George Michael’s devastated former Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley speaks of heartache as other celebrities pay tribute to the star
George Michael would be ‘’humbled’’ and ‘’knocked sideways’’ by the outpouring of love for him, his Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley revealed last night.
Andrew, 53 had a string of hits with his school-friend after they formed the band in the early 80s.
He told The Sun he was getting over the singer’s shock death with old friends.
Andrew said: “It’s all pretty raw for everyone still.
“I understand that there are a lot of people worldwide who care for him and his music.
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“The outpouring of goodwill and well-wishing has been remarkable and inspiring and he would have been knocked sideways by it.
“I think he would have been genuinely humbled by the expression of sadness from people.”
The singer, who like George was originally from Watford, but now lives in Cornwall, also tweeted his tributes.
He said he was “heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog”, a nickname which refers to “Yours Only George”.
He said: “Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx”
He added he was “cleft with grief” - meaning ‘split, divided or partially divided in two’ - as he described the loss of his friend.
He said:”God didn’t give it, you did my old friend. Cleft with grief. A xx”
STARS TWEET TRIBUTES TO SUPERSTAR
BOY GEORGE wrote: “He was so loved and I hope he knew it because the sadness today is beyond words.
“What a beautiful voice he had and his music will live on as a testament to his talent. I can’t believe he is gone. I hope the Buddha will hold him in his arms.”
Former bandmate ANDREW RIDGELEY tweeted: “Had a voice that would transport u. He was the finest singer/songwriter of his generation & has left the best of himself 4 us. RIP GM xx
Singer SAM SMITH said: “Words can’t express how much you and your music meant and means to me.”
HOLLY JOHNSON, Frankie Goes To Hollywood frontman, said: “Sad to hear the news about George Michael, and so many great singers and songwriters we lost this year.”
Ex-Spice Girl GERI HORNER posted a snap of her hugging “brother” George. She said: “RIP . . . a dear friend, the kindest, most generous and talented person.” She had previously said he was her “only celebrity friend”
outside the Spice Girls, adding: “I’ve played my music to him and sometimes he’d tell me it’s s**t.”
DURAN DURAN said: “2016 — loss of another talented soul.”
QUEEN guitarist BRIAN MAY wrote: “This year has cruelly taken so many fine people way too young. And George? That gentle boy? All that beautiful talent? Can’t begin to compute this. RIP George. Sing with Freddie. And the Angels.”
SPANDAU BALLET said: “We are incredibly sad at the passing of our dear friend George Michael. A brilliant artist & great songwriter.”
MADONNA tweeted: “Farewell my Friend! Another Great Artist leaves us. Can 2016 F*** Off NOW?”
Late Late Show host JAMES CORDEN said: “I’ve loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time.”
SIMPLY RED frontman MICK HUCKNALL said: “It’s hard to take in. One of our most talented singer songwriters has left us. RIP George Michael. “Such sad, tragic news. 2016 please end.”
MATT GOSS, singer in the band Bros, said: “George Michael was part of the tapestry of my life.
“His songs his lyrics & his melodies, True pop royalty! Heartbroken, RIP dearest George.”
ROBBIE WILLIAMS said: “Oh God no . . . I love you George . . . Rest in peace.”