Andrew Ridgeley delighted fans with a rare public appearance in London as he attended a special screening of the upcoming documentary Wham! 10 Days in China. The former Wham! star, now 63, appeared relaxed and youthful while celebrating the film that revisits one of the duo’s most historic moments.
Dressed casually in white shorts, a black short-sleeved button-up shirt, and black sneakers, Ridgeley arrived at the event with a warm smile. The documentary explores Wham!’s landmark 1985 visit to China, a tour that marked a significant milestone in international pop music history. Alongside never-before-seen archival footage, the film includes present-day interviews with fans, tour contributors, and Ridgeley himself.
Ridgeley co-founded Wham! with childhood friend George Michael in 1981. Together, they became one of Britain’s biggest pop acts of the 1980s, producing timeless hits including Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Careless Whisper, and the holiday classic Last Christmas. The latter enjoyed renewed success in 2025, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 decades after its original release.
Although Wham! officially disbanded in 1986, Ridgeley and Michael remained close friends until Michael’s death in 2016 at the age of 53. In recent years, Ridgeley has largely stayed away from public life, making only occasional appearances at major music events.
Earlier in 2026, he attended The Ivors Awards to accept the Academy Fellowship awarded posthumously to George Michael. Reflecting on the honor, Ridgeley said his longtime friend would have deeply valued recognition from fellow songwriters and musicians. He also noted that Michael’s music continues to resonate because it captures universal human emotions that remain relevant across generations.
Ridgeley believes the enduring appeal of both Wham!’s energetic pop songs and Michael’s later, more introspective work lies in their emotional honesty. He has often described his friend’s songwriting as timeless, capable of connecting with listeners regardless of changing musical trends.
Following Wham!’s split, Ridgeley explored other interests, including motor racing in Monaco and acting in Los Angeles, before returning to England for a quieter lifestyle. He has previously explained that he never sought a long-term solo music career, saying he was satisfied with achieving his dream of being part of a successful band.
Ridgeley has also spoken openly about the lasting impact of losing George Michael, describing his friend’s death as an irreplaceable loss. He has recalled the shock of receiving the news and admitted that the absence of his closest friend created a void that remains years later.
Away from music, Ridgeley was in a long-term relationship with Bananarama singer Keren Woodward from 1990 until 2017. He later had a brief relationship with television personality Amanda Cronin between 2022 and 2023.
As anticipation builds for Wham! 10 Days in China, Ridgeley’s appearance has renewed interest in the enduring legacy of one of pop music’s most influential duos.
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Source: Owink
