http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/0/BF4EEF142BD6455A80256F7000136DCE!opendocument

MICHAEL'S COUSIN DEFENDS ELTON'S ATTACK

SIR ELTON JOHN's recent attack on fellow rocker GEORGE MICHAEL has been
defended by the ex-WHAM! star's cousin, who agrees that "George has changed
for the worse".

Michael recently sent a damning letter to British magazine HEAT urging fans
to ignore the ROCKET MAN's wild accusations about his "strange" behaviour
and "disappointing" career.

But the FAITH singer's cousin, ANDROS GEORGIO, has been feuding with
Michael since the star's 1998 arrest for having sex in a Los Angeles public
toilet, and he insists "the toilet incident" has tainted the singer's
personality.

He says, "Elton got it completely right. George says he's never been
happier in his life. That's absolute rubbish and makes my blood boil. Elton
was only speaking publicly from a good heart.

"Elton is going down in history. George - who to me is as good as (JOHN)
LENNON and (PAUL) McCARTNEY - will now be remembered for his toilet
incident. It's a legacy that is so wrong and ever since, George has changed
for the worse."

20/12/2004 03:32

NEWS
All the Best in Music, Movie and Celebrity News - Delivered the moment it happens

MICHAEL THROWS STAR-STUDDED PARTY FOR LOVER

Pop veteran GEORGE MICHAEL has invited a galaxy of stars to help him celebrate his boyfriend's birthday at his London home tomorrow (25SEP04).

The FAITH singer has asked pals including GERI HALLIWELL, RONAN KEATING and ELLE MacPHERSON to head over to his luxury home in the capital's Highgate area on Saturday night to toast KENNY GOSS' 46th birthday.

Michael, 41, has organised a catering team to serve up gourmet food at the $540,000 (GBP300,000) bash, which will also feature statues.

24/09/2004 13:45

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2001320029-2004432114,00.html

George's Brit part

POP superstar George Michael has filmed a sketch with Little Britain's
David Walliams and Matt Lucas.

The singer will appear in a special episode for Comic Relief night, to be
shown in February.

George, 41, appears in a sketch where the comics are in their roles of
wheelchair-bound Andy (Matt) and his saintly carer Lou (David).

Grumpy Andy, who can walk but is too lazy, unleashes a torrent of abuse at
George - who was famously arrested six years ago for picking up an
undercover cop in an LA public toilet.

The former Wham! star is a big Little Britain fan.

He even contributed a joke for Andy, who always changes his mind about what
he wants.

The comedians told TV Biz they were chuffed when their pop hero agreed to
be in the sketch, filmed on Tuesday.

David, 32, said: "We thought, 'Ooh, let's be cheeky and ask, it's for Comic
Relief.' He agreed straight away.

"We filmed it in front of an audience and didn't tell them. When I opened
the door and George walked through, there was a stunned silence. It was a
hoot."

Matt, 30, said: "I think they thought he was a lookalike. Then there was a
gasp and a round of applause. Andy was rude to him but he was game about
it. We kept having to pinch ourselves."

The new series of Little Britain will be on BBC3 in October and BBC1 next year.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,4-2004432140,00.html

Sick George KOs benefit

GEORGE MICHAEL has disappointed hundreds of fans by pulling out of a
charity breast cancer concert at the last minute.

He had been due to headline Sunday night's event at London's Royal Albert
Hall alongside his pal GERI HALLIWELL.

But yesterday morning the singer's publicist put out a statement saying
George was suffering from laryngitis.

The concert, in support of Breast Cancer Care, also features LISA
STANSFIELD and NATASHA BEDINGFIELD.

Now I'm not suggesting for one minute that George is lying about being ill.
But when exactly was the last time he performed in front of a big, live
audience?

I can't really remember it was that long ago.

Anyway, to make up for it, George has donated £50,000 of his own cash to
the charity.

http://www.sfexaminer.com/article/index.cfm/i/080904c_scoop

Happy hour is over

Singer George Michael's American boyfriend Kenny Goss is reportedly on the
wagon after Michael pleaded with his boozy beau to get some help. Goss
recently checked himself into a rehab facility in Arizona. A source close
to the couple told News of the World that George sat his lover of eight
years down for a serious heart-to-heart after a drunken Goss caused an
embarrassing scene at a high-profile showbiz affair.

"His drinking got out of control," said the source. "Kenny realized he had
to sort it out. It was a tough time for them, but because of the strength
of their relationship, they have managed to stay together."

http://breakingnews.iol.ie/entertainment/story.asp?j=113581280&p=yy358y986

Michael sends Goss into rehab

09/08/2004 - 19:00:48

Singer George Michael sent his boyfriend Kenny Goss to a rehab clinic in
Arizona for two months to help him overcome his alcohol addiction.

The couple have been together for eight years and enjoyed a showbiz
lifestyle, attending the best parties, but friends say Goss's drinking
reached dangerous levels a few months ago.

Kenny has now checked out of the clinic and is back with the former Wham! Star.

A friend said: "George was one of the people who encouraged Kenny to get
help. It was a tough time for them but because of the strength of their
relationship they have managed to stay together."

http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-13183629,00.html

GEORGE STANDS BY HIS MAN

George Michael's boyfriend has reportedly checked into a rehab clinic to
beat a booze problem.

Kenny Goss agreed to get help after his popstar lover pleaded with him to
accept treatment.

Friends say Texan Kenny, 45, checked into the Arizona clinic after the
lovers had a public slanging match following a showbiz party.

One told the News of the World: "George was one of the people who
encouraged Kenny to seek help.

"His drinking got out of control and Kenny realised he had to sort it out.

"It was a tough time for them but because of the strength of their
relationship, they have managed to stay together."

George and Kenny have been lovers for eight years but the singer admitted
they both frequently enjoy fooling around with other men.

He said: "There's no dining, no social graces. You have people on the side
when you need sex. Simple as that."

Last Updated: 09:42 UK, Sunday August 08, 2004

[email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) :
------------------------------------
GEORGE MICHAEL is organising a special
charity gig for Breast Cancer Care at London's
Royal Albert Hall on September 19th. Michael
is planning the gig alongside former Spice Girl
Geri Halliwell and both artists will appear as
part of a line-up that will include Blue, Jamelia
and Katie Melua.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

According to the VH1 website, it appears the episode featuring George will
debut on August 22nd at 11:00am.

http://www.wbex.com/script/headline_newsmanager.php?id=323630&pagecontent=entertainment&feed_id=44

George Michael Moves To Dallas

Pop star George Michael is moving to Dallas, Texas - the hometown of his
boyfriend Kenny Goss.

The "Faith" singer, 41, has bought a $9 million (GBP5 million) mansion
complete with billiard room and private swimming pool in the Texan oil city
for him and Goss to settle in.

A source says, "George has fallen in love with Dallas, and both he and
Kenny are absolutely delighted to have found the right home. It's a really
beautiful place with breathtaking views.

"Since buying the place, they've already stayed there twice - and they
adore it."

Michael has said of his birth country England, "For the first time ever I
can see myself not living in England simply because of the politics of the
place and how depressing it is."

Get ready North America Fans!!!! This was on the Sony USA website:
MEET GEORGE MICHAEL IN NEW YORK CITY!
George Michael will be making an in-store appearance at the Virgin Times
Square in NYC on Monday, June 14 at 6pm.
Arrive early - your admission does not guarantee access to event

TV APPEARANCES!
Check out George Michael on the following TV appearances:
• June 14 - Today Show
• June 15 - The View
Check your local listings!

http://chat.msn.com/msnlive_feature.msnw?id=artist/georgemichael

George Michael
It’s been eight years since George Michael’s last album. So what can fans expect from George on his new album “Patience”? Chat with George about his music history and why he loves America’s “Sex and the City” and “The Sopranos.”

Go to http://www.oprah.com/ and check out the interview and the GM tour of his UK house.

Just a reminder about the Chum FM interview/special with George at 8pm
Toronto time, which is 5pm Pacific time and 1am London time.

http://www.chumfm.com

Bad news, despite what published by Sony UK it is confirmed that the single will contain only mixes and not new songs :(

Flawless, the new George Michael single from the double Platinum album
Patience is set for release next June 21st.
The CD will include new mixes and especially new songs!! We'll report the
track list and radio date on the news section of our site as soon as they
are available
Have a nice week end
George Michael Info Net
www.george-michael.it
[email protected]

Meet George Michael !

For all the USA Fans
Meet George Michael!
George Michael will celebrate the release of Patience with an in-store CD signing in Los Angeles, CA! Come out to the Virgin Megastore on Friday, May 21st, at 7pm and meet George Michael!

Event Location:
Virgin Sunset
8000 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.650.8666

http://www.georgemichaelusa.com

Meet George Michael!
George Michael will celebrate the release of Patience with an in-store CD signing in Los Angeles, CA! Come out to the Virgin Megastore Hollywood on Friday, May 21st, at 7pm and meet George Michael!

Starting Tuesday, May 18, purchase George's new CD Patience at the Virgin Megastore Hollywood and receive a VIP wristband* guaranteeing your admittance into this special event.

*Available only at Virgin Megastore Hollywood, 8000 Sunset Blvd. Wristband quantities are limited and on a first come first serve basis. Limit ONE wristband per person! See store for details.

Event Location:
Virgin Megastore Hollywood
8000 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323.650.8666

Flawless, the new George Michael single from the double Platinum album Patience is set for release next June 21st.

The CD will include new mixes and especially new songs!! We'll report the track list and radio date on the news section of our site as soon as they are available

Have a nice week end

George Michael Info Net
www.george-michael.it
[email protected]

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2004210623,00.html

George in party tiff

By DEREK BROWN
Deputy Showbiz Editor

IT looks like it's handbags at dusk as lovers George Michael and Kenny Goss
have a tiff after a showbiz party.

