Pop Culture Advent 2023: Door 21

Wham! Documentary

Okay, so how long did you last at Whamageddon? Or are you still playing? I mean if you’ve made it all the way to the 21st December without hearing Last Christmas, then massive big congrats to you. I’m normally out pretty early anyway, but spending the first weekend of December at the Manchester Christmas markets, meant I was always going to be an early casualty this year. Thoughts and prayers also to the 7,000 football fans at a Northampton town match, who were simultaneously out at once when a DJ played the song during half time.

This is my round about way of introducing what’s behind today’s Pop Culture door. My other half, and fan of 80’s pop music, David Ledgerwood, recommends the Wham! Documentary that was released on Netflix during the summer.

David explains more here: This was such a nostalgia trip for me, and took me back to my favourite era of Pop Music. Not only did hearing those songs bring back many memories, it also delves into the dynamic of the group and the writing of their music.

The documentary highlights what a genius George Michael was, and also puts a long overdue spotlight on Andrew Ridgeley. For a long time, Ridgeley was dismissed as the lesser one of the partnership, and was something of a footnote in Wham’s legacy. However, it’s evident how much of a part he plays in protecting George Michael’s legacy. Evident too is the strong bond that the men had with each other — hearing how George Michael came out to Andrew Ridgely is a powerful part of the film. Overall, I just love this film because we get the opportunity to see George Michael perform — sadly something we won’t get to experience again.

WHAM! is currently available to stream on Netflix.

Pop Culture Advent DOOR TWENTY — Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote