The timeless holiday hit 'Last Christmas' is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023, marking the journey of a song that was written by George Michael in just one hour, evolving into one of the best-selling hits of all time.
The musical success story began on December 3, 1984, when the British pop duo Wham!, formed from a school friendship and active from 1981 to 1986, released one of their biggest hits. The song has achieved impressive milestones, reaching the number one spot in 16 countries and ranking fourth among the best-selling singles in the UK, with over five billion streams worldwide.
'Last Christmas' made a notable return to the charts during the festive season, with 2021 marking a significant turning point. On January 1, 2021, the song finally reached the top of the UK charts after 36 years, and it also claimed the number one position in the German charts on December 24 of the same year. In 2023, it achieved another triumph by becoming the official Christmas number one for the first time during the significant Christmas week.
The iconic music video, directed by Andrew Morahan, features not only George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley but also Wham!'s background singers and model Kathy Hill. The narrative showcases an emotional Christmas gathering in a mountain lodge, where Michael reflects on past relationships amid festive celebrations.
To commemorate the 40th anniversary, George Michael Entertainment and Sony Music will release the 'Last Christmas 40th Anniversary EP' on December 13, featuring Michael's performance from the Wembley Arena in 2006. Additionally, the BBC will air the documentary 'WHAM!: Last Christmas Unwrapped' on December 14, featuring celebrity interviews and a reunion of Ridgeley, Pepsi DeMacque-Crockett, and Shirlie Kemp at the filming location.
Andrew Ridgeley expressed the significance of the song, stating that Christmas was a special time for George, and writing a Christmas classic was one of the greatest achievements of his career. The enduring appeal of 'Last Christmas' continues to resonate across generations, making its 40th anniversary a momentous occasion in music history.