Superstar George, 40 - whose band Wham! had a hit with Club Tropicana -
gave his American boyfriend a right mouthful as they left a bash to
celebrate the tenth anniversary of gay magazine Attitude.

Their pals Elton John, 57, and his lover David Furnish were at the do,
along with Cilla Black, Lulu and Will Young, 25.

They were all smiles as Elton, George and Kenny strutted their stuff to
rock band Scissor Sisters at London's Atlantic Bar and Grill - but as the
pair left in their limo George gave Kenny, 45, a proper tongue-lashing.

Above is our our jokey interpretation of what got George's goat . . . but
whatever really made them fall out, it's a safe bet Kenny slept on the sofa
afterwards.

From Yahoo!....

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/040504/482/lon83305042340

Singer George Michael (news) gestures as he arrives for Attitude Magazine's
10th Birthday Party at the Atlantic Bar & Grill in central London Tuesday
May 4, 2004, to celebrate 10 years for the gay style magazine. (AP
Photo/PA, Myung Jung Kim)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/040504/482/lon83405042339

Singer George Michael (news), right, and his partner Kenny Goss arrive for
Attitude Magazine's 10th Birthday Party at the Atlantic Bar & Grill in
central London Tuesday May 4, 2004, to celebrate 10 years for the gay style
magazine. (AP Photo/PA, Myung Jung Kim)

For those who are able to listen, there's supposed to be an interview with
George on Magic 105.4 FM at 7pm UK time on Monday.... You can listen live
over the internet through the Magic 105.4 website:

http://www.magic1054.co.uk/

According to uk.gay.com the May 3rd interview will air between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Magic 105.4 FM.

There's something called "Easter Special with George Michael" airing on Real Radio Wales at 1pm Welsh time. I believe that's 2pm Central European Time, 8am on the US East Coast and 5am on the US West Coast. They do have a "listen live" feature. Here's a link to the schedule page....

http://www.realradiofm.com/wales/schedule.html

George on Wetten Das:

According to the April 10th Billboard magazine, Amazing has risen to # 6 on
the Hot Dance Music/Club Play Chart. It's also one of the titles
(admittedly it looks like half of the titles on the chart qualify) with the
greatest club play increases.

http://www.billboard.com/bb/charts/airplay/dance.jsp

If you want to hear an interview to an italian radio (rmc) that geroge had
made yesterday go to
www.radiomontecarlo.net

ESCLUSIVA: George Michael

it's all in english

by!!

.
http://www.advocate.com/new_news.asp?ID=11627&sd=03/11/04

George Michael: I'm retiring

Pop star George Michael told BBC Radio that he is quitting the music
business after the release of his next album and will release his songs on
the Internet in future. Promoting Patience, his upcoming CD, which he
promises will be his last, Michael said he doesn't need the cash or the
fame and from now on he'll make his songs available online for fans.
Downloaders will have the option to make donations that Michael will give
to charity. "I'm sure it's unprecedented; it's definitely unprecedented for
someone who still sells records," said Michael in an interview with BBC
Radio's Jo Whiley. "I've been very well renumerated for my talents over the
years, so I really don't need the public's money."

Michael explained his decision to leave the rat race of the music business
behind him: "It does two things--it takes the pressure off to have a
collection of songs every so many years, which is what nearly killed me.
I'm not pretending I won't be famous anymore, but in the modern world if
you take yourself out of the financial aspect of things, you're not making
anybody any money, you're not losing anybody any money. Believe me, I'll be
of very little interest to the press in a certain number of years. I'll
hopefully be a happier man, giving my music and also doing something really
positive with my music if people are generous enough to donate to the site.
I'll remove myself from all that negativity."

http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsPackageArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=473431&section=news

Charity way to Go-Go for George Michael
Thu 11 March, 2004 03:58

LONDON (Reuters) - Pop singer George Michael's career has made him so
wealthy he wants to donate all the money raised from any of his future
releases to charity.

The singer's new album "Patience" will be the last fans can buy in record
shops -- in future if they want to listen to his new songs Michael wants
them to download them from the Internet and make a charitable donation.

"I've been very well remunerated for my talents over the years so I really
don't need the public's money," he told BBC Radio 1 on Wednesday.

"I'd really like to have something on the Internet which is a charitable
donation optional site, where anyone can download my music for free. I'll
have my favourite charities up there and people will hopefully contribute
to that."

The singer, who in a career spanning nearly two decades has sold more than
75 million records, hopes his decision will also help reinvigorate his life.

"It takes the pressure off to have a collection of songs every so many
years, which is what nearly killed me.

"I'm not pretending I won't be famous any more, but in the modern world if
you take yourself out of the financial aspect of things, you're not making
anybody any money, you're not losing anybody any money.

"Believe me, I'll be of very little interest to the press in a certain
number of years."

Michael shot to fame in the early 1980s with Wham! In 1998 the singer was
fined for lewd conduct after being arrested in a public toilet -- an event
that prompted him to acknowledge publicly that he was gay.

http://entertainment.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4459,8935453%255E10431%255E%255Enbv,00.html

George Michael retires
From correspondents in London
March 11, 2004

GEORGE Michael said today he was retiring from the music business and
intended instead to put all his future songs on the Internet - for free.

