Brilliant and unhappy: 15 facts from the life of George Michael

On the night of December 26, George Michael died suddenly on the 54th year of his life. The cause of death was heart failure.

George Michael was one of the most popular and bright singers in the history of show business. In the whole world, about 100 million of its discs have been sold. However, in the role of an idol, Michael felt extremely uncomfortable. Under the mask of the star, a man suffering and subject to throwing was hiding.

1. George Michael is half Greek.

The real name of the singer is Yorgos Kyriakos Panayotu. He was born on June 25, 1963 in London. His father was a Greek Cypriot who owns a restaurant, and his mother is an English dancer.

His childhood was not happy.

Parents worked hard and did not do their son. George Michael recalled that he was never praised and hugged ...

George Michael with his parents

In his youth he was not attractive.

"I was a bit overweight, I wore glasses, and my eyebrows fused on the bridge of my nose ..."

He had a friend Andrew, in contrast to George's very attractive and successful girls.

With this friend they created a musical duet Wham! The duo was very popular and lasted for 5 years.

In 1986, the creative union of two friends broke up, and Michael began a solo career.

His first album was called "Faith". He had tremendous success and topped the charts of the United States and Great Britain.

At that time, Michael was experiencing a deep depression, caused by the realization of his homosexuality, as well as exhausting tours. Later, he admitted that he often had sex with women, but he understood that he can not have serious relationships with girls, because he was emotionally homosexual.

During the tour in Rio da Janeiro in 1991, George Michael met with designer Anselmo Feleppe, with whom he had an affair.

Relations tragically interrupted in 1993: Anselmo died of AIDS. George was very worried about this loss.

"It was a terrible time for me. It took about three years to recover, and then I lost my mother. I felt almost damned "

He dedicated Anselmo to the composition Jesus to a Child.

After the death of his mother from cancer, he even wanted to commit suicide, but he was saved by a romance with former sportsman Kenny Goss, which began in 1996.

In 1998, he was arrested and sentenced to penalty work for filthy acts against a young man who turned out to be a plainclothes policeman.

This incident Michael commented as follows:

"He played a game with me, which is called" I'll show you something of my own, and you'll show me something of your own, and then I'll arrest you "

In retaliation George took a video for his song "Outside", where there was a frame with kissing policemen.

In 2000, at the auction, the singer bought the John Lennon pianos, behind which the legendary Beal wrote the song Imagine.

George Michael laid out for the piano 1 million 450 pounds. Such a colossal amount indicates his deep respect for Lennon.

In 2004, his album "Patience" was released, which included the song "Shoot the Dog", which is a satire on Bush Jr. and Tony Blair.

The singer charged them with responsibility for the war in Iraq.

In the New Year's night of 2007, I spoke at the country house of the Russian oligarch Vladimir Potanin.

For this performance, he received $ 3 million.

He was repeatedly arrested because of problems with drugs: driving in a state of drug intoxication and storage of marijuana.

In 2009 George Michael broke off relations with Kenny Goss.

The cause of the break was the singer called alcoholism of a partner and his problems with drugs.

In 2011, during his concert tour George Michael fell ill with a severe form of pneumonia and was on the verge of death.

There was a risk that the singer would forever lose his voice. Nevertheless, he recovered and continued the tour.

George Michael was friends with Elton John.

After the death of Michael in his account, Elton John wrote:

I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. RIP @GeorgeMichael pic.twitter.com/1LnZk8o82m

- Elton John (@eltonofficial) December 26, 2016

"I am deeply shocked. I lost my beloved friend - a man of kind and generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart with his family, friends and all the fans "

Other stars also shared their feelings in connection with the death of the legendary singer.

Madonna wrote:

"Good bye, my friend! Another great artist leaves us. When will this terrible year end? "

Lindsey Lohan:

My love. My soul and my heart are with you and with those you loved. I'll tell you with your beautiful words: "I think you're amazing." You are my friend who should sing at my wedding ... We will always communicate through prayers - now you are my angel. I love you, dear friend. Thank you for inspiring so many people. Angel...

Robbie Williams:

"God, no ... I love you, George. Rip"

Brian Adams:

"I can not believe this. An incredible performer and a wonderful person, too young to leave us "