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Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > August > 01 > Entry
George Michael at Philips Arena
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It took about 17 years, and another sweaty 40 minutes past the scheduled start time for the George Michael hit parade to pull into town.
But when it finally got going for a just-over half full Philips Arena Thursday night, it hit, it engaged, it often turned the downtown venue into a dancefloor, and you know, despite the fact that the air conditioner didn’t appear to be working the first half of the show, it was a lot of fun.
Appropriately enough, the pop superstar of the mid-to-late ’80s opened with “Waiting,” an obvious nod to the fact that Michael hadn’t been on tour in the U.S. in 17 years. And there at Philips Arena to welcome him back were especially well-groomed men — like Michael still is — and the occasional woman in the neon heels or “Choose Life” t-shirts that were especially popular at Michael’s peak, with his 1987 solo debut, “Faith.”
Curiously to some, Michael did not perform the lead-off hit from “Faith” - “I Want Your Sex”, or “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”, the breakthrough single from the group that launched him, Wham!. He told USA Today when he announced his return that he felt songs like that made the tour too much of a party.
As if Thursday night wasn’t. Though Michael did incorporate ballads into his vibrantly-staged, two hour-plus set — including “Father Figure,” “A Different Corner,” a cover of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” an enchanting, slower reworking of the Police’s “Roxanne” and of course, the encore, “Careless Whisper” — the still incredibly soulful vocalist was off his gleaming stool most of the time, leading his nine-piece band (and six background singers) through club favorites “Fastlove,” “Hard Day,” “I’m Your Man,” “Outside,” and even incorporating a little “Burn Rubber” from the R&B trio the Gap Band.
“Am I working hard enough yet?” Michael asked the crowd about 90 minutes in. Like he didn’t know the answer from all of the stomping, dancing, whooping and cell phone-waving going on.
Were you there last night — and if so, what’s your take? (See more photos from our gallery HERE ). Surprised by the turn-out (or lack of)? Hear anything (the “Roxanne” rendition, maybe?) that might re-spark interest in Michael as a recording artist?
Comments
By Kaiti
August 1, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
One of the most AMAZING shows I’ve ever been to. He still has the chops and worked his ass off to put on a hell of a show. The entire place was a dancefloor, LOVED IT!
By mirkast
August 1, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
“Hear anything (the “Roxanne” rendition, maybe?) that might re-spark interest in Michael as a recording artist?”
Nice review, however only in America would one even ask the above question, showing how out-of-sync the U.S. can be sometimes with the rest of the world. Interest in Mr. Michael has a recording artist has never waned outside the U.S. It’s a shame that America even has to ask this questions, given that it’s current output of popular music is rather dire.
By Sirseh
August 1, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
He still got it! It was one of the best shows I have been to. Felt like a 15-year-old girl again :-)
By peabody
August 1, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
One of the best shows I have ever seen. Viva George! He still has got it! “If ya goona do it do it right, do it with me……
By Donald
August 1, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Michael’s show was fantastic! His voice is better than ever and the LED staging and backdrop rocked!
By Allison
August 1, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
This show was amazing. I’ve never experienced anything like it. What a gift!!!
By dj
August 1, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
WOW!! It was the largest intimate show I have ever been to. His voice was AMAZING and the set was great! I was a fan all along and even a bigger fan now.
By BJohnson
August 1, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Loved it loved it loved it. USA and music can be such a joke, that’s why lots of good artists here even head overseas for the respect they deserve. I’ve always kept up with the music. He made so much fun of himself, like when he said that “Flawless” had to be the gayest song he’s done. That was a real concert. Most unique stage and band setup to date. Bravo George!
By Ms G
August 1, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
@mirkast - we get it you’re a fan who’s not American. Contrary to what you think there are plenty of Americans who know this man’s talent when it comes to singing. I’ve seen the show a few times and there were plently of Americans there who are/were in agreement with me. If he would release new material here then people would know that he’s never really left. Instead he chooses to keep a low profile and live quietly in Texas; while releasing new material everywhere else.
