The 40th anniversary of Wham!'s beloved holiday classic, "Last Christmas," has been met with exuberant celebrations, showcasing the song's undeniable impact and nostalgia as it continues to capture hearts worldwide. On December 12, 2024, fans gathered for the "Last Christmas Experience" at London's Coal Drops Yard, featuring special appearances by Wham! co-founder Andrew Ridgeley and backing vocalists Pepsi and Shirlie.
This unforgettable event was not just about the music; it was about celebrating the legacy of the iconic duo, with Ridgeley leading the charge as the festive House Gospel Choir surprised onlookers with their new gospel rendition of "Last Christmas." This lively sing-along had attendees reveling not only in the melody but in the sentiment behind it, emphasizing its themes of unrequited love and loss.
The collaboration with TikTok for this experience marks the latest chapter of the song's storied legacy, as "Last Christmas" has inspired over 18 million video creations and garnered 38 billion views on the platform. It returned to the top of the U.K.'s Official Singles Chart this week, highlighting its timeless appeal, especially among younger audiences discovering it anew through social media.
Meanwhile, the festivities coincided with the release of the "Last Christmas 40th Anniversary EP" by Wham!, George Michael Entertainment, and Sony Music, which debuted globally on vinyl, CD, and digital formats. This release celebrates the song's remarkable achievement of reaching its highest-ever Billboard Hot 100 position at No. 3, alongside its seven-time platinum certification by the RIAA. The EP highlights dazzling new covers by contemporary artists, keeping the spirit of the classic original alive for today’s listeners.
Alongside the music, the debut of the documentary special "Last Christmas Unwrapped" adds another layer to the celebrations. Scheduled to air on Netflix and Roku, and previewed on BBC, the film dives deep to tell the story of how George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley crafted the song, transforming it from mere holiday tune to cultural phenomenon. Directed by BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated filmmaker Nigel Cole, it highlights pivotal moments such as Michael's electric performance of "Last Christmas" at Wembley Arena back in 2006, along with previously unreleased footage from the original music video shot on 35mm film.
Among the many cultural conversations sparked by the anniversary event is the enduring relevance of "Last Christmas" as it communicates raw human experiences through its lyrics. Ridgeley described the heartfelt genesis of the song during his appearance on Smooth Radio, recalling how Michael captured the essence of betrayal and heartache during their time together at Michael's family home. He said, "We’d had a bite to eat...when, almost unnoticed, George disappeared upstairs for an hour or so. When he came back down, such was his excitement, it was as if he had discovered gold."
The documentary includes new insights from various artists such as Mary J. Blige, Neil Tennant, and Sam Smith, each providing perspectives on the song's emotional themes, bolstered by Ridgeley and select friends from the music video's original cast, who convened against the picturesque backdrop of Saas-Fee, Switzerland.
This remarkable celebration truly encapsulates the essence of "Last Christmas"; both heartbreaking and heartwarming, it has become deeply intertwined with the holiday season. Joanna Kalli, Managing Director at Sony Music, expressed sentiments shared by many fans when she noted, "The genius of George Michael's songwriting and performance continue to resonate globally as generations of new fans discover the iconic track."
Even with 40 years of history behind it, "Last Christmas" shows no signs of waning popularity. The emotional connection and joyous melodies serve as seasonal staples, intertwining traditions and new experiences as people reflect on love and loss each holiday season. This cultural touchstone's legacy remains strong today, proving the power of great songwriting can transcend generations and resonate with audiences worldwide.
Overall, as fans continue to savor the nostalgia and joy of "Last Christmas," the commitment from both the music industry and the content creators of today assures its legacy will endure, bridging the past and present for years to come.
