George Michael: I quit pop music

[strandinthewind]

George Michael: I quit pop music

BERLIN, Germany (Reuters) -- George Michael says he is saying farewell to the world of pop music, using a candid documentary about his life to put the record straight before he "disappeared."

He also declared the genre that brought him fame and riches, as well as unwanted media attention, was dead.

"That genre is just dead as far as I am concerned," he told Reuters in an interview after the premiere of his documentary at the Berlin Film Festival.

"George Michael: A Different Story" traces a rags-to-riches journey that made Michael one of the biggest selling artists of the 1980s and 1990s but which was not without tragedy along the way.

"I just thought it was very important to explain myself before I disappear," the 41-year-old said. "I truly believe that there's a life for me that is not this one."

When asked what he would do next, he replied:

"Perhaps it will mean writing for other people. I have an ambition to write a truly contemporary musical, not necessarily even for the stage, but for the screen ... I have got to find ways to make music and enjoy it the way I used to."

Michael railed against the advent of manufactured bands and the music world's obsession with celebrity, explaining that he was not interested in competing with the likes of British musicians Robbie Williams or Will Young.

"Nobody want to hear about politics, or any kind of strong ideas in pop any more."

In the 100-minute film, he speaks frankly about losing a lover to AIDS and the death of his mother, of the infamous lewd act in a Beverly Hills toilet and the media fury over his anti-Iraq war stance.

'Unbearable'
The documentary is fascinating as much for its insight into life as a celebrity as it is for revealing some of the truth about the notoriously publicity-shy star.

"It's never suited me very well, the business of media and celebrity," Michael said. "Now I just find it unbearable."

His meteoric rise to superstardom, first with Wham! and then as a solo artist, was complicated by the fact that he was gay while widely believed to be straight.

"I thought, 'Oh my God, I'm a massive star and I think I may be a poof. This is not going to end well'," he said in the film.

Michael eventually outed himself after being charged with lewd behavior in a toilet in 1998, although he lost Brazilian boyfriend Anselmo Feleppa to an AIDS-related condition in 1993.

"I remember looking at the sky and saying: 'Don't do this to me'," Michael said, referring to the moment when Feleppa told him he was going for medical tests.

Ballads like "Careless Whisper" and "Faith" have propelled Michael to the pinnacle of the music world.

He has sold more than 70 million records, and his 1987 album "Faith" yielded six number one singles in the key American market. He has amassed a personal fortune estimated at 80 million pounds ($150 million).

But he has also had fallow years, such as when he fought a losing legal battle against his record label in the early 1990s.

He came roaring back in 1994, performing the acclaimed "Jesus to a Child" single under Berlin's Brandenburg Gate.

Elton John appears in the film and repeats his criticism of Michael that a decision not to tour was a waste of his talent.

"I find him very frustrating," said John.

John also takes a swipe at Michael's reluctance to tell the world that he was gay.

"To be busted in the toilet is not the best way to come out of the closet, is it?" John asked.

Michael said he never thought the incident would destroy his career, but he was "floored" by the media backlash triggered by his opposition to the war in Iraq.

The video for "Shoot the Dog" features cartoon figures of U.S. President George W. Bush in bed with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife.

Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Movi...eut/index.html

[strandinthewind]

If you go to the link - let me just say that pic. make La Michael at the age of 41 look a little road hard and put up wet

I must say though that I LOVED his music - everything from dancing wildly in high school to Wake Me Up Before You Go Go (brilliant if you ask me ) to BELTING Father Figure (doesn't that sound like an S&M act ) in Law School.

I must say Elton John's quote "To be busted in the toilet is not the best way to come out of the closet, is it?" is both hysterical and typical Queen Elton pith

[irishgrl]

his genre is dead. John Mellencamp said rock was dead. our music is changing and Im not fond of some of what's left. I never thought I'd see the day when there was a type of music I didnt like! I guess Im now officially one of "them!"

[Gypsy-Rhiannon]

Faith was a fantastic album. I was a huge fan of his some years ago. Never really liked him in his Wham days though. And I still think he did one of the best Queen covers at the Freddie tribute

Pip

[Miss Vicky]

Unfortunately I got into his music way too late in the game. Have only his "Ladies and Gentlemen" collection which I picked up a few months ago.

