Wham! Biography: Members, Age, Net Worth, Songs, Albums, Breakup

Wham!, the iconic English pop duo, was formed in Bushey in 1981 by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley.

Known for their upbeat, synth-driven hits and vibrant MTV-era image, they dominated the 1980s charts with infectious anthems like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Last Christmas,” selling over 30 million records worldwide before disbanding in 1986.

Profile

• Members Real Name: George Michael, Andrew Ridgeley
• Stage Name: Wham!
• Active From: 1981
• Origin: Bushey, Hertfordshire, England
• Active Until: 1986 (disbanded)
• Nationality: British
• Occupation: Musicians, Singers, Songwriters
• Net Worth: $240 million (USD)

Early Life and Members

Wham! was an English pop duo formed in Bushey, Hertfordshire, in 1981. Its members were George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley.

George Michael

• Date of Birth: June 25, 1963
• Date of Death: December 25, 2016 (aged 53)
• Place of Birth: East Finchley, London, England
• Ethnicity: Greek Cypriot (father), English (mother)
• Religion: Greek Orthodox
• Parents: Kyriacos “Jack” Panayiotou, Lesley Angold.
• Siblings: Yioda and Melanie
• Education: Roe Green Junior School; Kingsbury High School; Bushey Meads School.
• Early Life: Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou to Greek Cypriot immigrant parents. Moved to Radlett at age 10; busked on London Underground and DJed at local clubs. Formed ska band The Executive with Ridgeley before Wham!; influenced by Queen, David Bowie, and Elton John.

Andrew Ridgeley

• Date of Birth: January 26, 1963
• Age: 62
• Place of Birth: Windlesham, Surrey, England
• Ethnicity: Mixed
• Religion: Unknown
• Parents: Jennifer John, Alberto Mario Zacharia.
• Siblings: Younger brother Paul Ridgeley.
• Education: Bushey Meads School.
• Early Life: Grew up in Bushey, Hertfordshire. Volunteered to mentor new student George Michael in 1975; bonded over music. Performed in The Executive; aspired to be in a band from age 14; influenced by The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and David Bowie.

Formation

Wham! was formed in summer 1981 in Bushey, Hertfordshire, after Michael and Ridgeley disbanded their ska band The Executive.

They recorded a homemade demo in Ridgeley’s living room and persistently shopped it to labels.

In February 1982, Innervision Records (distributed by CBS) signed them after Ridgeley handed a tape to executive Mark Dean at a pub.

The duo added the exclamation mark via graphic designers Stylorouge, embracing a youthful, anti-establishment image addressing unemployment and teen angst.

Career

From 1982–1986, Wham! became a global pop phenomenon, blending funk, soul, and synth-pop.

They sold 30+ million records, topped charts in the UK and US, and were MTV staples during the Second British Invasion.

Debut: “Wham Rap!” (1982) – #8 UK; addressed dole culture.

Breakthrough: Fantastic (1983) – #1 UK, modest US success.

Global Domination: Make It Big (1984) – #1 UK/US, 6× Platinum US; hits like:

• “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” (#1 US/UK)
• “Careless Whisper” (#1 US/UK, 11M+ sales)

Finale: Music from the Edge of Heaven (1986) – #1 UK; farewell tour grossed millions.

First Western act to tour China (1985).

Disbandment: Announced June 1986 at Wembley Stadium’s Final concert; Michael pursued solo maturity, Ridgeley supported amicably.

Post-split: Ridgeley released Son of Albert (1990); Michael became a superstar.

Social Media

• YouTube Channel: WhamVEVO

Personal Life

George Michael (deceased)

• Height: 5’11″ (180 cm)
• Marriages: None
• Children: None (godson: James Kennedy)
• Dating History: Fadi Fawaz (2012–2016), Kenny Goss (1996–2009) Anselmo Feleppa (1991–1993) Brooke Shields (1980s) Kathy Jeung (1985–1989) Pat Fernandez (1983–1984)

Andrew Ridgeley

• Height: 5’11″ (180 cm)
• Marriages: None
• Children: Tom Stonor
• Dating History: Amanda Cronin (2021–2023) Keren Woodward (1990–2017), Donya Fiorentino (1986), Shirlie Kemp (1980s), Jackie St. Claire (1980s)

Net Worth

Wham!, the trailblazing 1980s pop duo, has a combined net worth of approximately $240 million (USD) as of October 29, 2025.

This figure reflects the enduring financial legacy of their brief but explosive career, which sold over 30 million records worldwide, generated hundreds of millions in touring and merchandise revenue, and continues to earn substantial royalties through streaming, sync licensing, and holiday perennial “Last Christmas.”

The wealth is unevenly distributed due to George Michael’s prolific solo career and posthumous estate management, while Andrew Ridgeley has lived a quieter, lower-profile life, relying primarily on Wham!-related royalties and select personal ventures.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Fantastic (1983) – #1 UK, 2× Platinum UK
• Make It Big (1984) – #1 UK/US, 6× Platinum US
• Music from the Edge of Heaven (1986) – #1 UK, Platinum UK

EPs / Compilations

• The Final (1986) – Greatest hits, #1 UK/US
• The Best of Wham!: If You Were There… (1997)
• Last Christmas: The Singles (2023 anniversary)

Singles (Notable UK/US Chart-Toppers)

• “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do)” (1982) – #8 UK
• “Young Guns (Go for It!)” (1982) – #3 UK
• “Bad Boys” (1983) – #2 UK
• “Club Tropicana” (1983) – #4 UK
• “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” (1984) – #1 UK/US
• “Careless Whisper” (1984) – #1 UK/US (11M+ sales)
• “Everything She Wants” (1984) – #2 UK, #1 US
• “Last Christmas” (1984) – #2 UK (2021 #1), 2× Platinum UK
• “Freedom” (1985) – #1 UK (reissue)
• “I’m Your Man” (1985) – #1 UK
• “The Edge of Heaven” (1986) – #2 UK

Solo Highlights

• George Michael: Faith (1987) – 10× Platinum US; 100M+ solo sales
• Andrew Ridgeley: Son of Albert (1990) – Modest sales