By mirkast
August 1, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
@Ms. G,
My comment is clearly not directed at his American fans, many of whom have kept up with his music and who were at the two concerts I attended this summer. It was directed at those who relegated him to an object of derision (and yes, he probably brought a lot of that on himself), a piece of irrelevant pop fluff (you only have to read some of the American music critics who’ve panned his show (thankfully only a few)), especially music critics and djs etc. And Mr. Michael has released new material in the U.S. - it just didn’t sell well, whereas it continued to sell well everywhere else - who knows why, because his music is as good, if not better, than ever. My comment merely pointed out how that question by the reviewer highlighted the huge gulf in how Mr. Michael is viewed in the U.S. and in the rest of the world. No need to take such offence. Peace.
By Robin
August 1, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
George Michael was FANTASTIC!!!!! Contrary to the media…not sure where they get their source of information but there are many of us in the US that have never waned from being a fan. I have been an “out” (to reference his comment) since the park incident. I loved George Michael when he was with WHAM and I loved him solo and I still love him today. He has incredible vocal ability…I mean he sounded the same as he did years ago. Most artists can only wish for that. If he lands in Vegas as a regular act, similar to Celine Dion I will be there. He was worth every dime of the $169 I paid for my ticket and had I realized that he would have been that amazing I would have purchased a ticket to see him in either New York (last week)or in Florida (this weekend). Great dancing….and to echo the comment of another blogger, I felt as though I was in a nightclub reliving my hard 90s hangout days. He was incredible. Still and always will be a fan. What he does in his personal life is his business….please keep performing George if you ever read this blog! (married/hetero female)
By Robin
August 1, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
George Michael was FANTASTIC!!!!! Contrary to the media…not sure where they get their source of information but there are many of us in the US that have never waned from being a fan. I have been an “out” (to reference his comment) since the park incident. I loved George Michael when he was with WHAM and I loved him solo and I still love him today. He has incredible vocal ability…I mean he sounded the same as he did years ago. Most artists can only wish for that. If he lands in Vegas as a regular act, similar to Celine Dion I will be there. He was worth every dime of the $169 I paid for my ticket and had I realized that he would have been that amazing I would have purchased a ticket to see him in either New York (last week)or in Florida (this weekend). Great dancing….and to echo the comment of another blogger, I felt as though I was in a nightclub reliving my hard 90s hangout days. He was incredible. Still and always will be a fan. What he does in his personal life is his business….please keep performing George if you ever read this blog! (married/hetero female)
By ohuknow
August 1, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Just Amazing! His presence. His voice. The energy from the crowd. He put on a great show. I love this man. I am a fan for life.
By courtney
August 1, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
I thought the concert was GREAT!!!! I was a fan back in the 80’s and last night felt like he never left the scene. The stage was beautiful and he sounded wonderful. I love him. He was personable and humble. That’s what I like about him. He was so appreciative of all that was there. I paid good money and I got every penny of it back and then some. I wish that he would have done 2 shows. LOVED IT!!!! I LOVE YOU GEORGE!!! May GOD continue to bless you!!!
By Brooke
August 1, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
What a great concert! The place was rocking—and he sang live—no pre-recorded tracks!
By Get Real
August 1, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
20 years ago in Atlanta, Michael filled Atlanta-Fulton county stadium. A rainy Thursday October night it was. The Bangles opened and were booed off the stage. 60,000 screaming girls wanted George Michael — not 4 girls. Now you have some “well-groomed men” and a few women. And a less than packed Philips Arena. Not anywhere near a sell-out. I received an email solicitation on the day of the concert. Michael is a has-been and the butt of a thousand jokes.
By ThirdWheel
August 1, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
To GetReal Don’t be mad because you probably couldn’t afford a ticket to the concert. George Michael knows he is not that popular in the US. He even said it onstage last night that no one would know his new songs since we didn’t buy his cd. He still put on one hell of a show and is very far from being a has been. It felt like a Dance club in the arena last night. Everyone was happy, drinking and dancing. I thought I had fun at Stevie Wonder last year but I might have to move George Michael to that spot. I enjoyed all of his songs and the videos that were behind me. I also really enjoyed hearing my favorite song Outside. Even though I was sad that he didn’t sing Monkey he made up for it by singing Kissing A Fool. I have been a fan of his since I was three years old in 1983 and saw him perfom as Wham. I don’t care about his personal life but I am glad that he is finally happy. He kicked butt last night and I pray that he comes back to Atlanta soon. He has a LOT of fans here!