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by Gypsy-Rhiannon

Faith was a fantastic album. I was a huge fan of his some years ago. Never really liked him in his Wham days though. And I still think he did one of the best Queen covers at the Freddie tribute

Pip

until he performed "Somebody To Love" at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert...That performance (Along with the band Extreme's "Queen medley) was the best of the show

Sadly the worse performance of the day was Robert Plant's attempt at the Queen track "Innuendo". Dude, How could you forget the lyrics to such a classic song, Especially one that was a musical nod to Led Zeppelin? I can sing the song word-for-word...But then given Robert's lack of memory of the lyrics is the only reason why the track was not included on the official DVD release of the show.

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by estranged4life

until he performed "Somebody To Love" at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert...That performance (Along with the band Extreme's "Queen medley) was the best of the show

Sadly the worse performance of the day was Robert Plant's attempt at the Queen track "Innuendo". Dude, How could you forget the lyrics to such a classic song, Especially one the was a nod to Led Zeppelin? I can sing the song word-for-word...But then given Robert's lack of memory of the lyrics is the only reason why the track was not included on the official DVD release of the show.

I think this is sad. If music stinks then put out good stuff, don't bow out. But, if it will make him happy then go for it. But he will be back.

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

his genre is dead. John Mellencamp said rock was dead. our music is changing and Im not fond of some of what's left. I never thought I'd see the day when there was a type of music I didnt like! I guess Im now officially one of "them!"

though I think Mellen-CHUMP'S "rock music" career is also dead (I wonder if that is why he is suddenly being shown on CMT???).

But real rock is not dead, It has gone quietly back to the velvet underground, Which is fine by me...It makes me feel somewhat nostalgic having to locate great music like back in the old days WITHOUT listening to the media, critics, radio or "supposed music video channels" to decide what is current that I may like.

Matter-of-fact, My taste in music overall has reflected the back to the velvet underground mentality (Gee, I wonder who SANG that line??? ) and I dont feel it will be changing anytime soon.

[DrummerDeanna]

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

But he will be back.

Of course - for a round of what 93 farewell tours - seriously - how many damn farewell tours has Cher gone on now

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by DrummerDeanna

Of course - for a round of what 93 farewell tours - seriously - how many damn farewell tours has Cher gone on now

Kiss has been on a farewell tour since 1995 (!!!) and it doesnt appear to be coming to an end anytime soon

If you are going to leave the 'buziness' do what an Oklahoman named Garth Brooks did, Move back to your homestate and raise yer children and tell the industry that is the only priority in life that matters, and you wont be back anytime soon...No "one more ongoin' money grab" farewell tour, No farewell album of mediocre music, Just up and walk-a-way as Garth did

[Miss Vicky]

Originally Posted by estranged4life

"supposed music video channels"

You know, MTV and VH1 do still play music videos, only you have to watch really early in the morning to catch them.
Other than that, MTV is nothing but reality tv programming and dating shows - Osbournes, Newlyweds, Ashlee Simpson, Pimp My Ride, Room Raiders, Date My Mom, etc. And VH1 is reality TV, gossip, fashion, and movies - Surreal Life, Celebrity Fit Club, Strange Love, The Fabulous Life of..., The Best Week Ever, Movies that Rock... etc.
It's a wonder they can get away with still calling themselves Music Television and Video Hits One.

[catinthedark]

Originally Posted by irishgrl

he is right... his genre is dead. John Mellencamp said rock was dead. our music is changing and Im not fond of some of what's left. I never thought I'd see the day when there was a type of music I didnt like! I guess Im now officially one of "them!"

I can relate. I've been feeling very old lately for my 34 years. I finally gave up on listening to the radio about a year ago. I just couldn't stand it anymore (other than the classic rock station in my city). I have been reflecting on whether it is simply a generational thing, and whether people in their 30s felt the same about the music I loved through the 80s and 90s (I was always very enamoured of 60s and 70s music, too). But I don't think it is. I think that the whole industry has simply changed, for the worse. It is no longer about talent and songwriting and ideas and creativity. As stated above, with very, very few exceptions, it's all about looks and celebrity. If it doesn't exist, the music company will manufacture it. None of these current "stars" is going to be around in 10, 20, 30 years. I'm wondering what's going to happen to the Rock and Roll hall of Fame. Who the heck are they going to induct 20 years from now??? Britney Spears? Jessica Simpson? Reuban Stoddard? It's all very sad. I think there is probably a lot of talent out there that will never be heard - because the artist doesn't have the right look - the right body. Pure talent no longer gets a record exec interested. And unless the record companies are paying the radio station, the song's not going to get played. I don't blame George Michael one bit for getting out. (I do find it a touch arrogant that he felt the need to explain to the world why he was disappearing; I'm not sure I would have noticed. )

[golden braid]

I loved George's Faith album when I was a kid. I remember playing I Want Your Sex all the time and that was supposed to be a "bad" song. I really thought George was super hot too. I loved seeing him in that Monkey (whatever it was called) video.

