(Photo credit: George Michael (left) and Andrew Ridgeley of Wham! performing together live on stage during the pop duo’s 1985 world tour, January 1985. ‘The Big Tour’ took in the UK, Japan, Australia, China and the US. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)

This holiday season, join us in celebrating 40 years of “Last Christmas.” Whether it’s playing in the background as you decorate your tree, or sparking a singalong at your holiday party, it’s a reminder of the joy, love, and reflection that make this time of year so special.  As Andrew Ridgeley says, “To see how ‘Last Christmas’ continues to bring people together after all these years is the greatest gift of all.”  Join us for WHAM! – Last Christmas 40th Anniversary Radio Special Monday December 23rd at 7pm – hosted by Rick Campanelli and WHAM’s Andrew Ridgeley.   Turn up the volume, grab some eggnog, and let WHAM! warm your heart once again.

A Song Born in the Spirit of Giving

Forty years ago, in December 1984, WHAM! gifted the world a timeless holiday anthem: “Last Christmas.” Its heartfelt lyrics and unforgettable melody have made it an essential part of the season, transcending generations to become a global phenomenon. As we celebrate its 40th anniversary, we’re joined by none other than Andrew Ridgeley of WHAM! and music expert Rick Campanelli to explore the magic and legacy of this beloved classic.

The story of “Last Christmas” begins in George Michael’s childhood home in Bushey, England. One evening in 1984, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley were brainstorming festive ideas when inspiration struck. George retreated to his childhood bedroom and emerged hours later with the melody and lyrics that would soon capture hearts worldwide.

“It was one of those moments of genius,” recalls Andrew Ridgeley. “George had this incredible ability to distill emotion into music. When he played it for me, I knew immediately that it was something special.”

Although the song is called “Last Christmas,” its bittersweet message of love, loss, and hope resonates far beyond the holiday season.

 

A Chart-Topping Success

When “Last Christmas” was released in December 1984, it faced stiff competition from another iconic charity single: Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” Yet, WHAM!’s track didn’t need to top the charts to make history. It quickly became a global hit, reaching number one in 16 countries and firmly establishing itself as a holiday favourite.

The song’s accompanying music video, set in a snowy ski resort, added to its charm. Viewers were drawn to the playful banter between WHAM! and their friends, along with the poignant love triangle subplot that mirrored the song’s themes. “We filmed it in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, and it was as much fun as it looked,” Ridgeley shares. “There was laughter, snowball fights, and the kind of camaraderie that made WHAM! so special.”

 

Giving Back

True to the season’s spirit, WHAM! donated all profits from “Last Christmas” to Ethiopia famine relief, aligning with the charitable ethos of Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” This act of generosity only deepened the song’s connection to the season of giving.

 

A Legacy That Lives On

Four decades later, “Last Christmas” continues to thrive. It has been covered by countless artists, including Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Coldplay, each bringing their unique spin to the song. In 2021, WHAM!’s original version topped the UK charts for the first time, proving that its magic remains as powerful as ever.

Rick Campanelli sums it up best: “There’s something about ‘Last Christmas’ that never gets old. It’s nostalgic yet timeless, joyous yet bittersweet. That’s why it endures.”