Shirlie Kemp claims George Michael is with us in the mountains
- Shirlie Kemp visited a medium before her trip to Switzerland and felt George Michael's presence.
- The group joined together to pay tribute to their late friend and celebrate the 40th anniversary of 'Last Christmas.'
- The trip was filled with laughter and memories, showcasing their enduring friendship and love for George.
In December 2024, former Wham! backing singer Shirlie Kemp embarked on a nostalgic trip to the Swiss Alpine village of Saas-Fee, partly to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the iconic Christmas hit 'Last Christmas.' The trip served as a tribute to her late friend George Michael, who passed away in December 2016 due to heart and liver disease. Before the journey, Shirlie consulted a medium who reassured her that George would 'be with you in the mountains.' During the filming of a BBC documentary about the Wham! legacy, she and her fellow former bandmates felt George's presence, particularly when a series of Christmas trees toppled during their tribute activity. This moment prompted laughter, as they playfully connected it to George's spirited nature. Shirlie reflected on the immense loss she felt from George's passing, which occurred during the Christmas season, a time he cherished. The emotional weight of his death left a significant impact on her life, transforming what should have been a joyous time into a painful reminder of their friendship. As the group also included previous Wham! colleagues like Pepsi DeMacque, they shared fond memories, underscoring the fun and carefree moments they experienced during their heyday. Shirlie mentioned how the bond between the members was special and unique, rooting back to their beginnings at Bushey Meads Comprehensive School. During the trip, the group attempted to unveil a memorial dedicated to 'Last Christmas,' but they encountered humorous difficulties when the satin cloth became stuck, eliciting more laughter and nostalgia about their past together. While Andrew Ridgeley described his time in Wham! as a 'golden chapter' in their lives, both Shirlie and Pepsi reminisced about how those years were filled with joy and camaraderie, contrasting the seriousness that often emerges with age. The documentary, titled 'Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped,' is set to air soon, capturing these moments that merge heartfelt tributes with celebratory memories of their shared history. Through this trip, Shirlie and her friends not only honored George but also embraced the essence of Christmas, choosing to remember the joy he brought to their lives rather than dwelling solely on sorrow. They collectively asserted the importance of celebrating his memory in a way that aligns with his love for the holiday season, highlighting how these shared experiences continue to strengthen their bonds and preserve the legacy of their friendship with George Michael.