For the second year running, Wham!'s festive classic "Last Christmas" has ascended to the top of the UK's Christmas charts, marking the first time any song has achieved this feat consecutively. Originally released back in 1984, the song, crafted by the duo of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, continues to strike a chord with listeners, evidencing its status as one of the enduring symbols of the holiday season.
According to the Official Charts Company, "Last Christmas" topped the chart again this year, buoyed by nearly 12.6 million streams leading up to Christmas. Andrew Ridgeley expressed his joy over the achievement, particularly reflecting on the legacy of his late bandmate, who passed away on Christmas Day 2016. Ridgeley was quoted saying, "I’m especially pleased for George, he would have been utterly delighted; his fabulous Christmas composition has become such a classic, almost as much a part of Christmas as mince pies, turkey and pigs in blankets."
This latest triumph adds to the song's illustrious history, which includes years of absence from the number one spot after its initial release. Despite being released during the 1984 holiday season, "Last Christmas" did not make it to the top, losing out to Band Aid's iconic charity single, "Do They Know It’s Christmas?" The charity single was raised to prominence due to its humanitarian purpose aimed at famine relief, but Michael's composition has since become synonymous with Christmas.
Reflecting on the appeal of festive music, Ridgeley stated, "It’s testimony to a really wonderful Christmas song, which evokes and symbolizes Christmas as we would all wish it to be." It’s this emotional connection and timeless quality of nostalgia driving the song's resurgence each season. Indeed, its previous absence from the charts was merely temporary; it has reappeared annually on the UK Top 40 since 2007, benefiting from the rise of digital downloads and streaming music.
Interestingly, this year’s charts featured significant competition. Flaunting its own charm, Gracie Abrams's track "That’s So True" secured second place, with the evergreen Mariah Carey’s festive favorite, "All I Want For Christmas Is You," settling for third. The battle for Christmas number one has always been intense, but the nostalgic pull of Michael's work consistently manages to command both significant commercial success and emotional connection.
Beyond charts and commercial statistics, the influence of "Last Christmas" extends to personal memories tied to George Michael’s friendships. British comedian Catherine Tate, reflecting on her years-long friendship with Michael, shared insights on how Christmas evokes memories of her dear friend. During her appearance on BBC Radio Wales, she described him as "really fun, amazing, lovely, wonderful, wonderful being." Throughout their friendship, Michael would often share personal moments, including introducing her during special concerts.
Tate fondly remembers when Michael performed for NHS staff caring for his mother, Lesley, who passed away from cancer. The concert itself was held as gratitude for their support during her illness. Tate’s memories are interwoven with those of the song, as she conveyed how Christmas remains enriched by the spirit of their friendship and Michael's indelible mark on festive culture.
Overall, the resurgence of "Last Christmas" signals more than just chart data; it embodies the warmth, nostalgia, and spirit of remembrance during the holiday season. Ridgeley's sentiments of listening to the song as part of Christmas festivities resonate with many, proving the power of music as emotional touchstones.
With its legacy soaring high, "Last Christmas" will likely continue to find its way to the top of the charts, giving both new and old fans alike yet another opportunity to connect with Michael’s unforgettable melody. The story of Wham! continues to be told through the beats of this classic hymn, allowing both old and new generations to celebrate the enduring joy of Christmas.