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Concerts Personal

George Michael Cancels Tour of Australia

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George Michael cancelled his Australian tour on Sunday because of “major anxiety” related to the pneumonia that nearly killed him last year. The Australian leg of the tour was supposed to start in Perth on November 10.

“Since last year’s illness I have tried in vain to work my way through the trauma that the doctors who saved my life warned me I would experience,” George wrote on his web site.

“I was wrong to think I could work my way through the major anxiety that has plagued me since I left Austria last December.

“As soon as I complete these shows here in the UK I will receive the treatment which is so long overdue.”

Michael said doctors had recommended complete rest and counselling but he had “believed wrongly that making music and getting out there to perform for the audiences… would be therapy enough in itself.”

Though he said his voice had recovered completely, adding that “I truly think that some of my recent performances have been my best ever,” Michael said there had been a heavy psychological toll.

“Unfortunately I seriously underestimated how difficult this year would be,” George said.

Chugg Entertainment announced that Sir Elton John and his band will be the first act to open the newly constructed Perth Arena with a second Perth Concert on Saturday 10 November.

The event will be performed “Under The Stars” with the Arena roof open. Elton John’s other Perth concert, already sold out, is on Monday 12 November.

This concert by Sir Elton John replaces the George Michael concert scheduled for 10 November. Customers who currently hold tickets to George Michael’s Perth Arena concert on November 10 have the option to use these tickets for the new opening event, Elton John, on the same night, or to obtain a refund on their tickets. Ticketek will contact ticket holders to advise of the process to be followed.

In a statement Sir Elton John said he is excited to be the opening act of Perth’s new home of entertainment.

“My dear friend George Michael has been giving some amazing performances on the Symphonica tour, and I’m very sorry that he can’t play the Perth concert.

“But I’m more than happy to step in for him and play the opening night at the brand new Perth Arena on November 10.”

“It is a fabulous building and I’m told we can even have the roof open for our concert and play under the stars!

“My band and I will make absolutely sure that Perth Arena has an unforgettable opening night, and we are looking forward to seeing the city come out in force to celebrate this stunning new building,” he said.

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Concerts

George Michael’s Manchester Concert Reviews

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The two reviewers of George Michael’s Manchester concert for the Symphonica tour didn’t see things the same way.

Manchester Evening News writes:

The full orchestra provides a spectacular backdrop to the show, and breathes a sparkling new level of seduction to old George classics.

Eighties favourites Father Figure and Different Corner are sensual singalongs while the likes of Cowboys and Angels and Kissing a Fool were made for this sort of symphonic treatment – it’s truly spine-tingling stuff.

It’s super-stylish too, a sleek black circular set, with our Gorgeous George at the heart of it all in sharp black suit and Tom Ford specs.

… Too many magic moments to mention, this tour proves 49-year-old George is back, and boy he means business.

The Guardian writes:

However, the covers are as hit and miss as his driving. Rufus Wainwright’s gay persecution lament Going to a Town is ethereally beautiful as is David Bowie’s Wild Is the Wind, before its unfortunate funk detour, but the vocoder version of New Order’s True Faith (“about addiction”) damages Michael’s vocals far more than his tracheotomy might have.

At 49, he seems to be struggling to recover the once uncanny ability to deliver what his public wants. There aren’t too many screams of excitement when he opts for big band standards and a cocktail jazz version of the Police’s well-worn Roxanne over Faith or Careless Whisper.

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Media

George Michael on Vogue Paris

George Michael and Kate Moss are on the cover of the October 2012 edition of Vogue Paris. The photo was taken by Mario Testino.

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Concerts

George Michael Returns to UK stage

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George Michael returned to the UK stage yesterday when he performed at Birmingham’s LG Arena. George told the crowd, “I’m back.”

Joking with the crowd, he told them: “You could have stayed at home and watched ‘The X Factor’ tonight. I may be 70-years-old but I can still do it.

“That might let people on to the fact that I actually watch ‘The X Factor’. I only watch it because my boyfriend likes it.”

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Concerts

George Michael First International Pop Star in Opera Garnier

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George Michael has become the first international pop star to perform in Paris’ Opera Garnier, a venue more known as a stage for classical music and opera.

He performed Sunday evening, as part of his “Symphonica Tour,” to support French AIDS charity Sidaction.

Before the show, George tweeted:

Well me, not exactly operatic. In fact, I am told that mine will be the first non-classically trained voice to sing on that prestigious stage. Not sure I believe that, but it’s a nice thought, if a bit terrifying.

As the gig came to a close, the 49-year-old told the Paris crowd: “Paris, you’ve been wonderful. It’s good to see you all.”

French fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier, The Artist actress Berenice Bejo, Bond girl Berenice Marlohe and actress Dolores Chaplin, the granddaughter of silent film star Charlie Chaplin, were among the celebrities who gave the singer a standing ovation at the French opera house.

“It’s so touching to see George sing here, and it is very special to see him in the Opera Garnier,” said Chaplin.

He performed a selection of his biggest hits and American standards before the swaying crowd, winding up with an explosive finale of “Freedom” and “White Light.”

Tickets for the concert went at up to 1,300 euros with a special dinner thrown in. An auction raised 68,000 euros, with a dinner for six with George Michael at his London home bringing in 31,000 euros.

After the show some 250 celebrities met George Michael at the invitation of organizers Line Renaud and Pierre Berge.

Berge, the companion of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and co-founder of Sidaction, declared: “The only vaccine against AIDS is the condom” while singer and entertainer Renaud praised George Michael as having always promoted “sex without risks.”

The concert and dinner swelled the coffers of Sidaction by some 289,000 euros.

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