Andrew Ridgeley is best known as one half of the iconic 1980s pop duo Wham!, alongside his friend George Michael. Together, they created hits that defined a generation, such as “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Last Christmas,” and “Careless Whisper.” However, after Wham! disbanded in 1986, Ridgeley’s public profile became notably quieter, leading many to wonder what happened to him following the spotlight of his early career.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Andrew Ridgeley was born on January 26, 1963, in Windlesham, Surrey, England. He met George Michael at Bushey Meads School, and they formed a band called The Executive, which eventually evolved into Wham!. The duo signed a record deal with Innervision Records in 1982 and quickly rose to fame with their debut album “Fantastic,” which reached No. 1 in the UK.
Wham!’s Success
Wham! became one of the most successful pop acts of the 1980s, with a string of chart-topping hits and a massive global following. Their music was characterized by catchy pop melodies, a youthful exuberance, and a distinctive image that included slogan T-shirts and permed hair.
The Split of Wham!
In 1986, at the height of their fame, Wham! announced their split. Their farewell single, “The Edge of Heaven,” topped the UK charts, and their final concert at Wembley Stadium was a sell-out event. The split was amicable, with both Ridgeley and Michael wanting to pursue different musical directions.
Post-Wham! Career
After Wham!, Ridgeley attempted to launch a solo career. He released his only solo album, “Son of Albert,” in 1990, which was met with mixed reviews and limited commercial success. The album’s sound was a departure from Wham!’s pop style, featuring more rock-oriented tracks.
Life Out of the Limelight
Following his brief solo career, Ridgeley largely retreated from the public eye. He moved to Cornwall and focused on his personal life, including his relationship with Keren Woodward, a member of the pop group Bananarama. Ridgeley has been known to enjoy surfing and motor racing, hobbies that he has pursued away from the glare of the media.
Occasional Public Appearances
While Ridgeley has kept a low profile, he has made occasional public appearances. He has been seen at various charity events and has participated in interviews, usually reflecting on his time with Wham! and his friendship with George Michael.
Andrew Ridgeley’s Relationship with George Michael
Ridgeley and Michael remained close friends after Wham!’s breakup. Ridgeley was deeply affected by Michael’s death on Christmas Day 2016 and has since spoken publicly about his grief and the loss of his friend and former bandmate.
Writing and Reflection
In 2019, Ridgeley published a memoir titled “Wham! George & Me,” which details his friendship with George Michael and their journey to stardom. The book offers a personal look at the highs and lows of fame and the dynamics of their musical partnership.
Andrew Ridgeley’s Advocacy and Charity Work
Ridgeley has been involved in various charitable endeavors over the years. He has shown support for environmental causes and has participated in fundraising events for organizations such as the Dallaglio RugbyWorks charity.
Andrew Ridgeley Today
Today, Ridgeley continues to live a relatively private life. He is active on social media, where he shares his thoughts on music, current events, and memories of his time with Wham!.
Legacy and Influence
Despite stepping away from the music industry, Ridgeley’s legacy as part of Wham! endures. The duo’s music remains popular, with songs like “Last Christmas” becoming perennial holiday favorites.
Andrew Ridgeley’s Net Worth
Although Ridgeley’s solo career did not reach the heights of his success with Wham!, he has still accumulated a significant net worth, thanks in part to royalties from Wham!’s enduring hits.
Personal Life and Privacy
Ridgeley has always valued his privacy, especially when it comes to his personal relationships. He and Keren Woodward have had an on-and-off relationship over the years, and Ridgeley has generally kept details of his private life out of the public domain.
Reflections on Fame
In interviews, Ridgeley has reflected on the nature of fame and the impact it has had on his life. He has expressed gratitude for the experiences he had with Wham! but also contentment with his decision to step away from the spotlight.
Andrew Ridgeley’s Impact on Music
While George Michael was the primary songwriter for Wham!, Ridgeley’s contributions to the band’s image and direction were significant. His role in shaping the duo’s success is often highlighted by fans and music historians alike.
Table: Summary of Andrew Ridgeley’s Life Post-Wham!
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1986 | Wham! disbanded |
| 1990 | Released solo album “Son of Albert” |
| 1990s-2000s | Lived a private life, focusing on personal interests and relationships |
| 2016 | George Michael passed away; Ridgeley expressed his grief publicly |
| 2019 | Published memoir “Wham! George & Me” |
FAQ Section
What is Andrew Ridgeley doing now?
Andrew Ridgeley lives a relatively private life, focusing on personal interests such as surfing and motor racing. He is also active on social media and has been involved in charity work.
Did Andrew Ridgeley have a successful solo career?
Ridgeley released a solo album in 1990, but it did not achieve the same level of success as Wham!’s music. He has not pursued a solo music career since.
Are there any plans for a Wham! reunion or tribute?
Since George Michael’s passing in 2016, a Wham! reunion is not possible. However, Ridgeley has participated in tributes and events celebrating the music and legacy of Wham!.
Conclusion
Andrew Ridgeley may have stepped out of the limelight after Wham!’s split, but his contributions to the music world and his role in one of the most beloved pop duos of the 1980s have not been forgotten. His life post-Wham! has been marked by a desire for privacy, a continued friendship with George Michael until his untimely death, and a commitment to personal fulfillment away from the pressures of fame. Through occasional public appearances, charity work, and his memoir, Ridgeley has shared his reflections on a remarkable period in music history and his journey since. While he may not be a regular fixture in the media, Andrew Ridgeley’s legacy as part of Wham! continues to resonate with fans around the world.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qq3MoKalnKCWu6WtjZympmenna61eceap6mdnpqxbsDOZpinnKKaxG6%2ByJ2enqSVrnw%3D