Times Square Gossip

George Michael In Wham Wham Icon George Michael has died, his publicist said today. The world famed singer was only 53 years old. Michael's fantastic career began with the duo Wham in the 1980s, churning out hits like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," and "Last Christmas" and continued into the 90s after he launched his debut chart-topping solo album "Faith" in 1987. His publicist said he died at his home in Oxfordshire, according to a statement released to Britain's Press Association by Michael's publicist. "It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period," it read. "The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage." Authorities say there are no suspicious circumstances involved.

George Michael commands big bucks for private shows ! British pop star GEORGE MICHAEL has laughed off accusations his private fees are extortionate, comparing himself to English folk hero Robin Hood.The medieval outlaw famously robbed the rich to provide for the poor and Michael is adamant his staggering $3 million (£1.5 million) price for private shows is also for a greater good.He says, "My starting price is $3 million and it will probably go up when I stop touring. I can be a bit Robin Hood about people wanting to see me play live privately."What I would like to do is release my music for free, then I won’t have to interact with an increasingly hostile media."

George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley are to reform Wham!.The 80s pop duo, whose hits include 'Club Tropicana' and 'I'm Your Man', are reportedly planning to fly out to the US this summer to start recording tracks for a new album, with the possibility of a tour later. George made his wishes for a reunion known last year, and asked Andrew to join him on stage at his solo show at London's Wembley Arena last December. However, Andrew pulled out at the last minute because he was too nervous. A source said at the time: "Andrew was sick with nerves at the thought of appearing on stage after all these years, he backed out."Wham! split in 1986 and performed their last concert, 'The Finale', at the now demolished Wembley Stadium, in London, in June of that year. George has since enjoyed a phenomenally successful solo career. His debut album 'Faith' sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Andrew took a short break from pop after the band split but h...

George Michael George Michael's New Year's Eve show ended in disaster after a large quantity of music equipment was destroyed by fire.The singer - who is believed to have pocketed millions to perform at Russian billionaire Vladimir Potanin's private party - lost thousands of pounds worth of equipment when the blaze began at Potanin's Moscow estate. A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Loads of his gear was melted and some of his band's instruments were wrecked when they were covered in ash."Other kit was damaged by water from fire crews. But I reckon George's pay check should just about cover it if Mr Potanin doesn't cough up."Equipment destroyed by fire included a 42 in plasma teleprompt and a variety of musical instruments. It has been reported the fire was started by a crew member experimenting with unused pyrotechnics from the show. Michael, 43, was already on a private jet back to the UK when the blaze began.The 'Careless W...

Having sworn only last year that his pop days were over, George Michael has started a 47-gig tour called "25 Live," celebrating a quarter of a century in the music business."Well it just goes to show, doesn't it? Never say never," the 43-year-old singer wrote in the tour program."I truly believed that tonight would never happen, that I would never sing these songs to you again. But then I'm a fool."As the lights dimmed on a bare set on Saturday evening, the strains of "Waiting" echoed through the packed San Jordi hall, Michael coyly crooning: "You once said there's a way back for every man ... Is it too late to try again? Here I am!" Controversy is nothing new for Michael, who has won plenty of headlines for sex and drugs as well as for rock and roll.He was arrested in 1998 for engaging in a "lewd act" in a public toilet in Los Angeles, after which he ended years of speculation about his sexuality by announcing tha...