Wham!’s iconic holiday tune ‘Last Christmas’ has received newfound recognition as it celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The documentary titled Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped, which aired on BBC Two on December 14, 2023, presents nostalgic glimpses of the beloved song and its cultural significance.
The hour-long special not only dissects the making of ‘Last Christmas’ but also offers heartwarming conversations with George Michael’s bandmates Andrew Ridgeley, Pepsi Demacque-Crockett, and Shirlie Kemp. Their camaraderie shines as they reminisce about the good old days when they shot the music video against the stunning backdrop of Saas-Fee, Switzerland.
Originally released in 1984, ‘Last Christmas’ faced stiff competition from Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ and reached number two on the UK singles chart. Its popularity surged over the years, eventually earning the coveted Christmas number one spot in 2021—a remarkable feat 39 years after its initial debut. Pepsi expressed how Michael, who adored the holiday spirit, would be thrilled to see how the song has endured: “He would be like ‘make sure you talk about me! Make sure my song’s played.’”
Throughout the documentary, Ridgeley reflects on the origins of the song. Sharing anecdotes from their childhood, he recalls how he and Michael were just two young boys with dreams. He said, “I never conceived of a future without him.” Ridgeley’s sentiments are echoed by Kemp, who fondly remembers, “George is – was – the more, the merrier.” This heartfelt connectiveness was central to Wham!’s music and Michael’s character.
The production of the documentary also captures unique moments during the making of the ‘Last Christmas’ video. Ridgeley noted, “There was a real party atmosphere... If you gather a dozen twenty-year-olds for a ski weekend, add festive cheer and alcohol, you’re going to have a good time.” The reminiscences range from snowball fights to Craig’s hooded look during filming, which became legendary among fans.
‘Last Christmas’ is officially the fourth best-selling single in UK history and has crossed over four billion audio streams globally. The documentary delves not just the nostalgia, but also the relatable themes of unrequited love and loss depicted in the song. “It’s the perfect pop song and that's what George always wanted,” says Pepsi, highlighting how the magic of the melody captures audiences through generations.
The song has not only been memorialized through its music, but it also inspired the 2019 romantic comedy featuring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding, proving its timeless appeal within contemporary culture. The new relevance has expanded with many high-profile covers by artists like Beyonce, Taylor Swift, and Ariana Grande.
One poignant moment within the documentary highlights the return to Saas-Fee, where Kemp and Ridgeley opened up about Michael’s absence due to his passing on Christmas Day, 2016. The group remembered their ‘Yog’, saying they could feel him around them even during their emotional trip. “We were really teary talking about someone... he loved his friends,” Kemp expressed.
The documentary’s release aligns perfectly with the escalated interest leading up to holiday celebrations. Ridgeley articulated how ‘Last Christmas’ resonates so deeply: “George was obsessively Christmassy... he made every Christmas unforgettable.” The film serves as not just retrospective homage to the song but also as recognition of Michael’s genius and the bond he shared with friends.
Through celebratory laughter, warmth, and shared memories, this tribute encapsulates the essence of friendship and the holiday spirit left behind by George Michael. Interest surrounding “Last Christmas” continues to grow—not merely as evidence of its enduring legacy, but also as assurance for fans young and old, establishing it as the timeless soundtrack for Christmas cheer.
The release of Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped is both heartwarming and nostalgic, and it promises to remind fans of the joy, hope, and love encapsulated within their favorite Christmas song. Each note reverberates with memories, showcasing not only what made Wham! extraordinary but also illuminating George Michael’s lasting impact on music and culture.