday at 8 p.m.
New Best Of Page
ÆGEAN.NET has premiered its new greatest hits
page. It includes RealAudio clips from the collection along with an audio introduction by
George.
"Outside" RealVideo clip
Jam! now has the video for "Outside"
in RealVideo 5.
Jam! also gives a nice review in an article entitled, "George Michael best of
well stocked."
November 10, 1998
MuchMusic
MuchMusic is airing a
two-part interview with George. It began yesterday and ends today.
November 9, 1998
Late Night With David Letterman
You don't even have to wait until the interview tonight to see what George said on the
David Letterman show. CBS has a RealVideo
clip of George's upcoming (opps, couldn't resist, George) appearance. (Thanks to Margaret
for this information. :)
Website Request
Hi! I am looking for some of George's biggest fans to help me out with maintaining the
Yours Only George site. In particular, I am looking for fans who will:
- contribute news
- monitor specific music news sites for articles
- contribute links
- monitor 5-10 links from the links section for new additions to sites and/or the
disappearance of linked sites
If you're interested in being a part of the Yours Only George site, please write to me
(Melanie, your webmaster) at YOGworld@aol.com. I'm
always interested in hearing your ideas and suggestions for the site, and I look forward
to hearing from you! :)
November 8, 1998
BBC rates Best Of as "a fairly ordinary collection"
This week the BBC
rates George's new greatest hits collection.
Late Show with David Letterman
The Late Show with David Letterman now
lists its guests for Monday, which include Meryl Streep, George Michael, and Hanson.
November 7, 1998
George spent too much time "Outside"
MTV's "George
Michael Video Causes Minor Legal Setback" details how George's recent promotion
and video for "Outside" seems to have cost him in terms of his community service
extension. George, via his attorney, requested that he have an extension until February on
his community service obligation. However, according to a spokesperson, the judge felt
that George did have time to complete his community service because he had found the time
for previously unscheduled projects such as the making of the video and his live MTV
appearance. His deadline was extended until December 21.
Bi want your sex?
After George's live MTV interview earlier this week, he answered some questions that
did not air during the program, according to MTV's "George Michael
Remembers Questioning Sexuality As Teen. This link includes a RealVideo clip where
George says, "I grew up thinking I was bi-sexual, and it took me to a certain point
in my life to realize that I wasn't. But I never thought it was a moral question, because
however difficult I thought it might have been, I didn't feel any shame about it."
MSN's George Michael Competition
The Microsoft Network has a competition
where you can "win one of five signed CDs of George Michael's Greatest Hits. There
are also copies of his CD for twenty runners-up." You just have to answer the
following question in an email to AskGeorgeMichael@Hotmail.com
or send mail to MSN UK George Michael Greatest Hits Prize Draw, MSN UK, Endeavour House,
189 Shaftesbury Ave, London, WC2H 8JB:
Question: What is the title of George Michael's Greatest Hits CD?
November 6, 1998
Revisionist History?
The post-MTV-interview articles are growing. They include:
November 5, 1998
Post MTV interview articles
SonicNet
has an informative article about George's MTV interview, his new video, and information
about his community service. Also, Jam!
has an article on why MuchMusic is not playing the "Outside" video. It also
mentions that George was scheduled to appear on Howard Stern's Radio show today.
November 4, 1998
MTV's George Michael TV
George gave his first interview since his infamous CNN interview last April on MTV
today. At first, he seemed nervous, but he soon showed his natural humorous side. He also
mentioned that he is just beginning his community service obligation by working with
Project Angel Food in Los Angeles. What follows is part of what he said during the
30-minute program.
What happened on April 6th?
"Well, I got followed into the restroom and this cop -- I didn't know he was a cop
obviously. He started playing this game which I think is called 'I'll show you mine, you
show me yours, and then when you show me yours I'm going to nick you.' 'Nick' in English
is 'I shall arrest you.'
"Actually what happened was that once he got an eyeful, he walked past me -- went
straight past me and out. I thought, 'That's kind of odd.' I thought maybe he just wasn't
impressed. And I went to walk to my car, and as I got back to my car, I was arrested on
the street.
Why would you put yourself in that kind of situation?
