Fans of George Michael will have the opportunity to experience one of his most celebrated tours, as a previously unreleased concert film and live album are set for release later this year. The project focuses on his 1988 'Faith' tour, which supported his blockbuster solo debut album.
The film, titled George Michael: The Faith Tour, is sourced from a professionally shot 14-camera recording of his performance at the Bercy Arena in Paris. The project is being handled by George Michael Entertainment and Mercury Studios, with direction from the late singer's longtime collaborators, Andy Morahan and David Austin.
Alongside the film's global cinema release, an 18-track live album will also be made available. According to the announcement, the album will include previously unreleased live recordings of both his solo material and songs from his time with Wham!.
A Pivotal Moment in Pop History
The 'Faith' album and its subsequent tour marked a significant moment in pop music. Released in 1987, the album sold over 25 million copies worldwide and established Michael as a global solo superstar. The tour was a massive undertaking that included two sold-out dates at the Ahoy in Rotterdam in April 1988.
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, this period holds a particular significance. The film captures Michael at the zenith of his fame, a time that predated his public coming out in 1998. It offers a view of an artist navigating immense public pressure while crafting a new, more mature identity separate from his Wham! past.
Enduring Legacy
The new releases are the latest in a series of posthumous projects that have kept Michael's music in the public eye. His work has seen a resurgence in recent years, with Wham!'s "Last Christmas" achieving seasonal chart dominance and his music featuring prominently in films and on social media platforms.
The concert film will also be accompanied by a new short film from photographer Mary McCartney, which will feature a previously unheard interview with Michael. Additionally, a coffee table book from publisher Rizzoli, Celebrating George: Three Decades of George Michael through the Lens, is due for release this month, promising many unseen images of the artist.
A specific release date for the film and album has not yet been announced.
