INTERVIEW: New tribute show finds ‘Faith’ in George Michael’s legacy
Photo: Rory Phelan portrays George Michael in a new tribute show. Photo courtesy of Timothy Norris / Provided by State Theatre with permission.
Most music enthusiasts agree that George Michael, the successful solo singer and leader of the British band Wham!, was taken too early from this world. What he left behind after his 2016 death was a long legacy of rock songs, with a particular lyrical emphasis on love and “faith.” Luckily, that music lives on, and one of the chief supporters of keeping the songbook alive is Rory Phelan and a new touring tribute show called The Life and Music of George Michael.
Phelan and Craig Winberry share double duty during the evening, charting the successful career of the music icon. Fans should expect to hear such tunes as “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go,” “Faith,” “Freedom” and “Careless Whisper,” among many other hits. After all, Michael sold more than 115 million albums, winning two Grammys and three Brit awards along the way.
The Life and Music of George Michael stops at the State Theatre in Easton, Pa., Sunday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Phelan about the theatrical experience. The London native started off his life wanting to be a professional soccer player, but he eventually transitioned to dance and theater. He has appeared in the West End and on stages around the world. One impressive credit: performing in Mamma Mia! at West End Live in Trafalgar Square. The crowd for that performance numbered 20,000 people. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can fans expect at this musical tribute to George Michael?
This show is really a celebration for all things George Michael. We want the audience to party with us and reminisce. We are lucky enough to have two George Michaels so that the audience can really follow his career through the show and relate to both his early Wham! days, then through to his solo career.
When did you first fall in love with the music of George Michael and Wham!?
I fell in love with George’s music when I was a kid. My mum would always be singing the songs at home. There were many times she would sing me the whole of the Wham! rap while cooking food. Ever since then his songs have had a special place in my heart.
Why do you think he had such unbelievable success? What was it about his musical output that proved so popular?
George was just so unique. He not only created such incredible music, but he also was just such an incredible human. He stood for so many great causes and showed that you shouldn’t care what people think. You should just be kind.
Do you try to sound just like him, or do you make the songs your own?
I try to do a bit of both. George had such an incredible voice, so I try to take elements of his singing and incorporate it into my own style — to try and give my own personal tribute to George.
Do you have a favorite song?
My favourite song has to be “Faith.” It is just so iconic from the start of the guitar into through to the cowboy boots. I just love getting the chance to perform it each night.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The Life and Music of George Michael will play Sunday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at the State Theatre in Easton, Pa. Click here for more information and tickets.