The 40-year-old British pop star told BBC radio he would never make another
album for sale in record shops, because he did not need the money and
wanted to be less famous.

Michael is currently promoting his latest album Patience, but revealed it
would be his last.

"I think it's going to be my last commercial promoted release. I've been
very well remunerated for my talents over the years so I really don't need
the public's money," he said.

Now, he added, he would "really like to have something on the internet with
charitable donation optional, where anyone can download my music for free".

http://www.dancefrontdoor.co.uk/article2679.html

George Michael to abandon music business
Posted on 10 Mar 2004

George Michael has announced he is to quit the music business and is set to
release future songs free online instead.

The singer speaking in an interview with Radio 1's Jo Whiley said he has
vowed never make another album for sale in record stores as he does not
need the cash and does not enjoy fame.

Fans will be given the option to make donations online in exchange for
downloading tracks - The proceeds will be given to charity.

Michael said "I'm sure it's unprecedented, it's definitely unprecedented
for someone who still sells records.

"I've been very well remunerated for my talents over the years so I really
don't need the public's money."

'I'm not pretending I won't be famous any more, but in the modern world if
you take yourself out of the financial aspect of things, you're not making
anybody any money, you're not losing anybody any money.

"Believe me, I'll be of very little interest to the press in a certain
number of years.

"I'll hopefully be a happier man, giving my music and also doing something
really positive with my music if people are generous enough to donate to
the site. I'll remove myself from all that negativity."

Michael is currently promoting his latest album, Patience, which he said
will be his last.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/music/newsid_3499000/3499708.stm

No more CDs says George Michael
Updated 10 March 2004, 20.24

Pop star George Michael says he isn't going to make any more albums,
instead using the internet to sell his music.

George said his latest album, called Patience, will be the last one his
fans will ever be able to buy in shops.

In the future George's fans will be able to download songs from websites,
making a donation if they want that will be passed on to a charity.

The singer said he has all the money he needs and hopes that he might
become less famous by making the change.

He was being interviewed on BBC Radio 1 by DJ Jo Whiley.

He hopes his fans will choose to donate money to his fave charities, and is
looking forward to having less pressure.

He added that he found it difficult to write a big bunch of songs when the
record company told him to and would prefer to make music when he wants.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/3499534.stm

I'm retiring, says George Michael

Pop star George Michael is abandoning the music business to release his
songs online for free instead.

The multi-millionaire singer said he will never make another album for sale
in record shops because he does not need the cash and does not enjoy fame.

Fans will be given the option to make donations online in exchange for
downloading the tracks, and the proceeds will be given to charity.

He is promoting his latest album, Patience, which he said is his last.

The 40-year-old star made his announcement during an interview with Jo
Whiley on BBC Radio 1.

Speaking about his decision, he said: "I'm sure it's unprecedented, it's
definitely unprecedented for someone who still sells records.

"I've been very well remunerated for my talents over the years so I really
don't need the public's money."

He added that he hoped people downloading his music would donate to his
favourite charities.

'All the negativity'

Explaining his decision, the former Wham! frontman said: "It does two
things - it takes the pressure off to have a collection of songs every so
many years, which is what nearly killed me.

"I'm not pretending I won't be famous any more, but in the modern world if
you take yourself out of the financial aspect of things, you're not making
anybody any money, you're not losing anybody any money.

"Believe me, I'll be of very little interest to the press in a certain
number of years.

"I'll hopefully be a happier man, giving my music and also doing something
really positive with my music if people are generous enough to donate to
the site. I'll remove myself from all that negativity."

Published: 2004/03/10 18:39:40 GMT

http://www.itv.com/news/113562.html

George Michael, only on the internet
6.48PM, Wed Mar 10 2004

George Michael has announced he is retiring from the music business to
become an internet-only artist.

The singer said he will never make another album for sale in record shops -
because he does not need the money and is sick of being famous.

Instead he intends to put all future songs on the Internet for free.

Fans will be invited to make donations in exchange for downloading the
tracks, which multi-millionaire Michael will give to charity.

He said: "I've been very well remunerated for my talents over the years so
I really don't need the public's money.

"I'd really like to have something on the Internet with charitable donation
optional, where anyone can download my music for free."

He added: "I'm sure it's unprecedented, it's definitely unprecedented for
someone who still sells records."

Explaining his reasons, the famously reclusive star said: "It's what I
intend to do. It does two things - it takes the pressure off to have a
collection of songs every so many years, which is what nearly killed me.

"It also removes me from a world ... I'm not pretending I won't be famous
any more, but believe me, in the modern world if you take yourself out of
the financial aspect of things, you're not in anybody's chart, you're not
making anybody any money, you're not losing anybody any money - believe me,
I'll be of very little interest to the press in a certain number of years.

