I previously posted this on Non-Stop 80s Love but for those who are new here, or have been with me since Day One, I thought I would repost it to share with you guys how I felt about losing one my idols on a day that was supposed to be goodwill to all. It's mid February now and almost 2 months have gone by since the news was broken, it still feels like five minutes ago; so surreal and depressing. So with all that being said, let's just jump straight into it. (Post from January 29th, 2017)
I was truly devastated by the death of the legend George Michael on Christmas Day. 53 is far too young an age to die at, he had the rest of his life ahead of him. That's the sad part. Ever since his death I've found it particularly hard to listen to his music anthology without breaking down. At time of writing it has been five weeks to the day since he passed. But to me, it's still fresh in my mind; it still seems like five minutes ago that it was breaking news. Deep down, I know he would not have wanted to have seen us be upset, instead celebrating his life and letting the legacy he left behind live on for many generations to come.
So far, I seem to be making progress. Many lovelies say their coping mechanism is to listen to his music, but start from the very beginning at Wham! and work their way down the spectrum up to Symphonica, his last album, at their own pace. Wham! is very lively and upbeat and I spent most of my time belting my heart out to it. I had no problem with Faith or Listen Without Prejudice. I've kind of ground to a halt with Older. As much as it is a wonderful album and the music videos are superb, I can't bring myself to listen to it the whole way through. The slower music does, in my own admission, evokes emotion. However at the moment, there's a way of getting around it. Playing the entire collection on shuffle makes it easier. But one day, I will listen to the more recent albums the whole way through. That's my goal.
I was introduced to GM/Wham! through the power of VH1 Classic when I was ten. The first song I ever heard was Last Christmas, and at the end I can remember thinking "Gosh, that was really good!" It wasn't long until I had discovered more of his work, and started to buy the albums. My parents went to see Wham! at Sheffield City Hall in December 1984. What I would have done to be born then! Jealous much! I opened Twitter with the intention of meeting more Lovelies, and mission accomplished! No regrets. I've met some really nice, sweet people on there. So, it's safe to say I've been officially a Lovelie for almost 8 years now. Admittedly, I do idolise George. I was always inspired by his style, encouraging others to express themselves...everything about him basically. So yes, I was devastated when he passed. It still feels surreal without him, even though he was not a family member, he was still a part of my life.
So how have I been coping these past five weeks? Well, like I said I've been slowly beginning to listen to his music and watch his music videos. When I put my headphones in and turn Wham! or GM up, it feels like he's in the room with me, despite accepting he's gone. It also enables me to look back on the happy memories I've had appreciating his music, and will carry on doing so. Talking about it eases the pain. Sharing photos and videos is almost like spreading the love he left behind for us to pick up. Many people have commented that it's good that younger generations are loving his music. Honestly, I don't know what I would have done if I had never discovered him that day. I'm proud to be one of the "young guns". We all have our own unique way of coping with things like this, and this is how I am coping.
Rest in Peace, George.
With all that being said, that's my story.
See you in the next post or in the near future,
Sigourney
