WHAM!’s Andrew Ridgeley Initially Thought Duo’s Historic 1985 China Visit Was ‘a Crackpot Idea’ (Exclusive)

In April 1985, British pop sensation WHAM! made history by becoming the first Western music act to perform in Communist China. This groundbreaking event is now the subject of a new documentary titled “WHAM! 10 Days in China,” which is set to premiere on July 28, 2023. This film aims to delve into the monumental impact of their visit, both for the duo and for the evolution of pop music in an emerging market.

Andrew Ridgeley, one half of the iconic duo alongside George Michael, recalls the pivotal moment when their manager, Simon Napier-Bell, suggested the ambitious plan to perform in China. Ridgeley, who is now 63, admits he was initially skeptical about the idea. “I thought it was a crackpot idea, to be honest,” he said in an interview with PEOPLE magazine. Nonetheless, Matt’s vision was clear: the aim was to bolster their presence in the US market, particularly after the success of their 1984 album “Make It Big,” which included chart-topping singles like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Careless Whisper.”

Following extensive negotiations with Chinese officials, WHAM! toured the country, performing two concerts—one in Beijing and the other in Guangzhou. These historic shows not only showcased their music but also sought to generate significant media exposure, ultimately positioning WHAM! as a household name in America. Ridgeley reflects on the impact of the trip, recalling how it was ingeniously designed to address the need for wider recognition.

Originally, their visit was intended to be documented by British filmmaker Lindsay Anderson, but Ridgeley and Michael were dissatisfied with the output. The footage was later restructured into a different format, eventually released as “WHAM! In China: Foreign Skies” in 1986. The latest documentary, directed by Mike Christie, features newly restored content as well as insights from Ridgeley and others involved in these pivotal events.

“WHAM! 10 Days in China” captures an array of experiences, from the duo’s preparations to their interactions with local officials and the relentless media attention they received from the Western press. Ridgeley noted that the pressure was particularly intense for Michael, who bore the brunt of being the lead performer. “There’s always a little more pressure on him perhaps than there was on me,” Ridgeley acknowledged, reflecting on how the demands of their visit affected the overall enjoyment of the experience.

The documentary showcases the differing audience reactions at their two concerts. The initial show in Beijing was marked by a subdued atmosphere, with an audience that was uncertain of how to engage with a pop concert. Ridgeley highlighted the challenges Michael faced in performing for an audience that was largely unaccustomed to such Western pop music. “We knew that we had to be respectful to our hosts,” he explained, adding that governmental instructions around audience behaviour further complicated the performance dynamics.

Conversely, the atmosphere during their concert in Guangzhou was notably more relaxed, culminating in a much more animated response from the audience, particularly during their rendition of “Careless Whisper.” “It was a different atmosphere completely,” Ridgeley remarked, noting that with the press no longer present, the environment had shifted for the better.

The exposure gained from their performances in China played a crucial role in boosting WHAM!’s profile within the United States, setting the stage for their subsequent “Whamamerica!” tour. Ridgeley expressed that this unique venture into China placed WHAM! in a significant cultural context, propelling them into the limelight. “To get onto the TV, the radio or in the press nationwide in the States in that context elevated WHAM! beyond just the ordinary touring,” he stated.

Another notable outcome from their China visit was its long-lasting impact on the local audience. Many young people who attended WHAM!’s shows would go on to pursue careers in the music industry as artists or DJs. Ridgeley found that the enduring legacy of their performances was a gratifying revelation. “It did transform lives, and you can’t ask for a great deal more than that,” he added, underscoring the documentary’s purpose to explore the wider implications of their trip.

Ultimately, the documentary serves as a tribute to George Michael’s remarkable talent and dedication to performance. Ridgeley emphasised that their commitment to live shows was one of the few aspects they took seriously, and he is proud to showcase WHAM!’s performances to new audiences. “What was it like to see WHAM! live? It’s there, and hopefully, people will be inspired,” he concluded.

As the premiere date approaches, anticipation builds for “WHAM! 10 Days in China,” which promises to illuminate a significant chapter in the history of pop music and explore the far-reaching ramifications of a groundbreaking cultural exchange.