Wham!'s iconic holiday song "Last Christmas" has made history once again by achieving the UK's Christmas Number One for the second consecutive year. Announced on December 20, 2023, by the UK’s Official Charts Company, this beloved 1984 track has become the first song ever to secure back-to-back Christmas Number One spots.
The pop duo Wham!, consisting of the late George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, originally released "Last Christmas" forty years ago, and it continues to resonate with audiences today. This year, it was recognized as the most-streamed and physically purchased song during the holiday season, reflecting its enduring popularity and nostalgic charm.
Andrew Ridgeley, paying tribute to his friend and collaborator George Michael—who wrote and produced the song—expressed his sentiments during the announcement on social media. “I’m especially pleased for George,” Ridgeley stated. “He would have been utterly delighted, his fabulous Christmas composition has become such a classic.” This heartfelt acknowledgment adds emotional depth to the song’s recent success, highlighting the bond between the two artists.
Since its initial release, “Last Christmas” has achieved staggering numbers, accumulating four billion audio streams and one billion video views. The track has also topped charts in 16 countries, proving its global appeal. Central to its lasting legacy is the quintessential message of unrequited love and loss.
A new documentary titled “Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped” dives deep behind the scenes of the song's creation and the iconic video filmed in Saas-Fee, Switzerland. The film features Ridgeley alongside former bandmates Pepsi Demacque-Crockett and Shirlie Kemp, exploring the making of the music video and disclosing stories previously kept within the group.
Throughout the documentary, various artists, including Mary J. Blige, Bob Geldof, Neil Tennant, and Sam Smith share their perspectives on the song's themes. The directors and producers aim to peel back the layers on how “Last Christmas” encapsulates emotions felt by listeners, reminding them of the bittersweet feelings the holiday can evoke.
The continued success of “Last Christmas” is not merely due to its catchy chorus and holiday charm; it's also about its storytelling, rendering it relatable across generations. Each Christmas, it finds new listeners who sing along to the forever-familiar tune, proving it transcends time.
With Ridgeley’s tribute to Michael and the song’s latest chart success, “Last Christmas” continues to hold its position as not just a festive classic but as part of music history. This remarkable achievement highlights the powerful legacy the duo has left behind, keeping their music alive in the hearts of millions.
By recognizing trinkets of nostalgia, “Last Christmas” lays the foundation for future generations to find comfort and joy through its melodies. The song’s evolution from its time of release to this current day speaks volumes about the universal experience of love and loss, especially during the holiday season. It's clear: Wham!’s heartfelt message will always have its place on the Christmas playlist.
