In arguably his best song ever, “Freedom ’90,” George Michael memorably promised, “I won’t let you down, I will not give you up/Gotta have some faith in the sound, It’s the one good thing that I’ve got.” But last night, at the ’80s pop idol’s first L.A.-area concert in 20 years — a video-effects-heavy, two-and-a-half hour set — it became clear that his “one good thing” is sadly diminished.
After confessing that he can’t hit the high notes anymore, George held out the mic Sally Jessy Raphael-style for some much-needed audience participation. The thousands of gay men, female ex-teeny-boppers, and devoted husbands didn’t disappoint, passionately belting out “Careless Whisper” and a string of other classics.
But plenty of George’s good thing is still intact. (After the jump, get the scoop on the highlights, plus some boo-inspiring celebrity sightings in the audience.)
To this day, George can croon a tune like few others. On jazzy, stool-perchingnumbers like “Praying for Time” and “Jesus to a Child,” he managed toturn the massive Forum arena into an intimate, sophisticated,Vegas-style lounge (a vibe only heightened by his ever-present tintedshades and slicked-back, Wayne Newton ‘do). But the torch songs seemed to outnumber the dancehits (what, no “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”?), and whenever George gotup to get down — even donning apolice uniform and mirrored shades for the ever-suggestive “Outside” — I couldn’t help but think he might have benefited by taking Madonna’s lead and getting obsessive about pre-tour training.
On one of his breaks from sweatin’ to the oldies, George announced, “Iprobably shouldn’t say this, but Dr. Phil’s in the audience.” That led to a chorus of “boos” from the audience, which quickly turned to cheers when George added that the self-help guru’s wife was “having awhale of a time,” and then back to boos again when the singer got to thepoint: Dr. Phil was “making this miserable face. He’s been doing it formore than an hour. Maybe you should see someone about that,” Georgeadvised, sealing the dis.
Other celebrities in attendance got more loving treatment. George made a public apology to his EliStone costar, Jonny Lee Miller, for tryingto chat up the actor between takes on the set. “It wasn’t until I wasin the car leaving the set that I realized he wasn’t being rude, he wastrying to stay in character,” marveled George, who admitted he can be alittle “thick.”
Thick or not, George was showered with love by the crowd, which triedto sing “Happy Birthday” to him numerous times. The sing-along finallystuck when another ’80s icon, Bo Derek, inexpicably came out on stageholding what appeared to be a giant, fake sheet cake. With that, the 45-year-oldBrit soaked up the long overdue West Coast love.
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Dr Phil should have told his wife to “Wake me up before you go-go”
Unfortunately I could make it to yesterday’s show in LA because I’ve just moved to Europe. But I’ve seen him last year at the brand new 90.000 capacity Wembley Stadium (twice) and experienced the same phenomenon you highlight in your review, he managed to turn the largest stadium in Europe into a living room! Amazing atmosphere. George Michael has this amazing gift of connecting with people receiving in return the audience’s warmth. I strongly disagree with the comment that his “one good thing” is diminished. In my opinion, shared by many, George Michael has the best voice in the industry. It’s a voice on Tour though. When you’re on the road there are trade-offs you need to make to preserve the voice and cope with the tour schedule. It would be stupid not to. What would be the advantage of aiming at all the high notes every night and start canceling shows halfway through? That’s a rookie mistake, George Michael is a seasoned singer. Can’t wait for final show in London next August.
I agree with Carla “George Michael has the best voice in the industry”. I was at the concert last night and it was magical… I never sat at my seat. George keept the audiance dancing for two hours.
Love you George Michael
Big Fan
Isabel
Good that you wrote “arguably” because I would argue the point. Better songs for me: “Father Figure,” “Everything She Wants,” “Kissing a Fool.” I’ll look forward to the TV special which is bound to come sometime this season, right?
We were all happy to learn from parts of the overpriced “30 buck program”, that our George has a healthy ego and aspires to some sense of perfection in his performance. Too bad the merchandising/marketing people could not be bothered to proofread the redundant and overpriced, poorly edited product. I felt ripped of by their crappy program ,of a brilliant show.
We were all happy to learn from parts of the overpriced “30 buck program”, that our George has a healthy ego and aspires to some sense of perfection in his performance. Too bad the merchandising/marketing people could not be bothered to proofread the redundant and overpriced, poorly edited product. I felt ripped OFF by their crappy program ,of a brilliant show.
He actually played in LA less than 20 years ago….I saw a show at the Forum in 1991.
we’re going to see him in Dallas in a couple of weeks…so far the reviews I’ve read have been pretty good…my husband is the HUGE fan, I’m just tagging along cause none of his guy-friends would go with him…ha…
Article writer wrote:
>I couldn’t help but think he might have benefited by taking Madonna’s lead and getting obsessive about pre-tour training. <
I'm thinking you wouldn't have to THINK at all, if you had the facts.
He did work out with a personal trainer weeks before the show. And he looks better than he did in Am Idol.. imo
one word: AWESOME!!!!
He sill got it. he keep the audience up on there feet all through the night. he may not be running up and down the stage but I was not expecting that he is not Madonna. He deliver and that is what it counts, beautiful voice and stage presence. Can’t wait to see him tonight!!! I am sure I will not be disappointed and I know The Honda Center is a better venue.
I thought the show was the best I have ever seen. Its sad that some reviewers try so hard to add negativity to a wonderful performer who puts on a great show. Luckily most agree with me that this man is brilliant!
I was at the Las Vegas show and George was brilliant. His voice was in great form as was he. The production values were awesome. We sang and danced for 2+ hours. If you have a chance to see it….go, don’t miss it.
I saw George in London and can’t wait to see him again in Atlanta. I’m a new fan and think he sounds amazing and puts on a great show!
I can’t find any reviews for the show in Anehim at The Honda Center. I went. It was simply “Amazing”!!
Best show I have or will probably EVER see in my whole life.. was left speechless; simply sensational & George is the best!!
Saw the Vegas show….wow!
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