Andrew Ridgeley, born on January 26, 1963, in Surrey, England, is best known as the other half of the musical duo Wham! Along with George Michael, the duo released a string of hits in the 1980s, including “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Careless Whisper,” and “Last Christmas.”
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Early Life and Education
Andrew Ridgeley was born in Windlesham, Surrey, and grew up in Bushey, Hertfordshire. His father was a businessman, and his mother was a dancer. Andrew showed an interest in music as a child and continued to play in various bands throughout his teenage years. He attended Bushey Meads School and later went on to study at Kings Langley School.
The Formation of Wham!
In 1981, Andrew Ridgeley teamed up with George Michael to form Wham! The duo quickly rose to fame with their catchy pop tunes and flamboyant fashion sense. They released their debut album, “Fantastic,” in 1983, which spawned the hit singles “Young Guns (Go for It!)” and “Club Tropicana.”
Success with Wham!
Wham! went on to release two more albums, “Make It Big” and “The Final,” both of which were hugely successful. The duo’s biggest hit, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” was released in 1984 and topped the charts in several countries. They also had a string of other hits, including “Freedom,” “Everything She Wants,” and “I’m Your Man.”
The End of Wham!
In 1986, Wham! announced that they would be splitting up after their farewell concert at Wembley Stadium. Over 70,000 fans attended the concert, which took place on June 28, 1986, and it was later released as a concert film titled “The Final.”
Andrew Ridgeley’s Solo Career
After the breakup of Wham!, Andrew Ridgeley embarked on a solo career. He released his debut album, “Son of Albert,” in 1990, but it received poor reviews from critics and did not chart. He later went on to become a race car driver and competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 2003.
Personal Life
In 1991, Andrew Ridgeley married Keren Woodward, the lead singer of the British pop group Bananarama. The couple has a son together, named Thomas. They currently reside in Cornwall, England.
Net Worth
His net worth is estimated to be around $25 million, much of which comes from his success with Wham!
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Legacy
Despite only being active for a few years, Wham! had a significant impact on the music industry and popular culture. People often regard Andrew Ridgeley as an unsung hero of pop music, and they widely acknowledge his contributions to Wham!.
Final Thoughts
Andrew Ridgeley’s life and career have been filled with ups and downs, but he has undoubtedly left his mark on the music industry. Despite not achieving the same level of success as his former bandmate, George Michael, Andrew Ridgeley’s contributions to Wham! should not be overlooked. His catchy guitar riffs and upbeat personality helped to define an era of pop music and continue to inspire musicians today.
FAQs:
Q: When was Andrew Ridgeley born?
A: He was born on January 26, 1963.
Q: What is Andrew Ridgeley’s most famous song?
A: He is best known for his work with the musical duo Wham! His most famous song with the group is “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.”
Q: Did Andrew Ridgeley have a successful solo career?
A: His solo career was not as successful as his time with Wham! His debut album, “Son of Albert,” was poorly received by critics and did not chart well.
Q: What is net worth?
A: He net worth is estimated to be around $25 million.
Q: What is Andrew Ridgeley doing now?
A: He is currently living in Cornwall, England with his wife and son. He has largely retired from the music industry and has been focusing on his passion for race car driving.
Conclusion:
Andrew Ridgeley life and career have been marked by his success with Wham! and his lesser-known solo career. He has left a lasting impact on the music industry, and his contributions should not be overlooked.
Despite not achieving the same level of success as his former bandmate, George Michael, Andrew Ridgeley remains an important figure in the world of pop music.