Wham!'s Andrew Ridgeley Reflects on the Enduring Legacy of "Last Christmas"

As of November 2025, Andrew Ridgeley, the former member of the iconic 1980s pop duo Wham!, has been reflecting on the lasting legacy of the band's hit song "Last Christmas." Ridgeley, who attended the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony to pay tribute to his childhood friend and bandmate George Michael, who was inducted posthumously, says the holiday classic was an "absolute knockout" from the moment he first heard it.

Ridgeley explains that "Last Christmas" is the "essence of Christmas" and its enduring popularity is "no surprise really." He adds that it's a "wonderful privilege" for Wham! to have created one of the "all-time Christmas classics." While "Last Christmas" remains the duo's most popular track, Ridgeley's favorite Wham! memories are from their live performances, which he describes as the "most intensely pure moments" of their partnership.

Michael's posthumous induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which included an emotional performance of his song "One More Try" by Carrie Underwood, is a fitting honor according to Ridgeley. He calls Michael a "genuine legend and an icon of contemporary music" who was "probably the finest singing voice and songwriter of his generation."