"What can I tell you? I was stupid. It was a stupid thing to do. I've never been
able to turn down a free meal, and really there's nothing more to it than that. It was a
stupid thing to do -- a stupid moment. And I guess the risk was part of the excitement.
"I certainly had no clue. People have said things to me like 'Surely, you knew...'
or 'How could you possibly have been so stupid?' But, I'm sorry -- the fact is there was
absolutely no one else in the vicinity -- whatever the police report says. There was no
one else in the vicinity. There was just me -- actually it was two undercover cops, only I
couldn't see one of them -- two undercover cops and a randy pop star. There was no one
there.
"If someone's waving their genitalia at you, you don't automatically assume
they're an officer of the law. Excuse me, am I anywhere near the library?"
How has it affected your relationship with partner Kenny Goss?
"That (being unfaithful to Kenny) to me was the crime. That is the only crime as
far as I'm concerned. Because I wasn't being exhibitionist. I thought I was having some
kind of consensual encounter. There's no way that I would have thought I was being set up
that way.
"So, yes, it was stupid, but it wasn't inconceivable. Of course everyone thinks
that rock stars have such a glamorous life and such a glamorous sex life so why would they
possibly want anything as seedy as a quick situation like that, and I would say that's
probably why.
"I'm not saying that I have an open situation with my boyfriend, but he knows how
I am. He knows that I'm generally oversexed. He's been very, very good.
"We love each other, and he understands that it was a stupid mistake, and he's
forgiven me -- I hope."
The video for "Outside" was not taped in the actual park where you were
arrested.
"No, no, no, no, no... 'cos I'm not allowed to go back there. That was my dream
actually -- that we would redo it in the same park. And the police, as is the normal
behavior in Hollywood, would have to cordon off the street. That was my thing, but it
wasn't to happen."
"Outside" isn't getting a lot of airplay in the U.S.
"I have to be honest. Outside of the States, it's the fastest record I've had at
radio since Wham! which gives you some idea of how popular it is. And over here for some
strange reason, nobody is playing it. I've had absolutely no problem anywhere else but
here in the States.
"I recorded a track with Mary J. Blige, which is on the international version of
my greatest hits album. It's a fantastic recording of an old Stevie Wonder song called
'As' from The Songs in the Key of Life album. And the president of Mary J.'s
record company here in the States, a Mr. Jay Boberg -- and I'll spell that for you --
B-O-B-E-R-G. Any fan that wants to know why they haven't got the track that I've sung with
Mary J. Blige on the greatest hits album should write to Mr. Boberg and ask him what his
problem with George Michael is. We've heard some fairly wimpy excuses, but basically it
was taken off after the arrest."
Are you sorry?
"I'm only sorry in regards to my partner in reality. I'm sorry for the
embarrassment it might have caused fans, but the truth is that I didn't present my sex
life to them.
"I don't think it was an accident. I don't think it was by chance that this
happened to me. We have some fairly vicious people in the country where I come from and
they work in a certain street in London. And I think that might have had something to do
with it.
"To be honest, when I did the CNN interview, the reason I didn't go into any
detail about the arrest was because I was convinced that I was not going to be charged.
Let's say there was a little more cooperation than you would expect between the police and
the paparazzi. And I thought the suspicions around that would actually mean that the
charges would be dropped, apart from the fact that the actual arrest was illegal because
entrapment is illegal."
Do you wish you had 'come out' before the arrest?
"In all honesty, to my fans, I thought I had outed myself with the last album. It
wouldn't seem that way in America because in America there hasn't been that much publicity
in the last seven or eight years because I just haven't been here or been on TV.
"Actually, there's been a lot of publicity about my sexuality over the years in
Europe. And my ex-partner's death was reported very widely. When I dedicated the album to
him and wrote the album for him, I felt like I was coming out to my fans and I didn't
really care about people who weren't interested in my music. So, I certainly wasn't going
to go to Fleet Street and say, 'Yes, I'm gay.'
"The main point is that I outed myself in my life about eight or nine years ago.
I've been out with everyone in my life, even casual acquaintances. Anyone who's met me
within that time has known I'm gay, just not the press.
"Really, this doesn't feel like an outing -- this is just a public outing. Any gay
person who comes out realizes the tough bit is your friends and family, and that was the
great thing. It was a great liberating thing, and I did it a long time ago.