By Kathy
August 1, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
I saw him live back in Florida back in the 80’s. The best concert and the greatest singer. I could not afford to go to this concert. The tickets were out of my price range. I heard it was only half-sold. Too bad. Maybe more fans would have attend if the tickets were less.
By Kathy
August 1, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
I saw him live back in Florida back in the 80’s. The best concert and the greatest singer. I could not afford to go to this concert. The tickets were out of my price range. I heard it was only half-sold. Too bad. Maybe more fans would have attend if the tickets were less.
By Kathy
August 1, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
I saw him live back in Florida back in the 80’s. The best concert and the greatest singer. I could not afford to go to this concert. The tickets were out of my price range. I heard it was only half-sold. Too bad. Maybe more fans would have attend if the tickets were less. I have all the cds and dvds too.
By Tisha
August 1, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Sorry you missed it, but there was a full house! I saw him back in the 80’s too, but he was even better last night
By Tisha
August 1, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
I was at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Oct. of 1988, I was there last night, & I hope I don’t have to wait nearly 20 years for another show.It was the greatest concert ever! It was just what I needed! Thank you!
By Robin
August 1, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
To Get Real
I agree wholeheartedly with ThirdWheel. Don’t hate Get Real because the tickets were out of range for you. Just admit that you missed a show that you would have loved to attend. Who cares that the arena was not fully packed. Remember that most of us were somewhere in our pre-teen to teenage years when WHAM came onto the scene so I am sure that family commitments may have precluded some from attending last night as well as cost without a doubt. But for all of us that opted to spend on a pricey ticket, it was well worth it.
George Michael was INCREDIBLE!!!!! I purchased the “25” CD months ago not even realizing that he was touring. Forget it…..I can’t stop listening to it.
I am looking forward to his next appearance.
By danieby
August 1, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
I saw his concert in Philadelphia and I am sure it was just as AWESOME as the one in Atlanta. The comment from mirkast sounded as if it was coming from George himself. Is that you???? Yeah right…. Anyway, he is a beautiful person, singer, entertainer and has a big heart. Whatever negative press he has had does not make one bit of difference as far as I am concerned. I wish I could meet him just to let him know how his songs make me feel. He is truly blessed and so was I to be able to see him again after all these years. He is better than ever and I hope he never stops.
By flyneagle
August 1, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
I was at the concert last night..it was AWSOME!!!! I saw him a few weeks ago in Dallas where I paid to be down front…last night I sat further back and it was still great..the man can sing and his songs are heart felt. It is a shame though that there was sooo much chatter and running to get “drinks” during his ballads…he’s a pop icon and i have been an “OUT” fan from the begining. I wish I could aford to go to Europe and experience seeing him with a crowd that truely appreciates him…I know we do here but I think it would be amazing there!
By Anita Patel
August 2, 2008 3:19 AM | Link to this
When he started singing waiting…it sent chills up my spine. His voice filled the stadium and his genuine showmanship shone. Thank you George for coming back to us… you have the most INCREDIBLE VOICE and song-writing abily in the world. You have always remained in our hearts…you always willl…please don’t leave us again….Love Always xoxox
By Anita Patel
August 2, 2008 3:19 AM | Link to this
When he started singing waiting…it sent chills up my spine. His voice filled the stadium and his genuine showmanship shone. Thank you George for coming back to us… you have the most INCREDIBLE VOICE and song-writing ability in the world. You have always remained in our hearts…you always willl…please don’t leave us again….Love Always xoxox
By Anita Patel
August 2, 2008 3:19 AM | Link to this
When he started singing waiting…it sent chills up my spine. His voice filled the stadium and his genuine showmanship shone. Thank you George for coming back to us… you have the most INCREDIBLE VOICE and song-writing ability in the world. You have always remained in our hearts…you always willl…please don’t leave us again….Love Always xoxox
By Anita Patel
August 2, 2008 3:19 AM | Link to this
When he started singing waiting…it sent chills up my spine. His voice filled the stadium and his genuine showmanship shone. Thank you George for coming back to us… you have the most INCREDIBLE VOICE and song-writing ability in the world. You have always remained in our hearts…you always will…please don’t leave us again….Love Always xoxox
By Anita Patel
August 2, 2008 3:19 AM | Link to this
When he started singing waiting…it sent chills up my spine. His voice filled the stadium and his genuine showmanship shone. Thank you George for coming back to us… you have the most INCREDIBLE VOICE and song-writing ability in the world. You have always remained in our hearts…you always will…please don’t leave us again….Love Always xoxox
By Get Real
August 2, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
ThirdWheel & Robin: How would you know if I could afford a ticket? You are making an ASSumption. One based on the fact that you are peeved that I pointed out that he once played for 60,000 and now can’t even draw 8,000. Truth hurts, don’t it? As for being able to purchase a ticket, I have $300,000 in liquid assets.
By ThirdWheel
August 2, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
GetReal I dont give a flip if you have 300k in assest. This is a blog about the George Michael concert and how we felt about the show and his performance. This is not a blog to blast how he can not sell out a show, his laster cd sales or the fact that he is is gay. This is about THE GEORGE MICHAEL SHOW THAT TOOK PLACE ON THURSDAY NIGHT AT PHILLIPS ARENA. So take your pea sized opinion, your 300K assets and go build a Myspace page and tell the world that George Micahel is a has been because no one gives a CRAP about you or your mindless opinion. JERK
By Robin
August 2, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
To GetReal…so you say…
By Robin
August 2, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Well written ThirdWheel. George Michael’s concert on Thursday night was FANTASTIC!!! I hope that he does not disappear for another 17 years.
By Kevin
August 2, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
After reading all the comments, the fans’ review of the show was pretty unanimous - it was fantastic! With no new album to promote and not having toured the U.S. in 17 years, I knew tickets would sell well and they didn’t. That’s how I found 2 tickets in 113 for $100 at 3pm the night of the show. I wasn’t going to pay full price and basically got lucky. But now having seen the show I would have paid full price and more! The waterfall LCD screen and back up band is why the tickets were so expensive. I can see that now. But it would have meant nothing without the deep catalog of hits. GM was recently quoted as saying he wanted to become the Tony Bennett of his generation and with hits like these he can rest assured. One more thing, I don’t think Tony Bennett could have danced like George at his age.
By Latisha
August 2, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
I loved every minute of the show! I danced so hard I had to change my shirt during intermission. George’s voice was beautiful and crystal clear. Sounds like GetReal needs to get a life!
By Jackie
August 2, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
That was the best concert I went to. George Michael was a showman! I had a gret time
By Carrie
August 3, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this
George was great! He sounds just like he does on the Cd’s. His musical tatlents are unbeliveable as he shared them with us there in a live setting. I was very pleased to hear such a wonderful sound quality from his musicians as well. George is under rated and I feel is a legend of our time. His lyrics are amazing and poetical. He has a true gift and I had the pleasure of hearing that in Atlanta. For those of us who are die hard fans..I didn’t see a face not smiling. For those who were not familar with his new songs..they still were dancing and clapping along. It was a shame tickets were high, but I guess those of us who didn’t want to pass up this once in a lifetime experiance, bought them anyhow. Thanks George for Touring the US…I know you said this was it for your touring career as you want to focus on writig more…but please don’t forget us. The night was a surreal experiance.
By Rita
August 3, 2008 1:42 AM | Link to this
This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the world’s most talented British Musician. I mean,George can sing any kind of song and make it sound so good!!! This is my first time attending any concert in 15 years. That means that It took real talent,real words and ingenuity to get me out to a concert. Those songs of his have so much meaning and they can really touch your soul. I doubt in a million years we will see another musician like this. I actually danced at this concert which is something I rarely do. George is still sexy and still has the voice that can sweep you off your feet, no wonder women love him, because he sings what women like to hear in his love songs. I gotta say that I really loved the show and George can actually sing and dance better than what the television and internet displays. He is so great while performing live.He has a great voice, great body, great face,George if you read this, I commend you for maintaining through the years which have been difficult but just to let you know that your US fans will always love you regardless. It was evident at Phillips Arena the other night. I hope he continues to produce love songs because his voice is simply amazing. George is simply amazing!! His background crew was amazing. The best show ever, Thanks George for coming to Atlanta and please know that we love you. We know and realize that George is under rated, but fans can decipher the difference between quality music. It is OK, because all GM fans will somehow find a way to get his music. The radios dont play his songs, but I still knew all his songs he sang at the concert. He is such a good musician that you know his quality so you will find a way to get his music. I am looking forward to his new book also. George, please stay in touch with us fans. My pleasure to comment on this great musician!!!
By TLT
August 3, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
I attended the George Michael concert in Atlanta on Thursday night. I drove from Knoxville, Tennessee and had the time of my life. I have never attended a GM concert but have always been a fan. He indicates that he won’t do a tour of this magnitude ever again…GM, I hope you’re just joking. I hope someone with his entourage reads these blogs and can give him some feedback. The concert was awesome, his voice was awesome, and he looked better than ever. I’m glad he’s finally happy but let’s not forget the fans that you make happy. Please tour again soon.
By Chad
August 3, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
I have been a die hard GM fan since 1989 when I was in High School. Since then I’ve imported every single, every album- anything I could get my hands on. Then about two years ago I just started to drift off to other artists. Not because I didn’t love what I could always listen to- but the lack of much new material made it somewhat difficult to ‘keep the faith’. When I heard this was the end of his touring career- I knew I absolutely HAD to see him perform (I’ve lost my job and have to live n a very tight budget… but this was a once in a lifetime opportunity), but I can’t lie- all the way up to the point of sitting in the crowd I wasn’t as excited as I thought I should be. Then the lights went down and Waiting (reprise) started playing and I was a kid again! I’ve been to a little over a dozen concerts in my life- all BIG ones too… nothing- not a ONE comes close to how PERFECT this concert was!! GM’s voice was better in person than it’s ever been on CD! His energy, his pace and again- his perfect voice- had the entire Arena jumping and dancing and just LIVING! I could live to be 100 years old and see a concert every day until then and NEVER see a concert that good again. I feel so blessed to have been there- I will never forget that concert and I will never loose my Faith again!!
By Todd
August 3, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Sonia Murray, were you in the same Philips Arena as I was? I have video and photos of a packed house!
This concert was a dream come true and worth the 25 years I’ve waited to see him— and it was my birthday no less! My wife and I had a fantastic time, sang along with every song and have been in a state of euphoria ever since. George is a tremendous talent— singer, songwriter, producer, person.
I doubt I will ever see a better concert. EVER.
By mike
August 4, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
I saw GM at Fulton County Statium in October 1988. I also saw his show at Philips Arena, which was simply amazing. The man can SING - and he’s quite the showman. The band, backup singers and stage were the icing on the cake. GM came across as very humble and appreciative of the great audience response. And he seemed to really enjoy himself, just like we did. I’m glad I went. Definitely would rank as one of my favorite concerts.
By mike
August 4, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
I saw GM at Fulton County Statium in October 1988. I also saw his show at Philips Arena, which was simply amazing. The man can SING - and he’s quite the showman. The band, backup singers and stage were the icing on the cake. GM came across as very humble and appreciative of the great audience response. And he seemed to really enjoy himself, just like we did. I’m glad I went. Definitely would rank as one of my favorite concerts.
By mike
August 4, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
I saw GM at Fulton County Statium in October 1988. I also saw his show at Philips Arena, which was simply amazing. The man can SING - and he’s quite the showman. The band, backup singers and stage were the icing on the cake. GM came across as very humble and appreciative of the great audience response. And he seemed to really enjoy himself, just like we did. I’m glad I went. Definitely would rank as one of my favorite concerts.
By T.A.
August 4, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
It was amazing. I had no idea it would be that good, and I truly know that if he ever comes back, I will be there.
I actually had tears during The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. It was sooo nice! The only person I ever saw live that could sing that well was k.d. lang. This show put Madonna’s last Atlanta show a few years ago to SHAME. It was really amazing.
By Bev
August 4, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
I saw George Michael 18 years ago when he was with WHAM.This was the best concert I have seen.I loved the music,he looked fantastic and his moves were great.Hope he continues.
By Bev
August 4, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
I saw George Michael 18 years ago when he was with WHAM.This was the best concert I have seen.I loved the music,he looked fantastic and his moves were great.Hope he continues.I traveled from Raleigh,North Carolina ,would do it again!!!!
By Bev
August 4, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
I saw George Michael 18 years ago when he was with WHAM.This was the best concert I have seen.I loved the music,he looked fantastic and his moves were great.Hope he continues.I traveled from Raleigh,North Carolina ,would do it again!!!!
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