George Michael
“Live in London”
Format(s): DVD, Blu-ray
Release Date: December 8th, 2009
Label: Columbia Records, Sony Music Entertainment
Genre(s): Pop, dance

I’ve always been a fan of George Michael. An icon in the music industry, George Michael has had his fair share of ups and downs throughout the years but one thing in his life has always triumphed — the music.

When GM announced a tour of Europe all the way back in 2006, I hoped and hoped that he would bring the show stateside, and after 2 years of touring the rest of the world, he finally did. I saw the show in Dallas back in June of 2008, and was absolutely blown away. The tour ended in August of 2008, with the “final” two dates at London’s Earls Court. These are the two shows that were filmed for this release.

George Michael, quite simply, is one of the best male vocalists to ever live. While I am a fan and some of my opinion is biased, love or hate his music, it is hard to deny the quality of his voice. This package captures George Michael at the peak of his performing career. While sales-wise that peak may have been in the late 80s/early 90s, George Michael as a performer is unparalleled in the music world. The show was a tremendous affair, three huge video screens, tons of lighting effects and a 16-piece live band — but ultimately it all comes down to the songs and the singer.

The setlist for the tour remained pretty stable, and the Earls Court show wasn’t any different. Throughout this 2-hour plus set, George runs through all the big hits — “Fastlove,” “Father Figure,” “Faith,” and of course “Careless Whisper,” but also pulls out some deeper-cut, fan favorite material — “An Easier Affair,” “Spinning The Wheel,” and “Fantasy” all come to mind. Of course, the Wham! classics are here as well — “I’m Your Man” and “Everything She Wants” both make an appearance. Basically, if you’ve ever enjoyed a George Michael song, it’s probably in this set.

George sings, dances and smiles his way through the show. At times he slows things down and invites his background vocalists on the stage — “One More Try” gets a particularly gospel-esque performance, showing his range as a performer. Towards the end of the show he puts on a lovely cop outfit for his 1998 hit “Outside,” coming up from backstage to a huge roar from the crowd. His backing band is tight, his voice is spectacular, and with the amazing stage/lighting system, it really made for a really one-of-a-kind tour and show. George has said this was his last tour of this scope, and while that may not be entirely true (he’s taking the show to Australia next year), this package is a great document of a truly great performance.

The crowd at the Dallas concert that I attended was fantastic, but it pales in comparison to this huge London crowd. George really feeds off of the fans for the entire performance and it makes for a very special live recording. While it would be amazing to have a recording of the show I was at, this show is a great summation of the massive “25 Live” tour. No GM fan should be without this disc, period.

On the two-disc DVD set, the first disc is composed of the entire concert. The second includes three bonus tracks, “Precious Box,” “Jesus To A Child” and “First Time Ever,” but also includes a lovely 45 minute documentary directed by George’s longtime friend and song-writing partner, David Austin. The documentary, entitled “I’d Know Him A Mile Off!” includes a ton of backstage footage, vocal warm-ups and George like most of his fans have never seen him. We see him relaxing with his family, friends and co-workers; At one point at a vehicle checkpoint to a stadium, a guard won’t let George into the venue because he is sure that it isn’t really GM, but instead a look-alike. George and Co. find it hilarious, and things like these really seem to keep George grounded and in good spirits. It’s an excellent mini-documentary and is a great piece of supplementary content for this package.

For the price, viewers are basically getting a front-row seat to one of George’s best concerts. During the performance itself George says it will be the only live recording he ever releases in its entirety… so take his word for it and pick up this release, you won’t be disappointed.

In Short: For fans of Wham! or George Michael, even pop music in general, this is simply a must own. An amazing recap of the last 25 years of pop music, as told by George Michael. Even casual listeners may be surprised at how many of these songs they/know and love. Definitely recommended.

DVD/Blu-ray content:

1. Waiting [Reprise]
2. Fastlove
3. I’m Your Man
4. Flawless [Go To The City]
5. Father Figure
6. You Have Been Loved
7. An Easier Affair
8. Everything She Wants
9. One More Try
10. A Different Corner
11. Too Funky
12. Shoot The Dog
13. John And Elvis Are Dead
14. Faith
15. Spinning The Wheel
16. Feeling Good
17. Roxanne
18. My Mother Had A Brother
19. Amazing
20. Fantasy
21. Outside
22. Careless Whisper
23. Freedom
-I’d Know Him A Mile Off documentary
bonus tracks:
1. Precious Box
2. Jesus To A Child
3. First Time Ever