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Published on 8/28/08
Video
Madison Square Garden Arena; Mon 21, Wed 23
In an era when singers attack SUVs with umbrellas and flagrantly smoke crack on video, George Michael’s run-ins with the law—pot possession, drug-impaired driving, shenanigans in a public restroom—seem downright quaint. Yet throughout the past decade, the soulful pop icon has become more famous for his tabloid appearances than for his music; Michael’s last U.S. hit was 1996’s “Fastlove.” Fortunately, this spring’s greatest-hits collection Twenty Five proves he didn’t quit making good music just because fewer people were listening.
Michael’s first stateside tour in 17 years (allegedly his last ever) should be worth the wait. Though not exactly a best-of retrospective, the eye-popping spectacle contains a thrilling mix of solo material, covers and Wham! songs. (Alas, no “Wham! Rap ’86.”) Michael, 45, claims he’s not looking to revive his career with this tour. But given the rapturous response his U.S. return is justifiably receiving, it might happen anyway.
