Musicians and entertainers from across the world have begun to pay tribute to George Michael who died yesterday (25 December), aged 53.
Madonna, Duran Duran, Elton John, Gary Numan and The Pet Shop boys are among those who have shared thoughts from the world of music.
Andrew Ridgeley, Michael’s former Wham! bandmate, has said he is “Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend”.
Fellow entertainers and commentators have also shared anecdotes of Michael’s private altruism. Many have recalled the concert he put on in 2006 which was free for NHS nurses. Others have noted his heroism among LGBTQ communities, with a tribute shared by LGBT equality charity Stonewall.
A selection of tributes and memories can be found below.
Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog. Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx https://t.co/OlGTm4D9O6
— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 26, 2016
Farewell My Friend! 🙏🏻 Another Great Artist leaves us. 💔Can 2016 Fuck Off NOW? pic.twitter.com/aEGIUNSJbt
— Madonna (@Madonna) December 26, 2016
I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend – the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. RIP @GeorgeMichael pic.twitter.com/1LnZk8o82m
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) December 26, 2016
I met George Michael a few times & he was ever a gentle, unassuming soul.A rare presence in a world full of self.
Honest, genuine talent.— Alison Moyet (@AlisonMoyet) December 25, 2016
other than a global pop phenom, George Michael was one of the true British soul greats. alot of us owe him an unpayable debt. bye George xx
— Mark Ronson (@MarkRonson) December 25, 2016
George Michael
Read: https://t.co/z669xGdjwM
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) December 26, 2016
George Michael used to give a bunch of free tickets to his shows to NHS nurses. He allocated a whole area of Wembley to nurses. DEMOGRAPHIC.
— Hayley Campbell (@hayleycampbell) December 26, 2016
A woman on ‘Deal Or No Deal’ told us she needed £15k for IVF treatment. George Michael secretly phoned the next day and gave her the £15k.
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) December 26, 2016
His support for the LGBTQ community, the NHS and the miners marked George Michael out as an activist as well as a great artist. pic.twitter.com/tsKNp22Lr7
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) December 26, 2016
R.I.P. George Michael. You inspired many and your music will live on in the hearts of the community. You will be sorely missed x pic.twitter.com/tjXqkArahj
— Stonewall (@stonewalluk) December 25, 2016
Dear George, gone too soon. It's so sad. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Love, Neil and Chris x #PetText pic.twitter.com/lEltnajyOX
— Pet Shop Boys (@petshopboys) December 26, 2016
For me, he was untouchable. I'm so sad this happened.
— The Black Madonna (@blackmadonnachi) December 25, 2016
2016 – loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to @GeorgeMichael's family. pic.twitter.com/3h4xqEDXR9
— Duran Duran (@duranduran) December 25, 2016