"I don't know if I would have come out to the press. They would have got me some
way or another. This is how it ended up because I wouldn't give it to them."
Are you excited about doing your next full album?
"I'm kind of at a crossroads. I think the greatest hits is exactly at the right
time because I feel like I have to move off in another direction.
"Probably because of the trouble I've gone through in the last five or six years
and the bereavements I've dealt with -- my mother last year and my partner five years ago
-- I'm really sick of writing about being miserable. It doesn't seem to stop it from
happening again for a start. So even though it's cathartic, I always feel like I'm
bringing more on.
"So I think the next album will be a pop album. It will be an up-tempo album. And
I'm looking forward to that. But outside of that I've no idea of what it will be right now
so I can't really get excited about it."
More links
George keeps making the news about his interview on MTV which will be live at 4:30 p.m.
EST today.
November 3, 1998
George's arresting new video
George is in the news again. (Boy, is he in the news again.) You can read articles
from:
George, the newest member of the Village People?
Q magazine's "I Am What I Am"
has put it all into perspective. For many fans, the article will explain George's train of
thought lately. Here are just a few interesting points from the article.
- George is still smoking pot (and has an expert pre-roll them for him) with a dash of
Ecstasy now and then.
- "A Moment With You" (from the Best Of ) is a "wry tribute"
to Marcelo Rodriguez, the law enforcement officer who arrested George in April.
- George said he won't go back to former label Sony unless they "fucking make it
worth my while."
- George said he doesn't care about being successful in North America: "The thing
that I'm proud of is that I'm ambivalent about my disappearance in America. I have my ego
stroked at home when I hear my records on the radio. Then, when I go to America I don't
have the hassle or hysteria that goes with being the hot thing. I couldn't deal with it
worldwide, and things will be easier if my album doesn't do well in America. I'll leave it
in the lap of the gods."
- The three-part Daily Mirror article written by Bare biographer Tony
Parsons was a surprise to George, who thought Mr. Parsons was interviewing George for a
record company biography.
- You can read a lot into this quote if you're a fan on the Internet (good and bad):
"When my mum died, it was the one time when going through my Internet sites made me
feel good, people genuinely wishing you well is a blessing."
- Was it entrapment? "Was I prepared to stand in court and call the man who wrote the
report a liar? My word against a policeman's? If I were not a celebrity, I'd have done it
and claimed entrapment, but not on worldwide fucking television. It's not an option for a
celebrity."
The article includes many other interesting tid-bits, but Q would probably
prefer if you buy the magazine. The full article is definitely worth the money. (Special
thanks Jill and Bril for this information.)
Brand New Face for the Boys on MTV
MTV is airing a commercial with scenes from the
"Outside" video as promotion for George's interview on Wednesday. (Special
thanks to Bril for this information.)
The Entertainment Wire says that the 30-minute program will include questions from a
live studio audience and call-ins from MTV viewers.
October 31, 1998
"Just get me on NBC" -- NOT!
But maybe MTV, CBS, and WB.
As was reported earlier, George seems to have decided not to appear on "The
Tonight Show" with Jay Leno. However, he is scheduled to appear on:
- MTV on Wednesday, November 4, at 4:30 p.m. (EST) for a
live interview with Jon Norris. "Outside" will be premiered at this time.
(Thanks to Alan and Bril for this information. :)
- CBS on "The David Letterman Show" on Monday,
November 9, at 11:35 p.m. (EST). ÆGEAN.NET says this
date is subject to change.
- "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" on Friday,
November 13, according to Epic. "The Rosie
O'Donnell Show" is a syndicated program, so please check your local television
listings for times in your area.
Dave Pearce's Dance Anthems
Okay, everyone, let's send out an extra special thank you to Scott for telling
us all the details about George's recent unannounced appearance on Dave Pearce's Dance Anthems on Radio 1 in the UK. He
played his favorite dance tracks spanning 30 years on October 18, which included:
- Prince - "Alphabet Street"
- Coate Mundi - "Que Pasa Mi Vida"
- Shalamar - "Take That To The Bank"
- Evelyn King - "Shame"
- Gap Band - "Someday"
- One Nation - "Funkadelic"
- Gil Scott Heron - "The Bottle"
- Jocelyn Brown - "Somebody Else's Guy"
- George Michael - "FastLove"
- Massive Attack - "Unfinished Sympathy"
- Sylvester - "Mighty Real"
- Rosie Gaines - "Closer Than Close"
- Daddy's Favourite - "Untitled"
- Twisted Angel - "Feel It"
- West Bam - "The Roof Is On Fire"
- ATGOC - "Repeated Love"
Some of the high points of the interview include the following:
- When asked about Prince (whose song he had just played) George laughed and said,
"Oh so you want me to slag him off now do you?" When asked about the recent
backlash against Prince, he said that he thought that Prince seems to be doing things for
himself recently. "The great thing about Prince in his hey-day was that he would come
up with something that was completely accessible but completely innovative at the sane
time," George said. "And somewhere along the way he lost the ability to kind of
communicate that somehow. And I think that by having so much material out you've gotta be
able to edit yourself. I wouldn't say that my admiration has past but my interest in what
he does has past... and that's sad because at one point I was completely blown away by
what he did. I just think you can't throw everything you do out there. Just cos it's you
it's not genius! You've still got to be able to hear a shit tune when you write one, you
know!"
- When he played Gil Scott Heron's "The Bottle," George said the song reminded
him of the beginning of his career. "It was played a lot at the Wag Club which I used
to go to a lot," he said.
- George also talked about his first visits to the USA with Wham! At the time Danceteria
and The Area had just opened. He talked about a time when he and Madonna were at
Danceteria together. "The madness for me was that we were given free drink,"
George said. "I don't know why but after school I by passed beer and went straight
from Coca Cola to straight Whisky! So I literally didn't see daylight for about 8
days."
- When asked who his favorite DJ's and producers were, George said, "(Re-mixer)Wayne
Laws made Roachford sound fantastic. I like Sasha, not Sash, but Sasha. I like the Mouse T
record a lot."
- DJ Dave Pearce asked if George still buys records. George said, "Yeah I do. Today,
I wanna buy -- I can't believe I've not got it yet -- the Lauryn Hill album. I just think
she's a genius. The way she works musically and the kind of areas she's moving -- the way
she's changing things now -- kind of reminds me of Stevie Wonder at his peak. You know the
way it's so much classier than anything around it and so full of melody, so I'm really
excited about getting that album."
- He said how he loved Faithless and everything they do. Rollo (Faithless) had turned him
down for a mix. He didn't think Rollo thought it was his thing really. "But I'm still
a big fan," George said. "I don't take these things personally!"
- George chose "FastLove" because he knew that if he was a fan he knows he would
love it.
- While in Ibiza filming the "Club Tropicana" video, George said a couple
mistook Shirlie, George, and Andrew for swingers. Footsy under the table and all!
- When asked what "Outside" is about, "George said, "What's it all
about? Use your imagination for God's sake... everyone else has!"
- Also, he said if he'd been able to make a record like "Outside" 15 years ago,
he would have done so. "It's the kind of record I would have made, if I'd have known
how to, at the very beginning," George said. "It's a Soulboy, pop-lovers'
record." He went on to say that "Outside" is: "a full-on 70's record.
You can expect more while I've still got a few years left when I can get away with
it!"
(See, Scott, all your typing was not in vain! I just edited it a little bit.)
October 28, 1998
No Show
NBC has
removed George's name from the guest line-up of the Tonight Show. (Special thanks to
Angelo for this information. :)
October 27, 1998
DotMusic Review of the Best Of
DotMusic reviews the new greatest hits collection, saying "Sales will be so
high that, come Christmas, both Sony and its ex-artist will be celebrating." He
doesn't beat out R. Kelly's new collection, according to DotMusic's ratings.
Number 2
It seems that Cher, with "Believe," has topped George's "Outside" in this historic week in the
UK singles charts. The Top 5 has five debuts for the first time in history.
October 20, 1998
A miracle has occurred!
Epic actually has a page for the Best of
collection. It also says that the ballad CD is called "For The Heart" and the
up-tempo CD is "For The Feet."
Sony UK will also have a page.
And, gasp! They're actually selling Faith and Listen Without Prejudice
in the main Sony Music site. However, Ladies
and Gentlemen has not yet been added to the new releases section.
The Sixth Degree
Rolling
Stone has an odd little article with the subtitle: "What do Luke Campbell and
George Michael have to do with Bill Clinton?"
