George Michael has announced that he is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his first single written with Andrew Ridgeley, Wham Rap, by releasing his first song since fighting for his life as a thank you to fans.
The singer developed a severe case of pneumonia last year that left him fighting for his life and he was force to suspend his tour. In subsequent interviews, he was short of breath and in January he said he didn’t think his vocal chords would be up to performing until the UK summer.
The single, White Light, is the first time fans have been able to hear him sing since he was ill last November.
In a message to fans through his website yesterday, he wrote: “Most of my fans realise that I dreamed of a career as a singer-songwriter from an early age, but never in my wildest imaginings could I have known that I would still be here thirty years later, healthy, happy, and feeling that I still have so much more music to give.
George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley in their Wham! days
“It is miraculous in so many ways. Fate has been so kind to me, as have the millions of people that have bought records and come to see me play year after year since 1982.
“I am truly blessed, and White Light is my thank you to everybody who has been a part of my success. And I mean everybody, including the press!! Long may it continue.”
Written, arranged and produced by George Michael, White Light will be available on his record company Aegean Records through Island/Universal on August 12, 2012.
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