“Once bitten and twice shy
I keep my distance, but you still catch my eye
Tell me, baby, do you recognize me?
Well, it’s been a year, it doesn’t surprise me”
Christmastime changes as you get older. The transformation comes slowly but startlingly, and you don’t notice it at all, until you’re no longer peeking up chimneys or leaving cookies out for Santa Claus. You’ll slowly stop staying up all night waiting for the moment when it finally, finally hits Christmas, and when you climb into your bed, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief that only a holiday from the hectic, unforgiving pace of life can bring.
But not everything changes: the presents you wrap and unwrap will always find their home under the Christmas tree, and the hot chocolate that you’ll drink amidst a pile of wrapping paper and smiling faces won’t ever fail to warm you up. The carolers that harmonize with each other on the streets won’t stop singing about jingle bells and a happy New Year, and malls won’t stop blasting Christmas songs for all to share in a collective joy.
And Wham!’s iconic ‘Last Christmas’ remains on the top of the list of Christmas constants. It is no overstatement to say that a commendable number of people will be able to recognize ‘Last Christmas’ within its first few seconds – its iconic sleigh bells and riveting vocals are a mystery to no one. The cheerful sounds immediately stir up a heartfelt blend of nostalgia and excitement inside the listeners. For the last four decades, it has been, without exaggeration, a staple of the holidays. And now it is time we collectively celebrate its 40th anniversary.
December 3rd, 2024 marks the official 40th year anniversary of ‘Last Christmas’ by Wham! The group, formed in 1981 and consisting of George Michael and Andrew Ridegeley, is still known as one of the most iconic musical duos today. However, Wham! was much more than just a pop duo; it was a deeply rooted friendship.
George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, kindred spirits since childhood, shared a dream to form their own band and thereby formed an inseparable bond that brought infectious energy to their music. With exuberant hits like ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ and ‘Club Tropicana,’ Wham! stole the hearts of fans around the world, intertwining catchy tunes with an unrestrained energy that nearly defined the decade. In total, they sold a total of 30 million records worldwide and saw several nominations, whether they be the Grammys or Brit awards. Together, they showed that true partnership could lead to brilliant success while simultaneously leaving a lasting impact on pop culture.
Celebrating themes of love, friendship, and joy through their timeless hits, the duo continues to influence artists today, even long after their disbandment in 1986. Their electrifying synergy and tight friendship made it no surprise that they would create a name for themselves as irreplaceable musicians, but what makes ‘Last Christmas’ such a compelling and unforgettable song?
George Michael (1963-2016) started his musical career as a hesitating, unenthused man, but with bandmate Andrew Ridgeley’s encouragement, he is now one of the best-selling musicians of all time. As one of Wham!’s songwriters, his songs, catchy and classy, were always met with positive responses. So it is no surprise that ‘Last Christmas’ was met with identical excitement. Even today, its impact is felt, intensely and remarkably. Its memorable rhythm and regenerating chords are ingrained in the minds of many – those who have lived to experience the 1980s and those today who have not been untouched by the timeless joy of Wham! What many people don’t know, however, is that the instruments, singing, and backing track were all done by George Michael himself.
The story begins, as any story begins, with a series of trial and error. Michael and his bandmate Andrew Ridgeley were at his family home when Michael was suddenly struck by inspiration and played the enchanting chorus of ‘Last Christmas’ for Ridgeley for the first time. “It was as if he had discovered gold…” said Ridgeley later in an interview with Smooth Radio. “It was a wonder.” The two of them were immediately hooked on this project and were determined to see it through.
George Michael, supposedly, then locked himself in a recording booth with only three other people: his engineer Chris Porter and two other assistants. If you pay close attention to the backing track of the song, you’ll realize that it is not as complex as it is enjoyable. This is because it is reported that George Michael, seized by a fervent passion, played every single instrument on the track himself, even those he was unfamiliar with, like the oboe and sleigh bells. Humorously, he even refused to let anyone else jangle the bells, much to the disappointment of his engineer.
Despite its cheerful instruments and comical production, however, the lyrics and storytelling behind ‘Last Christmas’ were a lot less bright. An ex-lover finds himself still mourning his past love and is reminded every Christmas of what they used to have. Unable to move on, he can’t help but sing about his woeful feelings, painting the outline of a love almost obsessive. The lyrics, poignant and catchy, vertebrate in the minds of many all year long; that is to say, despite inherently being a song for the holidays, it is not exclusive to this wonderful time of the year.
The song is also not just limited to music fans — it has prompted countless covers and reinterpretations by artists across different genres, most famously Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift. This showcases its continuous relevance as newer generations continue to discover and connect with Wham!’s timeless message. Even top artists today find that they are not invincible to the infectious joy of the song.
The music video, released a shocking fifteen years after the track, also enjoys massive popularity for its role in further romanticizing the song. The festive visuals of an unmistakably joyous Christmas, combined with the song’s poignant lyrics, make the video a timeless classic that resonates with viewers year after year. The stark contrast of the bright snow and colorful plastic decorations against the heartbreak of a lost love is dramatic and memorable. Overall, the music video perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the song while also embodying the festive essence of the holidays.
So, all in all, why is ