ITV 'planning three-hour George Michael tribute'

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 04 April 2023

ITV plans to honour the late George Michael with a three-hour concert to mark what would have been his 60th birthday.

ITV is said to be planning a three-hour tribute to the late George Michael to mark what would have been his 60th birthday.

The legendary singer died of heart disease at the age of 53 at his home in the early hours of Christmas Day 2016, having not previously been known to be ill.

This June Michael would have turned 60 and according to The Mirror, ITV intends to celebrate the occasion with "the biggest celebration of his life and legacy to date".

Among those said to be taking part are his ex-Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley, backing singer Shirlie Kemp, her husband Martin Kemp and Michael's close friends Geri Horner and Liam Gallagher.

"In spite of the huge loss felt around the world when he died and the calls for a tribute concert, there's never been an event celebrating his life and all he achieve," a source told the newspaper.

"ITV want this to be the celebration he deserves. It will be a joyous coming together of all George's friends and loved ones to highlight his incredible legacy."

During his career Michael is estimated to have sold 100m records as a solo artist, as well as 30m more with Wham!, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time.

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