Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Wednesday 31 September 2024, Hindley St Music Hall, Adelaide, South Australia
“Get ready to relive the magic of George Michael’s music in a way you’ve never experienced before,” says producer Ralph Schmidtke. “The Life and Music of George Michael will take fans on a captivating ride through the incredible legacy of this musical icon while listening to all the songs they have come to love over the years.”
The Life and Music of George Michael celebrates the performance and sound of one of the biggest international stars of our time. The show will have fans on their feet dancing and singing along to blockbuster hits including “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go,” “Freedom,” “Faith,” “Careless Whisper,” “Father Figure,” and many more.
Michael sold over 115 million albums spanning four decades and rose to fame as a member of Wham! in the early 80’s. He went solo in 1987 with “Faith,” one of the biggest albums of all time. The album had four number one hits including “Faith,” “Monkey,” “Father Figure,” and “One More Try.” He won two Grammy Awards, three Brit awards, three American Music Awards and four MTV Video Music Awards.
Let’s discuss…
‘The Life & Music Of George Michael’ at the Hindley St Music Hall was a vibe, a time machine that whisked us back to the days when George Michael’s voice and charisma dominated the airwaves. This tribute (essentially) show delivered a heartfelt homage to the late pop icon, celebrating his extraordinary career with a blend of nostalgia, admiration, and sheer musical brilliance.
From the minute the venue’ lights’s centre piece chandelier dimmed ‘helicopter’ lights shimmied across the stage and through the audience (think ‘Outside’ video, complete with the ‘chopper’ noise) and the first notes of an early Wham hit filled the room, the audience was transported into the world of George Michael and we erupted. The performers, led by an incredibly talented lead vocalist, initially for the first set, did a phenomenal job of capturing the essence of Michael’s voice and stage presence. Every song was performed with the kind of passion and precision that George himself would have been proud of. Confidence and quality was delivered.
There were two halves, early George and latter George. The early George (up to end of-ish the end of the ‘Faith’ period) was performed by Rory Phelan (who started the show). The more-so 90’s and onwards ‘George’ by the equally outstanding and sophisticated Craig Winberry. Occasionally they crossed paths, this was enjoyable – The George & Elton song ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’ – Brilliance (Aside from the stage hand locking one of the artists from getting up onto stage, whoops)
The Hits
The setlist was a well-curated journey through George Michael’s extensive catalog, featuring hits from his slaying days with Wham! as well as his tremendous solo career. Highlights included:
- ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go‘: This upbeat classic had everyone dancing in their seats.
- ‘Faith‘: The crowd couldn’t help but sing along to this iconic tune.
- ‘Freedom! ’90‘: A powerful performance that resonated with long-time fans.
- ‘Last Christmas‘: A seasonal favorite that brought a festive vibe to the venue
BUT, it didn’t stop with this AT ALL the mega dance hits and classic ballads kept on coming by the truckload…. Including some materials for the die-hards.
Performance and Production
The show quality was top-notch. Yes, there were tech and stage bumps at a few points, BUT, that did NOT dim the energy of the night for us punters. The lighting, sound, and visual effects all contributed to creating an immersive experience. The band was tight, and the backing vocalists added an extra layer of depth to the performance. It was clear that a lot of thought and effort went into ensuring that every detail was perfect.
The lead vocalists whose resemblance to George Michael at varying eras were striking, both in appearance and voice, deserves special mention. Their ability to channel George’s spirit and energy was nothing short of remarkable and engaging. Rory and Craig had the crowd eating out of the palm of their hands from the first note to the last.
Both Rory and Craig had the moves too… the poses, the gestures and the dance moves – these guys, have studies and done their homework.
The signature ‘George’ styles got a node too – The Choose Life T-Shirt, the Jeans & Black Leather Jacket, the Wrap-Around Sunnies and the styled Suit. They were slick and complimentary to the songs.
Audience Engagement
A standout aspect of the night was the interaction between the performers and the audience. There were moments of heartfelt tribute, where stories about George Michael’s life and career were shared, adding a personal touch to the evening. The audience was invited to join in on several occasions, creating a communal atmosphere that made the night feel like a celebration of not just George Michael’s music, but his impact on our lives. It was a jam, and the masses danced and sung along.
Final Thoughts
‘The Life & Music Of George Michael’ at Hindley St Music Hall was a fabulous celebration of an iconic performers catalogue; it was also tribute to a legend who left an indelible mark on the music world. The show was a perfect blend of nostalgia, celebration, and musical excellence. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of George Michael or someone who appreciates great music, this show is a must-see. It reminds us of the enduring power of music to bring people together and celebrate the legacy of one of pop music’s greatest stars. Rory & Craig are phenomenal performers and well equiped for this show and even more.
If you get the chance to catch this show, don’t hesitate. It’s a night filled with freakin’ joy, emotion, and the timeless music of George Michael – a true celebration of a musical icon. Fingers crossed it does a yearly Australian tour 🙂 Please!
Check out the Rory Phelan and Markus Hamence interview here!