"I'll hopefully be a happier man, giving my music and also doing something
really positive with my music if people are generous enough to donate to
the site. I'll remove myself from all that negativity."

http://www.ananova.com/entertainment/story/sm_887670.html?menu=entertainment.latestheadlines

George Michael 'retiring to internet'

George Michael is retiring from the music business to become an
Internet-only artist.

The singer said he will never make another album for sale in record shops -
because he does not need the money and is sick of being famous.

Instead he intends to put all future songs on the Internet for free. Fans
will be invited to make donations in exchange for downloading the tracks,
which multi-millionaire Michael will give to charity. The 40-year-old star
made the surprise announcement during an interview with Jo Whiley on Radio 1.

He is currently promoting his long-awaited new album, Patience, but
revealed it would be his last.

"I think it's going to be my last commercial promoted release. I've been
very well remunerated for my talents over the years so I really don't need
the public's money," he said.

"I'd really like to have something on the Internet with charitable donation
optional, where anyone can download my music for free.

"I'll have my favourite charities up there and people will hopefully
contribute to that."

He added: "I'm sure it's unprecedented, it's definitely unprecedented for
someone who still sells records."

Explaining his reasons, the famously reclusive star said: "It's what I
intend to do.

"It does two things - it takes the pressure off to have a collection of
songs every so many years, which is what nearly killed me."

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/entertainmentstorydisplay.cfm?storyID=3554393&thesection=entertainment&thesubsection=music&thesecondsubsection=general

'Patience' pays off for Georgey boy

13.03.2004 - George Michael's long-overdue new album comes out after great
personal loss, but the reluctant pop star is now finding happiness in
domestic life and dogs, and at last learning to enjoy his wealth, writes
KATHERINE TULICH

It's hard to forget the pervasive 80s image of the fresh-faced cherubic boy
with the bright eyes, mop of streaked blond hair and white T-shirt bopping
to Wake Me Up Before You Go Go. The face of 40-year-old George Michael as
he sits in a London hotel room is a little more lined these days; the hair
is blacker and speckled with faint hints of grey.

He is smaller than you would expect, with a slight body. His partner of
eight years, Texan Kenny Goss, is in the next room while his constant
companions, two boisterous labradors, come bounding in.

Michael's mood is buoyant. A smile, a joke and a laugh come easily to his
lips.

It's an optimistic mood that has only come recently into his life. He is
making a career comeback with his first album in eight years, Patience. Its
first single Amazing easily brings to mind past hits Fast Love and Too Funky.

"It's such a relief. I really thought I would never be able to do this
again," explains the singer who says he has only recently emerged from a
terrible struggle with writer's block.

"I have gone through so much to get to this album. I have worked through so
much depression, fear and anxiety. My life has been like a really bad soap
opera for the past 10 years," he laughs.

It doesn't take much prompting to get Michael to talk candidly about his life.

"Everything was going my way. And I was happily marching into the history
books, but then it all just fell apart."

By 1984 Wham mania had hit with a caffeine jolt of infectious pop in Wake
Me Up Before You Go Go and as it became obvious that Michael was the only
Wham member with musical talent, his transition from teenybopper idol to
solo pop superstardom was seamless. Wham played their final gig before
72,000 fans at Wembley Stadium in 1986.

His first solo album, the Grammy-winning Faith, spawned four number one
hits including I Want Your Sex and the title track. But with the release in
1990 of his second album, Listen Without Prejudice, Michael began to
retreat, shunning the press and refusing to make videos.

Michael says, in retrospect, that was the catalyst for his downward spiral,
personally and professionally. "I decided I needed to protect myself and
sort things out privately, so I moved out of promotion and I really started
to get my shit together. I worked out that I was definitely gay and I knew
if I was going to be gay and happy then I needed to find a partner. I was
not going to do that by travelling the world as George Michael, but it felt
like I got hugely punished for taking those steps to protect myself."

Michael blames former Sony chief Tommy Mottola for his career demise.

Michael's legal battles with Sony began in 1992 as he tried to release
himself from the $12 million contract he had signed in 1988. Two years
later a London court rejected his claim. While the singer appealed, as the
court battles continued, he was unable to release new material. In the end
he never won his case but Virgin Records bought out his contract and he
released his next album Older in 1996.

Personally, he has faced a number of losses. His Brazilian lover Anselmo
Feleppa died of Aids (his 96 album Older was written as a tribute) and in
1997 he found his mother was dying of cancer.

Michael claims it was this crushing cycle of grief that led to the incident
that would be forever imprinted as a grubby footnote on his dossier - his
arrest for lewd behaviour in a public toilet in a Los Angeles park in 1998.

The fallout from that forced Michael to come out about his sexuality. "It
was really something that had made me feel uncomfortable for a long time,
the dishonesty of it, but I saw it as a fight for privacy between me and
the press," he says.

"I know it must have looked like I was acting the way most closeted gay
stars behave, but I was trying to give all these hints. I dedicated Older
to Anselmo, I even grew myself one of those funny little moustaches - any
way I could to imply I wasn't ashamed, but I just didn't want to give those
bastards [the press] what they wanted by declaring it."

Michael now sees his arrest as a call to attention. "The idea that people
thought I was ashamed of being gay and the motivation it created for me to
create some trouble for myself, it took me years to work out why I had done
that to myself. But it was also in a strange way a distraction from the
ongoing depression I was feeling over the loss of my partner and my mother."

On his new album Patience Michael has written a song for his mother called
My Mother Had a Brother. "When I was 17 my mum sat me down and told me
about her brother who killed himself on the day I was born. He had waited
through her pregnancy but could not wait any longer. She told me she
thought he was probably gay and couldn't cope with the family's situation
... If in some way I am his reincarnation it's to tell him how happy I am
and that I share my life openly with a man."

Michael has always shunned the rock star life. He is frugal with his money
and claims to live simply. But he says he is enjoying his considerable
wealth now that he is in a contented relationship. He recently bought the
upright piano John Lennon used to write the song Imagine, at a cost of £1.5
million ($4 million). "If I didn't buy it some Japanese investment
portfolio would have grabbed it and that would have been a tragedy," he says.

While Michael has bought several properties over the years, he is in the
process of selling them. He will keep his property in London and in Goring,
a country estate outside of London.

"I'm rarely in them these days. I don't travel anymore so they were just
huge extravagances. I'm a real homebody. Last year I left the country once
to go and visit Sony in New York to decide whether I would sign with them
again but that's it. I live a really quiet life. I have my partner and I
have my two lovely dogs - I've got my TV, got my weed, I'm happy."

While it's unlikely Michael will tour extensively again, he has been asked
to perform at the opening of the Olympics in Athens which he is likely to
do. "If someone had told me five years ago that my life would be this good
now, I would have been so relieved. I'm not afraid of anything now."

* George Michael's Patience is due out on Monday.

FYI, Forth One just announced that they'll be doing an hourlong
special on Sunday night at 9pm including the whole 25 minutes interview
they did with George, as they couldn't fit the whole interview on this
morning's program.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcone/listings/index.shtml?service_id=4223&day=saturday

THE GEORGE MICHAEL STORY
9 March, 2033-2130
Presented in three instalments

George Michael Day on Radio 2 on Monday the 8th March!

All through the day we'll be playing tracks from George's new album
Patience starting with the Janice Long show; then Terry Wogan, Ken Bruce,
Jeremy Vine, Steve Wright, Johnnie Walker and finally with Simon Mayo on
the Album Chart.

Older and Wiser: Tuesday 9th March

For the very first time, the definitive story of one of the greatest
British recording artists. In this three part documentary series George
Michael talks about his career from humble Greek Cypriot upbringing to his
time in the 80s pop duo Wham and the subsequent enormous international
success of his solo career. He talks in detail about his songwriting plus
the truth behind the twists and turns in his often controversial career.
The programmes will also feature George's biggest hits and interviews with
his friends, family, collaborators and famous fans including Andrew
Ridgeley, David Austin, Shirlie Holliman, Lisa Stansfield and many others.

Programme One: Part one looks at George's childhood, his influences, his
school friendship with Andrew Ridgeley , the launch and success of Wham!,
the writing and release of Careless Whisper, the duo's eventual split and
the start of George Michael's career as a solo artist. Music will include
Wham Rap, Young Guns, Club Tropicana, Last Christmas, Careless Whisper, A
Different Corner, Everything She Wants, Bad Boys, I'm Your Man, Wake Me Up
Before You Go Go, Freedom.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2004110212,00.html

Party brings house down

By EMILY SMITH
TV Editor

SKINT Shane Richie is flogging his mansion after being hit with a £200,000 bill for his 40th birthday bash.

The EastEnders star had agreed to have OK! magazine covering the party at his £2.9million mock-Tudor pile.

But the deal stalled, leaving him to pick up the tab.

Shane sold the rights to charity mag Big Issue for £1.50 — but he has still told pals to expect the mother of all parties.

One mate said: “Shane doesn’t care he now has to pay himself because it means he and his friends can enjoy themselves on their own terms.

“His popularity has never been higher but his money situation is messy.”

Shane who earns £200,000 a year as Albert Square’s Alfie Moon, was already struggling to find his £8,000-a-month mortgage.

He had remortgaged the place FIVE times and taken out two monster loans.

He invested nearly £700,000 in box office flop Shoreditch, seen by just 300 people.

Guests at this Saturday’s bash in Denham, Bucks, will include the cast of EastEnders, Sir Elton John and George Michael.

Shane is laying on Siberian tigers, ice sculptures, a funfair, celebrity entertainers and David Beckham’s caterers.

He is hoping to sell his home of seven years soon afterwards so he can find a cosy country pad with actress girlfriend Christie Goddard, 24.

The friend added: “Shane has resigned himself to it.

“The house is so big there are parts he doesn’t use. His party will cost him a lot but he wants to celebrate in style."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/3543059.stm

Live Aid finally gets DVD release

The 1985 Live Aid concert, one of the defining events in modern music, is
to be released on DVD for the first time.

