Wham’s Andrew Ridgeley: A Peek into His Current Whereabouts and Endeavors

Andrew Ridgeley’s Music Journey: Exploring Life after Wham!

In the Netflix documentary “Wham!”, co-founding member Andrew Ridgeley reminisces about the joyous and positive period that defined the band’s success. After Wham!’s memorable ending, however, the spotlight shifted away from Ridgeley. This article delves into his post-Wham! life, exploring his musical endeavors, personal challenges, and current whereabouts.

Post-Wham! Solo Music and Challenges

After Wham! disbanded in 1986, Ridgeley embarked on a solo music career. His debut album, “Son of Albert,” was released in 1990 as part of his contractual obligations with CBS Records. Despite its guitar-driven sound, which diverged from Wham!’s pop style, Ridgeley’s solo efforts failed to resonate with critics and audiences.

Although the music itself wasn’t necessarily subpar, Ridgeley faced comparisons to George Michael’s enormous solo success and struggled to find his own musical identity. Consequently, he never released another solo album after “Son of Albert.”

Reflecting on this period, Ridgeley admitted to The Big Issue that he didn’t possess any grand artistic ambitions. He simply enjoyed a couple of pleasant years with a girlfriend in Los Angeles, devoid of a definite musical direction or desire for a solo career. In his own words, he “had no real idea” of what to pursue next.

Exploration of Acting and Motorsport

In the wake of Wham!’s dissolution, Ridgeley briefly explored a career in acting. He attended acting classes and considered taking on film roles. However, he quickly discovered that the world of acting did not align with his interests and passions.

Moreover, Ridgeley dabbled in Formula Three racing across Europe during those early post-Wham! years. Although he did not achieve significant success in motorsport, his brief foray provided a distraction and brought some enjoyment to his life after Wham!.

Avoiding the Spotlight and Personal Life

Regardless of his past fame, Ridgeley largely retreated from the public eye following Wham!’s dissolution. He made sporadic appearances on television and radio but shied away from the spotlight he had once embraced.

During this period, Ridgeley likely relied on royalties from Wham!’s iconic hits such as “Careless Whisper” and “Last Christmas” to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. He returned to England, where he purchased a medieval cottage in Wadebridge, Cornwall, together with his girlfriend at the time, Keren Woodward of Bananarama. The couple lived there for many years.

Recognition and Reflection

Over the years, Ridgeley’s contributions to Wham! started receiving more recognition. In 2002, the indie rock group Black Box Recorder released a single titled “Andrew Ridgeley,” which aimed to highlight his importance within the band.

In 2005, Ridgeley broke his silence on Wham! and participated in a television documentary called “A Different Story” that explored George Michael’s life. The following year, there were rumors of a Wham! reunion for the 30th anniversary of their first album, but nothing materialized.

Tragically, after George Michael’s death in 2016, Ridgeley, accompanied by Wham!’s backing vocalists Pepsi and Shirlie, emotionally paid tribute to his dear friend at the 2017 Brit Awards. The loss of Michael left a profound impact on his life, and he shared heartfelt words about their friendship on stage.

Andrew Ridgeley’s Present and Recent Endeavors

In recent years, Ridgeley has actively engaged with the legacy of Wham! In 2019, he made an uncredited cameo appearance in the film “Last Christmas,” which prominently featured the band’s iconic song. Additionally, he released a book that same year titled “Wham!: George & Me,” reflecting on his musical career and long-lasting friendship with Michael.

Ridgeley has also been active in charitable endeavors. He participated in the Dallaglio Cycle Slam, a charity race through the French and Swiss Alps, in 2018, aiming to raise money for the suicide prevention charity Papyrus. He shared updates on social media and remains committed to using his influence and platform for worthy causes.

When asked if he still writes songs, Ridgeley expressed reservations, citing the challenges of getting music played on the radio and the contemporary listening habits that prioritize hearing over truly listening. He acknowledged that creating and performing songs require a dedicated audience.

In Conclusion

Andrew Ridgeley’s journey after Wham! embodies the complexities and challenges faced by artists once they step out of the limelight. While he briefly explored music, acting, and motorsport, Ridgeley found solace in a more private life away from the media frenzy. However, he has since emerged to pay tribute to his late friend George Michael and actively engage in charitable initiatives.

Nowadays, Ridgeley focuses on personal endeavors, such as his upcoming charity cycling journey and contributing to causes close to his heart. While his musical ambitions may have taken a backseat, his enduring friendship with Michael and his role within Wham! continue to shape his legacy.