Wham! Makes History in China with Haunting Rendition of “Careless Whisper”
When George Michael and Wham! stepped onto the stage at Beijing’s Workers’ Gymnasium in 1985, it wasn’t just another concert—it was a groundbreaking moment in music and cultural history. As the first Western pop act to perform in communist China, Wham! shattered barriers and redefined global entertainment.
Their visit came after 18 months of complex negotiations, and many expected the duo to tread carefully. But instead, they leaned into the opportunity, delivering powerful performances and unexpected artistic choices that resonated far beyond the music industry.
One of the most unforgettable moments came during their live rendition of “Careless Whisper.” George Michael chose to open the hit ballad with a stripped-down, slower arrangement that left the audience breathless. Instead of the familiar polished production, the performance began with a solitary saxophone, followed by soft keyboard notes and gentle acoustic guitar. The minimalist intro allowed George’s voice to shine—raw, emotional, and unguarded.
The haunting start perfectly matched the song’s themes of regret and longing. As the chorus approached, the full instrumentation joined in, lifting the performance into familiar territory but only after the audience had been drawn into an intimate emotional space. The entire stadium was spellbound, the power of George’s voice echoing through the venue with profound impact.
This moment, now part of the documentary Wham!: Foreign Skies, captured not only a band at their peak but also a young artist stepping confidently into his solo power. At just 21, George Michael showed the depth and control of a seasoned performer, delivering a version of “Careless Whisper” that still stirs emotion decades later.
The performance took place during The Big Tour’s final leg, which concluded with these two historic shows in China: the first on April 7, 1985, in Beijing, and the second on April 10 in Canton (now Guangzhou). These concerts followed earlier stops in Hong Kong and a successful international run through the UK, Europe, the U.S., Japan, and Australia.
In hindsight, the China concerts marked more than just the end of a tour—they signaled the end of an era for Wham!, who would go on to stage their farewell performances the following year. But thanks to footage like this performance of “Careless Whisper,” the legacy of those bold, barrier-breaking nights lives on.