Organisers will auction the rights to release the DVD after pirate copies
were found for sale on the internet.

They are hoping to raise "a few million pounds" for charity and are aiming
for a Christmas release.

The concert, split between London and Philadelphia, brought together stars
including U2, Queen and Madonna - but has never come out on CD, video or DVD.

Organisers have decided to allow the DVD release after realising
bootleggers were making money from it - but none was going to charity.

Proceeds from the DVD release will go to the Band Aid Trust, which still
exists to relieve poverty and hunger in Ethiopia and the surrounding area.

Bob Geldof "sees it as an asset of the people of Ethiopia" that was not
being fully utilised, according to fellow founding Band Aid trustee John
Kennedy.

"It's a surprise to all of us that we're still here 20 years on spending
and receiving money," he told BBC News Online.

"But because of piracy, it's becoming available without earning any money."

The successful bidder will have to get the permission of every artist - but
"we don't expect any of them to be anything other than co-operative", he said.

Geldof organised Live Aid and the Band Aid single in response to famine in
Ethiopia, in which 1.2 million people starved to death in 1984 and 1985.

Music marathon

Live Aid saw 72,000 pack into Wembley Stadium in London to see artists such
as David Bowie, Wham! and Dire Straits.

The 16-hour music marathon was completed at Philadelphia's JFK Stadium with
acts including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Tom Petty and Mick Jagger.

Live Aid eventually raised £40m. Half of the money was spent on food and
half on long term development.

The DVD plan comes after pirated DVDs were found on sale over the internet
for £110 for a 10-disc set.

After a tip-off from Geldof himself, police raided a property in
Skelmersdale, Lancashire, and arrested a man.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/entertainment/music/3543059.stm

Published: 2004/03/08 13:22:13 GMT

George Michael has called Tony Blair a dangerous man who can't face up to his
own ego.

The star - whose comeback album Patience is out this month - said the Labour
Party should oust its leader.

He told The Big Issue magazine: "I can't imagine what it feels like for people
who lost their kids to hear Tony Blair's pathetic little bleatings that he
still thinks the world is a safer place. It's disrespectful."

A lifelong Labour voter until 2001, Michael added: "I wish to God that the
Labour Party had the guts to get rid of Blair, because it could survive another
election without him.

"I think it's too important for world affairs that he's gone. I think globally
he is a dangerous man. He is an altruist who thinks he's doing everything for
the best, but he cannot face up to his own ego."

In 2002, Michael controversially attacked the Iraq policy of Mr Blair,
representing him as George Bush's poodle in his single Shoot the Dog.

He said there was no chance of him ending his pop career, despite receiving
unfavourable reviews for some recent work. "I always believed I would outlast
everyone with the possible exception of Madonna.

"And I honestly believe that with this record, I will finally be on the same
page with everybody else. I think it will be an undeniable year."

"CURIOUS GEORGE

George Michael's popularity is dropping faster than his pants in a public restroom-but he still knows how to behave like a diva. Sony executives are steamed that Michael is being picky about promoting his new album, 'Patience.' Says our insider: 'George is refusing to do any television to promote the album. He is also saying the only radio he will do is the top 10 stations. His hubris is already amazing.' The album's first single 'Amazing' hits the airwaves next week, but our spies are already snickering about the pomposity of the second single, 'John and Elvis.' A tribute to John Lennon and Elvis Presley, Michael plays a piano once owned by Lennon, which he bought for $3 million. Michael suffered a U.S. backlash last year when he accused President Buch and Americans of being 'warmongers.' A rep for Sony Music told us: "George is not being a diva. Radio reaction is outstanding and he will be interviewed on the 'Today' show by Matt Lauer. The delay in release in the U.S. is due to the overwhelming success of the album in Europe.'"

Freeek! Radio Edit           4:29
Cars and Trains Album Version        5:51
Precious Box Album Version        7:40
Please Send Me Someone (Anselmo's Song) Album Version 5:26
John And Elvis Album Version         4:24
Shoot The Dog Album Version     5:08
Round Here Album Version   5:54
Through Album Version            5:22
Amazing Album Version            4:25
Flawless (Go to the City) Album Version 6:51
American Angel Album Version         4:07
My Mother Had A Brother Album Version 6:17
Patince Album Version       2:53

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/040123/340/ek6q2.html

Friday January 23, 04:51 PM

Get George Michael's 'Amazing'

George Michael returns next month with 'Amazing' and you can download the
track now through LAUNCH.co.uk.

Arranged and produced by George Michael himself, this is the first single
to be lifted from his forthcoming album, 'Patience'.

His first album in eight years, 'Patience' is released on March 15.

LAUNCH.co.uk will screen the European video exclusive of 'Amazing' from
next week.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD 'AMAZING'

To hear a clip of the track - CLICK HERE

The download costs £2 and can be purchased via SMS, telephone, credit card
or PayPal and Nochex.

