Photo: Still
George Michael, ex-Wham! singer and acclaimed solo artist, has died aged 53.
This news was confirmed in a statement his publicist made via BBC news and the report says he "passed away peacefully at his home."
The report also states that Thames Valley Police and South Central Ambulance Service attended a property in Goring in Oxfordshire at 13:42 GMT, today (Christmas Day) and that there are no suspicious circumstances. Details surrounding the cause of death are yet to be revealed.
The singer, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, rose to fame with Wham! in the 80s before embarking on one of the most successful solo careers in British pop history.
Wham!'s 1983 debut album, Fantastic, reached number one in the UK and produced a series of top 10 singles. Their follow-up album, 1984’s Make It Big, was an even greater success, topping the charts in eleven different countries, including in the UK and US - they had hit singles 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go', 'Careless Whisper', and 'Freedom' taken from it and they remain some of the most loved pop songs ever. In 1985 they became the first western band to tour in China.
Leaving the band and forming his own solo career, George Michael continued his irrepressible rise in the music industry. His debut solo album, Faith, received a Grammy and sold over 25 million copies and topped the charts both sides of the Atlantic. The album spawned four US number one singles and he received the BRIT award for Best Male Solo artist in 1988.
George Michael made five more solo albums in his career and has amassed sales in excess of 100 million. Throughout his career he had 25 top ten hits - few can claim such an incredible feat.
His great friend Elton John took to Instagram to say a few words: "I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans. @GeorgeMichael #RIP."
More stars of the music world have taken to Twitter to express their condolences and express what a sad and strange 2016 it's been with some of the best ever musicians dying at an alarming rate. R.I.P George Michael.
The Grim Reaper should have his license revoked. What a twat.
— Adam Walton (@adamwalton)
December 25, 20162016 - loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to @GeorgeMichael's family. pic.twitter.com/3h4xqEDXR9
— Duran Duran (@duranduran) December 25, 2016
I think we should call Jools and get him to bring the Hootenanny forward. Get this year wrapped up as soon as possible. #2016
— Lauren Laverne (@laurenlaverne) December 25, 2016
FFS.... the Reaper has had a field day in 2016. This is a shocker.
— marc riley (@marcrileydj) December 25, 2016
Unbelievable.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 25, 2016
RIP George Michael.