October 17, 1998
"George Michael Deals With Arrest Via Upcoming Hits LP"
SonicNet's "George
Michael Deals With Arrest Via Upcoming Hits LP" discusses George's
"potentially controversial" new single, along with information about the
greatest hits and his community service.
Rock of Ages
TV GUIDE lists today's 2 p.m. airing of VH-1's
"Rock of Ages" as having a family reviewing the work of George Michael.
October 16, 1998
Best of George Michael Page
ÆGEAN.NET is in the process of creating a Best of George Michael Page. It will
include:
- RealAudio files of the new greatest hits collection
- A special message from George
- Branded George Michael Software
- George Michael web links
- New pictures
ÆGEAN.NET Editor's Letter Updated
Andreas Georgiou has once again given us a letter filled with information about the
George world. In it, he tells us:
- Those in the U.S. should preorder our Best Of CDs.
- "Outside" is George's biggest record on radio since Wham!
- The video for "Outside," according to Georgiou, is "fantastic."
October 15, 1998
A Hugh Grant replay?
Thanks to an observant G-NOTES reader we now know
that George is scheduled to appear on The Tonight Show on
NBC on Tuesday, November 10, 1998. What were you thinking, George?
Jam! Music's Anti-Hits List
Congratulations (???) to George for taking the #2 spot on yesterday's Jam Music's Anti-Hits List.
October 13, 1998
"Epic Presents George Michael's Hits"
I guess a news release can do wonders. Billboard has an article on Ladies
and Gentlemen, the Best of George Michael, his two-CD greatest hits collection. The
news even leads off its Daily News index.
"Album News: Jewel, George Michael, Touched by an Angel"
If I'm the only one laughing at the title of the article, that must mean I have a
twisted sense of humor. Anyway, Wall of Sound has a
rather touching, er... nice article about George's greatest hits CD.
"Give Him A Hand"
Congratulations to E! Online
for funniest title of the day.
"The Best of George Michael coming to a CD"
Enews has a blurb
about the greatest hits.
"George Michael Minus Mary"
Vibe has a small article on the Mary J.
Blige duet that won't be on George's upcoming greatest hits collection in the U.S.
"By George, It's Sex!"
The
New York Daily News has a bit of information on George's upcoming (I really have to
stop using that word) video for "Outside."
October 12, 1998
Epic Records Presents:
'Ladies & Gentlemen, The Best of George Michael'
PR
Newswire has the news release for the new greatest hits collection, which they call
the "Definitive Two CD Collection" featuring "13 Top Ten Hits and 7 Number
Ones." The source for this release is Epic Records (and parent company Sony), which
means they are actually starting to promote George's music in the U.S.
October 10, 1998
"As"
MTV has a news item on the Mary J. Blige duet with George entitled "Mary J. Blige Track Pulled
From George Michael Album, Michael Exposes A Sense of Humor." It details why
Universal/MCA chose not to have the duet "As" included on George's upcoming
Greatest Hits Collection.
ÆGEAN.NET Editor's Letter Updated
Andreas Georgiou's editor's letter this week tells us:
- The U.S. is finally starting to play "Outside."
- ÆGEAN.NET will be launching a special website for
the Greatest Hits, which will include RealAudio samples of all GH tracks, new pictures,
and an audio message from George.
- George has been working on the video for "Outside" in Los Angeles.
October 7, 1998
Stop the Presses!
Must have been a slow news day. PA News
has a brief article on a new photo of George looking pensive. It's his first official
picture in two years. (Yawn...)
October 6, 1998
DotMusic Review
"Outside" is DotMusic's
Single of the Week. They say: "Outside is every bit FastLove’s twin with the
singer at his most accessibly funky." To read the great review and listen to a
RealAudio clip of the song please visit the DotMusic
site.
October 2, 1998
1998 MTV Europe Music Awards
According to the Entertainment Wire, George will be a guest presenter at the 1998 MTV
Europe Music Awards, which will premiere on MTV in the U.S. on Friday, November 13 from 8
to 10 p.m. (ET/PT).
Special thanks to: SonicNet Music News of the World, the daily music news service -
http://www.sonicnet.com and RockOnTV - the ultimate
guide to music on television - http://www.rockontv.com
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