Hot People: George Michael

Source: People, The; London
Publication date: 2004-01-25

GEORGE MICHAEL could perform new single Amazing and a duet at next month's Brit Awards. Bosses at Sony are desperate for the star to bounce back after his anti-American song Shoot The Dog proved a flop.

Thanks, G-Mail and Yogworld:

Hi!
just a quick note to confirm that Amazing, the first single from
Patience will be on UK (from 8:15) and Italian radio from next Jan. 23.
Ciao
George Michael Info Net Staff

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,4-2004020703,00.html

Patience is a virtue for George

I'M the first journalist to get my hands on an early copy of GEORGE
MICHAEL's new album - and I reckon it is a dead cert for No1 in the charts.

Patience promises to be one of the biggest and best albums of 2004.

And there's no doubt his first track Amazing is truly that.

It sounds a bit like Fast Love, a classic George tune, and it has the
potential to be turned into a stomping dance track with the right DJs
behind the decks.

George has a lot to prove. His last single Shoot The Dog charted at a
disappointing No12.

Patience is also his first album of new material since he released Older
eight years ago.

But you've gotta have faith in George and Patience will leave the critics
and fans in no doubt that he is back - and at his best.

The album has a similar sound to the classic Listen Without Prejudice, Vol
1 - my personal favourite - and has already gone down a storm with
retailers who have heard sneak previews.

Other tracks on the album include a tribute to JOHN LENNON and ELVIS
PRESLEY and a sensational ballad called Through, which finishes off the
album perfectly.

George recorded Patience at London's Air Studios and it goes out under
Sony, with whom he famously fought, and lost, a costly legal battle.

But George re-signed with them late last year. Sony executives were so
impressed by his new material they struck a deal after only hearing THREE
new tracks.

Company bosses are still deciding on a release date for the album but it
looks like the single Amazing could be out within the next few weeks.

So here's an exclusive sneak peak at the chorus of Amazing, which I reckon
George wrote for his boyfriend KENNY GOSS.

So now I walk in the midday sun
I never thought that my saviour would come
I think it's amazing
I think it's amazing
I think you're amazing.

http://www.undercover.com.au/news/2004/20040111_georgemichael.html

While most of us were off getting fat on Christmas pudding over the last
few weeks George Michael was busy slaving over a hot studio desk finishing
off his long awaited album.

The good news is the album, to be called 'Patience', will be released in
March and a single titled 'Amazing' will head to radio later this month.

The aptly titled 'Patience' comes eight years after 'Older', his last
studio album of original material and five years after his album of covers
'Songs From The Last Century'.

Michael released two singles in 2002. 'Freeek' didn't ignite at general
public level despite a million dollar video and 'Shoot The Dog' shot George
in the foot when the anti-war sentiment of the song was seen as going too
far with it's statement against the English Prime Minister over the war issue.

One of the songs for the new album is titled 'John and Elvis (Are Dead)'.
It features George playing the piano he bought at auction for £1.5 million
that used to be owned by John Lennon.

by Paul Cashmere

And:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2004/01/01/bmnm01.xml

http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/page.cfm?objectid=13814392&method=full

By George, He's Done It
Jan 14 2004

Four years after his last album release, George Michael is back and he's
better than ever.

We were given an exclusive playback of four tracks from George's eagerly
awaited new CD Patience yesterday.

The opener, John and Elvis, pays tribute to John Lennon and Elvis Presley and
was composed on a piano once owend by the late Beatle.

The album's first single, Amazing, is set for release in March and is a
poppy, radio-friendly summer anthem. The album also features a couple of up-
tempo dance tracks, including Flawless which heavily samples the song of the
same name that was a bit hit in 2001 for New York house act The Ones.

Written and produced by George, the album carries several of his trademark
slow songs, the most memorable of which is the closer Through. Melodic and
stirring, it is one of the former Wham! singer's most moving songs to date.

The new album will be released in March by Sony, the label George publicly
vowed never to work with again.

Mark Noonan, head of music at retailer HMV, says: "There's been a really
strong vibe around this album for months now. The tracks are classic George
Michael and a real return to form. I'm confident this is going to be one of
the biggest albums of the year."

http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/news/content_objectid=13762442_method=full_siteid=106694_headline=-Ronan--amp--George-s---xA3-32k-gift-name_page.html

RONAN & GEORGE'S £32,000 GIFT
Dec 28 2003

By Emma Cox Tv Correspondent

GEORGE Michael and Ronan Keating last night won £32,000 in a special
celebrity edition of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? in memory of their
mothers - who both died from cancer

Former Wham! star George gave his half of the cash to Macmillan because one
of the charity's nurses looked after his mother when she was dying.

And ex-Boyzone frontman Ronan gave his money to his own charity, the Marie
Keating Foundation, which was set up in his own mother's memory.

George said: "One of the things Ronan and I have in common is that we both
lost our mothers within a year of one another to cancer.

"In my case there was a Macmillan nurse who helped my parents throughout.

"They provide an amazing service and I thought this would be a good way to
show my gratitude."