George Michael’s last Christmas

While the world was sipping in eggnog, snuggling up by the fire and listening to “Last Christmas I gave you my heart” on loop, honey-voiced singer, George Michael, who brought the song to life, breathed his last. In a stroke of irony, the singer-songwriter, who made dance pop a rage in the 80s, passed away on December 25, at the age of 53.  Largely known for his Christmas number, and his iconic 1984 hits Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and Careless Whisper, the British pop sensation is definitely one of the faces of post-disco era dance pop that the world will sorely miss. Though half a globe away from the singer, Mumbai-based musicians feel the shock of his passing, as they would with one of their own.

Geetu Hinduja:
I feel that if someone has to go, then it is best to go peacefully and while in his prime. It is ironic, and also poignant, that he passed away on Christmas day, seeing as Last Christmas was definitely one of his most famous songs. It is my own personal favourite among all his songs, though I also think that Faith was nice. I think he was a fabulous pop singer with a tremendous reach among audiences that few others could have achieved. He had the looks, the voice, the right attitude—really, he was the complete package.

Mihir Joshi:
Whether it was as a part of Wham! or after he decided to go solo, George Michael made an impact among music lovers. He had such a distinctive voice; after Ray Charles and Rod Stewart, I can only think of him. His single Fastlove was one of my favourite songs while growing up. But I also remember his tribute to Freddy Mercury, where he sang Somebody to Love with Queen and everyone in the audience sang along—it really was a surreal moment. I am definitely going to miss the many songs that he would have come up with had he lived. I think, tonight, I’m going to listen to some of his songs with my family, as a kind of tribute.

Shantanu Moitra:
It was when I was studying in class 11 and 12 that I first came across George Michael and Wham!. He seemed to have it all—the good looks, the great voice and the amazing dance moves. I remember, once, we had gone to Palika Bazaar in Delhi, and they were playing Last Christmas from all the speakers. I suppose that for all of us, as we were growing up, that was the one song that we’d have on loop. He lived his life how he wanted to. He was one of the only musicians, aside from Freddy Mercury to openly come out about his sexuality. While his death does come as a blow, I am sure that his music will live forever.

Ehsaan Noorani:
I always feel like he has a lot of music left in him. It was unfortunate about the fact that he got entangled in so many controversies towards the end of his life, because he was more than just a good singer. He was a good writer, a good producer and a good performer. This really has been the worst year for musicians, with so many great singers passing away. I really don’t know what to say.