[estranged4life]

Originally Posted by catinthedark

I can relate. I've been feeling very old lately for my 34 years. I finally gave up on listening to the radio about a year ago. I just couldn't stand it anymore (other than the classic rock station in my city). I have been reflecting on whether it is simply a generational thing, and whether people in their 30s felt the same about the music I loved through the 80s and 90s (I was always very enamoured of 60s and 70s music, too). But I don't think it is. I think that the whole industry has simply changed, for the worse. It is no longer about talent and songwriting and ideas and creativity. As stated above, with very, very few exceptions, it's all about looks and celebrity. If it doesn't exist, the music company will manufacture it. None of these current "stars" is going to be around in 10, 20, 30 years. I'm wondering what's going to happen to the Rock and Roll hall of Fame. Who the heck are they going to induct 20 years from now??? Britney Spears? Jessica Simpson? Reuban Stoddard? It's all very sad. I think there is probably a lot of talent out there that will never be heard - because the artist doesn't have the right look - the right body. Pure talent no longer gets a record exec interested. And unless the record companies are paying the radio station, the song's not going to get played. I don't blame George Michael one bit for getting out. (I do find it a touch arrogant that he felt the need to explain to the world why he was disappearing; I'm not sure I would have noticed. )

I am the same age (34) and I havent listened to radio on a regular basis in about 3 years...The stations downfall to me started when Clear Channel started to dictate what was musically acceptable to be played, To which I say "F**k that"! Now almost all of the stations in this area have jumped on that bandwagon, Thus I refuse to give in to that "music lobotomization".

I prefer to listen to someone who will have longevity, Not someone who will rake in the fame/$$$/critical acclaim in 5 minutes flat like the current crop of crap that is trying to shoved down everyone's throat either by Clear Channel radio or Viacom and their "supposed music video channels".

As for the following idiots (Britney Spears--Jessica Simpson--Reuban Stoddard) they better hope they wisely invested the $$$ they have made off their 15 minutes of fame, Cause the hand is on 14 minutes...And closing in fast on 15.

What happened to the day when a "musician" played for the love of music instead of the whole current crop (Or is it crap?) of "entertainers" who just want instant gratification with "celebrity/critical acclaim/fame/$$$" instead of busting their asses the ol' hard way as "musicians" did back in 1960's-1970's???

In the end, REAL TALENT shines eternally through and FAKE CONTRIVED CRAP hardens up and turns to dust in the blowing wind

[SuzeQuze]

Originally Posted by estranged4life

I am the same age (34) and I havent listened to radio on a regular basis in about 3 years...The stations downfall to me started when Clear Channel started to dictate what was musically acceptable to be played, To which I say "F**k that"! Now almost all of the stations in this area have jumped on that bandwagon, Thus I refuse to give in to that "music lobotomization".

I prefer to listen to someone who will have longevity, Not someone who will rake in the fame/$$$/critical acclaim in 5 minutes flat like the current crop of crap that is trying to shoved down everyone's throat either by Clear Channel radio or Viacom and their "supposed music video channels".

As for the following idiots (Britney Spears--Jessica Simpson--Reuban Stoddard) they better hope they wisely invested the $$$ they have made off their 15 minutes of fame, Cause the hand is on 14 minutes...And closing in fast on 15.

What happened to the day when a "musician" played for the love of music instead of the whole current crop (Or is it crap?) of "entertainers" who just want instant gratification with "celebrity/critical acclaim/fame/$$$" instead of busting their asses the ol' hard way as "musicians" did back in 1960's-1970's???

In the end, REAL TALENT shines eternally through and FAKE CONTRIVED CRAP hardens up and turns to dust in the blowing wind

Same. I'll be 34 in April and I no longer listen to the radio, except for AAR, dude, I'm OLD! You really have to hunt for good music these days. In the 80s critics made fun of "hair band" music like it wasn't real music. Now it is looked at nostalgiacly and the kids love it (well my aunt's kids do, and they are 13 and 16). My 13 year old cousin was humming Eye of the Tiger and I was like, "Did you just see Rocky or something?", she's like, "Wha?", and then she said she downloaded the song. I was like, oh yay, I'm cool! Finally, the 80s get their due. At least the bands then all played their own instruments and sang live and mostly in key.