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Wham was a pop duo that formed in 1981 and became one of the most successful and influential acts of the 1980s. They were known for their catchy songs, energetic performances, and iconic style. In this blog post, we will explore their origins, achievements, and legacy.
Origins
Wham consisted of singer-songwriter George Michael and instrumentalist Andrew Ridgeley, who met at Bushey Meads School in Watford, England. They initially played in a short-lived rock and roll band called The Executive, but soon decided to pursue their own musical vision. They adopted the name Wham, which they felt captured their energy and friendship. They signed with Innervision Records in 1982 and released their debut single “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do)”, which was a rap-inspired song that celebrated their rebellious attitude and youth culture1
Achievements
Wham quickly rose to fame with their debut album Fantastic, which reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200 in 1983. The album featured hits such as “Young Guns (Go for It)”, “Bad Boys”, “Club Tropicana”, and “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”. The latter was their first US number-one single and became a global phenomenon, thanks to its catchy chorus, upbeat tempo, and colorful video. Wham also became known for their fashion sense, popularizing the “Choose Life” T-shirts, leather jackets, and fluffy hair1
Wham followed up their success with their second album Make It Big in 1984, which was even more successful than their first. The album spawned four US number-one singles: “Everything She Wants”, “Careless Whisper”, “Freedom”, and “Last Christmas”. The latter was a seasonal ballad that became one of the best-selling singles of all time, selling over 50 million copies worldwide. Wham also made history by becoming the first Western pop group to perform in China in 1985, attracting huge crowds and media attention12
Wham decided to split up in 1986, at the peak of their popularity. They wanted to pursue their own solo careers and musical directions. They released a farewell single “The Edge of Heaven” and a greatest-hits album The Final, which both topped the UK charts. They also performed a sold-out concert at Wembley Stadium, which was their last live performance together1
Legacy
Wham left a lasting impact on the music industry and pop culture. They sold more than 30 million records worldwide and won numerous awards, including two American Music Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, and a Brit Award. They influenced many artists, such as Mariah Carey, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, and Sam Smith. They also inspired a musical film Last Christmas, which was released in 2019 and featured their songs. Wham’s music remains popular and timeless, as their songs are often played on radio stations, TV shows, and movies13
