Overview
Timelines
Charitable Work and Philanthropy
Overview and main events
Tours and Live Performances
Early Life and Formation of Wham!
Solo Career
Health Issues and Legal Troubles
Documentaries and Posthumous Releases
Death and Legacy
Legal Battles and Contract Issues
Personal Life and Relationships
Awards and Recognition
Chronicle
Articles
George Michael. Early Life and Formation of Wham!
Early Life and Formation of Wham!
This timeline covers George Michael's early life, his formation of the band Wham!, and their rise to fame.
25 June 1963
Birth
George Michael was born as Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in East Finchley, Middlesex, England.
1981
Formation of Wham!
George Michael formed the pop duo Wham with his high school friend Andrew Ridgeley.
1983
Release of 'Fantastic'
Wham released their debut album 'Fantastic', which reached number one on the UK Albums Chart.
1984
Release of 'Make It Big'
Wham released their second album 'Make It Big', which also reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200.
1984
First Worldwide Hit
Wham had their first worldwide hit with the single 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go'.
1985
Tour in China
Wham became the first Western pop act to tour China, generating significant global media coverage.
