Wham!’s iconic holiday hit ‘Last Christmas’ continues to spread festive cheer, claiming the coveted title of the UK’s Christmas No. 1 for the second year running. The beloved 1984 track has etched its name in chart history as the first song ever to achieve back-to-back Christmas number ones, as reported by the UK’s Official Charts Company on December 20.
The pop duo, consisting of Andrew Ridgeley and the late George Michael, originally released ‘Last Christmas’ nearly forty years ago. This year, the track has outperformed all others, being the most streamed and physically purchased song during the festive season. Ridgeley shared this joyous news with his followers on Instagram, accompanied by a video presentation celebrating the song's historic achievement.
“I’m especially pleased for George,” Ridgeley reflected, honoring his late friend and co-writer, Michael, who passed away on Christmas Day 2016. “He would have been utterly delighted; his fabulous Christmas composition has become such a classic.”
The recent success of ‘Last Christmas’ isn’t limited to the UK. The song has garnered love across borders, reaching the number one spot on charts not just in the UK, but also topping the charts in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden. Notably, it reached the #2 position on both the Canadian and US singles charts, showing Wham!’s international appeal.
Originally released during the holiday season of 1984, ‘Last Christmas’ spent five consecutive weeks at #2 on the UK singles chart, held back from the top by the charity single ‘Do They Know It's Christmas?’ by Band Aid. After nearly four decades, it finally rose to the pinnacle of the UK singles charts last year, delighting long-time fans and new listeners alike.
To commemorate the song’s milestone 40th anniversary, Wham! has released a special four-track EP. Available on CD, vinyl, and digital platforms, this limited edition includes the original rendition of ‘Last Christmas’, along with the Pudding Mix, and instrumental versions, spotlighting how versatile this classic holiday tune can be. Notably, the EP contains a previously unreleased live performance of the song, delivered by George Michael at London’s Wembley Arena back in 2006.
The release of the EP also coincides with the launch of the documentary titled ‘Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped’. This feature is currently available for streaming on SBS, offering fans and viewers unique insights and behind-the-scenes stories about the making of this beloved song.
This year marks not only the continued dominance of ‘Last Christmas’ on the UK charts but also serves as a heartwarming reminder of George Michael's legacy through music. The song, which eloquently captures the emotions associated with love and heartbreak during the holiday season, has transcended generations and remains firmly embedded within the festive spirit.
Indeed, Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ has proven itself as more than just another holiday tune; it has become part of the fabric of Christmas celebrations worldwide. Fans eagerly anticipate hearing the song on repeat throughout the holiday season, enjoying the familiar melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
This extraordinary achievement of reaching two consecutive Christmas number ones is sure to echo through the ages. It is not just about chart positions; it celebrates the inseparable bond between music, memory, and the holidays themselves.
