Elton John pays emotional tribute to George Michael and dedicates songs to his tragic pal on radio show
SIR Elton John paid emotional tribute to tragic pal George Michael on a radio show.
Elton described George as one of the world's best vocalists and 'the kindest and most generous man' before dedicating tracks by Bob Dylan and Nina Simone to him.
Speaking on the Beats 1 show, Elton said: "I wanted to do a little tribute to him on the show because not only was he a good friend, but he was probably one of the most brilliant songwriters this country’s ever produced, and certainly one of the best vocalists ever.
"One of the best in the world."
The Goodbye Yellow Brick Road singer described how they bonded over George's hit Wake Me Up Before You Go Go and paid tribute to his humanitarian nature.
Sir Elton added: "He was the kindest, most generous man, and did it without wanting any publicity.
"I’ve seen him being so kind to so many people.
"I’ll miss him so much for his music but more than anything for his humanity."
He dedicated six tracks to George Michael including the late star's own song One More Try, Leon Russell's A Song For You and Nina Simone's I Put A Spell On You.
He also dedicated Ray Charles' classic Drown In My Own Tears, Bruce Springsteen's Streets of Philadelphia and Bob Dylan's Blowing In The Wind, to the late performer.
Yesterday, we revealed how George Michael’s family may have to wait until the end of the month before his body is released for his funeral.
Toxicology tests on the former Wham! singer’s body are yet to be completed — and may not be for weeks.
The star died on Christmas Day, aged 53, after being found by his lover Fadi Fawaz at his home in Goring, Oxfordshire.
A source said: “In similar cases, toxicology tests can take around eight weeks, maybe a little longer, so I would have thought the results will come back towards the end of the month.
"There have been no new updates on the case — but from the moment of George’s death police have said it was not suspicious.”
Fadi, 40, was quizzed by cops about the circumstances in which the star died but is not being treated as a suspect.
The photographer said he slept in his car on Christmas Eve, finding George’s body on Christmas Day.
Fadi, who was with the singer for four years, has apparently been frozen out of George’s inner circle of friends.
They are said to be angry at his claim the star took his own life.
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Fadi had tweeted: “The only thing George wanted to do is die.
"He tried to kill himself many times and finally he managed.”
Thames Valley Police confirmed there were no updates.
In a statement issued last month, Thames Valley police said: “As part of Thames Valley Police’s investigation on behalf of Oxfordshire Coroner into this unexplained but non-suspicious death officers are establishing facts which include taking statements.
“This is standard practice in cases such as this to allow the coroner to determine the circumstances of the death.”
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