Christmas Day brought the shocking death of another major name in 2016 as George Michael passed away at the age of 53. The details behind his passing are still coming out, but his publicist said that the pop icon passed away peacefully in his home. Given the timing and the history involved with Michael, many were quick to share their thoughts and wishes over his career. Many from the music world and other celebrities shared their shock online, while fans also chipped in to show what the artist meant to them.
The music world did hesitate to call George Michael a talent, pointing to his voice and abilities as a singer but also to his presence on the stage. This includes his years with Wham, his iconic solo career, and his numerous musical partnerships over the years. Names like Brian Wilson, Bryan Adams, and Duran Duran all spoke highly of the late pop star:
Very sad to hear that George Michael passed. He was a very talented musician and singer. Love & mercy to his family, friends and fans.
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) December 25, 2016
2016 – loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to @GeorgeMichael's family. pic.twitter.com/3h4xqEDXR9
— Duran Duran (@duranduran) December 25, 2016
RIP George Michael. I can't believe it. Such an incredible singer and a lovely human being, far too young to leave us #georgemichael
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) December 25, 2016
So sorry to hear of the passing of George Michael. My prayers and condolences go out to his family, friends and fans.
— Gloria Gaynor (@gloriagaynor) December 25, 2016
One of the craziest 1 bar flips ever..
RIP George Michael. https://t.co/IWb08uDC4M
— Just Blaze (@JustBlaze) December 25, 2016
Oh no.. what a year. George Michael, you were the smartest Pop Star I ever met, RIP now fella x
— Paul Young (@PaulYoungParlez) December 25, 2016
other than a global pop phenom, George Michael was one of the true British soul greats. alot of us owe him an unpayable debt. bye George xx
— Mark Ronson (@MarkRonson) December 25, 2016
Omg #GeorgeMichael noooo! No No No No No! We have lost too many beautiful souls this year. #rip you will be greatly missed.
— leann rimes cibrian (@leannrimes) December 25, 2016
Wow. RIP George Michael pic.twitter.com/sVgRYnfm6J
— Randy Jackson (@YO_RANDYJACKSON) December 25, 2016
Rest In Peace George Michael. Thank you for "Faith".
— Estelle (@EstelleDarlings) December 25, 2016
I met George Michael a few times & he was ever a gentle, unassuming soul.A rare presence in a world full of self.
Honest, genuine talent.— Alison Moyet (@AlisonMoyet) December 25, 2016
So saddened to hear about the passing of George Michael today. He was a truly gifted singer and a musical inspiration. #RIPGeorgeMichael
— Nick Lachey (@NickLachey) December 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/AudraEqualityMc/status/813162885308358656
https://twitter.com/pwrbttmband/status/813164350152331264
Rest in eternal peace George Michael & God bless you. Thank you for the music. A tragic loss indeed for the world of music.
— Kenny Thomas (@kennythomas_uk) December 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/therealelp/status/813165559105941505
Another incredible talent gone. Thank you for all the music Mr George Michael. Thoughts with your family and friends… 🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Disclosure (@disclosure) December 25, 2016
RIP George Michael….. 'Last Christmas' will remain in my heart and mind forever 🙏🏼😞
— Casey Cody Johnson (@CaseyCodyJ) December 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/dubouchet/status/813163571379077120
Can't believe George Michael has passed ….one of the greatest singers and writers the UK ever produced. I'm really saddened ..a lovely man
— Howard Jones (@howardjones) December 25, 2016
Doesn't matter what kind of music you are into, 2016 has taken its toll on all genres. @GeorgeMichael the latest. 53, crazy. Bring on 2017..
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) December 25, 2016
Former Wham! singer George Michael has died, aged 53 https://t.co/y3gQtZf8v1 pic.twitter.com/pogeoTRBC8
— NME (@NME) December 25, 2016
The music world obviously wasn’t alone in celebrating the memory of Michael in the wake of his death. Hollywood and Great Britain’s biggest stars all took to social media, including James Corden and Jordan Peele — Peele being special thanks to Michael’s influence on his recent film Keanu.
I've loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time.
— James Corden (@JKCorden) December 25, 2016
George Michael wrote Praying for Time 25 years ago but I truly believe it's message means more now than ever. https://t.co/f03zlWYbLa
— James Corden (@JKCorden) December 25, 2016
RIP George Michael 👆🏾
— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) December 25, 2016
Unbelievable.
RIP George Michael.— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 25, 2016
Is this year over yet? Too many people are passing away. Rest In Peace, George Michael. ☹️
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 25, 2016
Rest with the glittering stars, George Michael. You've found your Freedom, your Faith. It was your Last Christmas, and we shall miss you.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) December 25, 2016
I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael's death. He was such a brilliant talent. I'm so sad.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) December 25, 2016
RIP George Michael. Far far too young. https://t.co/P5tWcRPkWe
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) December 25, 2016
George Michael – Rest in Peace brilliant Legend. I despair of 2016. Thank you for all the ecstatic joy. Xxxxxx pic.twitter.com/dgrEcymxKS
— Gwendoline Christie (@lovegwendoline) December 25, 2016
Jesus I loved George Michael a lot https://t.co/jiu7Kkx8Xv
— Ike Barinholtz (@ikebarinholtz) December 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/kumailn/status/813164926105751552
I can't deal with this. One of my ALL TIME favorites. RIP George Michael and I really hate writing that so much. https://t.co/1cRJBMgYga
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) December 25, 2016
My god. Rest in paradise @GeorgeMichael–an icon, an ally, a legend. pic.twitter.com/MfxPVFG0B2
— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) December 25, 2016
This might just be George Michael's greatest moment… 'Somebody To Love' at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. https://t.co/jE6sOMsz37
— David Walliams HQ (@davidwalliams) December 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/JenKirkman/status/813162584270438400
Prince, George Michael, Ali, Alan Thicke, 2016 please leave ppl alone.
— Gary Owen (@garyowencomedy) December 25, 2016
George Michael. I can’t believe it. Worked with him so many times. I’ll miss that man. RIP x #georgemichael
— Keith Chegwin (@keithchegwin) December 25, 2016
Finally many fans and members of the media, including a few of our own, pitched in to celebrate Michael and hope that this is the end of the high profile deaths in 2016. If we can make it past this week, some of them might end up happy. Then again, time just keeps going and never stops, even for the most famous names out there:
R.I.P. George Michael. You inspired many and your music will live on in the hearts of the community. You will be sorely missed x pic.twitter.com/tjXqkArahj
— Stonewall (@stonewalluk) December 25, 2016
RIP George Michael, who set the standard for great homosexuality: godly talent that looks amazing in jeans.
— Louis Virtel (@louisvirtel) December 25, 2016
All I want for Christmas is no more celebrity deaths.
— Matt Lieb?? (@mattlieb) December 25, 2016
Just when we're starting to feel OK about Carrie Fisher making it, 2016 takes George Michael? Eff this. pic.twitter.com/uEc6VAIMHG
— Rebecca Pahle (@RebeccaPahle) December 25, 2016
Pouring out an orange mocha frappucino for George Michael
— Vince Mancini (@VinceMancini) December 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/knottyyarn/status/813164173223981056
me for the rest of 2016 pic.twitter.com/LMtfoFOyZR
— shauna (@goldengateblond) December 25, 2016
We’ll continue to update this as more names share their thoughts and memories on Michael. Until then, the best thing to do might be to listen to some of his music and remember those moments that he helped turn into sign posts for a decade.
