Concert Review--25 Live--George Michael
In celebration of a music career that has spanned some 25 years, George Michael has embarked on a major concert tour of Europe and North America. Beginning in Barcelona, Spain in 2006, Michael has entertained millions of fans in sold-out events in major cities. George Michael recently announced the inclusion of "The Final Two," two additional shows scheduled to be held at Earls Court on August 24 and 25. With these two shows, the lights will dim and the curtain will drop on what is sure to be one of the most memorable musical events of the decade.

My partner and I were among those who were lucky enough to see 25 Live in San Jose, California last night (June 19). Our attendance at the show was somewhat of a fluke. I just happened to win the tickets in a radio contest a few weeks ago. (Oh the joys of being Caller Number Nine!!). So, I cannot say that I'm a true George Michael fan. Sure, I have a couple of his CD's, and I can sing along to many of his biggest hits. And, as a gay man, I have an appreciation for anyone in the public eye who takes that bold step of living an openly gay life. It seems that Mr. Michael overcame a number of personal struggles to be Out and Proud. I find that commendable, no doubt. Nevertheless, I am far from being a die-hard Michael fan. I do not own his entire discography, nor do I aspire to. I can say, however, that I will be going out to buy his latest musical offering Twenty-Five.

As a writer, I work very hard to avoid overstatement and cliche, but when friends have asked me what I thought of the concert last night, I am at a loss for words. Fabulous! Amazing! Incredible! These are the words that come to mind, and while descriptions of this sort seem trite and lacking in meaning due to their overuse, in this case, the words seem most apropos. From singing songs from his early days with Wham ("Everything She Wants") with energy and enthusiams to crooning like Sinatra on "Kissing a Fool," George Michael proved himself to be equal parts Gay Icon/Club King and Sensitively Serious Vocalist. His thoughtful and passionate performance of "One More Try" seemed as fresh and moving as it did when I first heard its call to social consciousness in 1988. "Freedom 90," which ended the show rang out like an anthem with lyrics like, "There's something deep inside of me. There's someone else I've got to be." One cannot mistake the personal conviction with which Michael celebrates what seems a new-found understanding and appreciation of himself. And, celebration seems to be a word which encompasses the experience of Live 25.

If the music itself were not enough of a draw, the staging and visual effects are spectacular. A screen wraps from below the stage, across the floor of the stage, and then reaches to the ceiling behind the stage. This screen becomes a canvas onto which are projected visual images that make the lyrics and music come to life on a whole new level. I have often wondered what music would look like if it were an art form we could experience both visually and auditorilly. That concept no longer seems so foreign as the designers of Michael's show have captured the essence of the music beautifully. Add to the visual effects and Michael's sweet voice a musical ensemble of virtuoso talent and back-up singers who could easily hold their own as solo performers, and you have the perfect blend of artistry and entertainment that had both my partner and me still experiencing that incredible high that only live music can give you even this morning.

As I mentioned earlier, I won my tickets purely by luck and chance. After seeing George Michael's Live 25 concert, I feel as if I have won a lottery. In the lifetime of a music lover like myself, there are a handful of concert performances that are remembered and cherished forever. Without a doubt, seeing George Michael on June 19, 2008 in San Jose, CA during his Live 25 tour will be among those rarities of rarities for me.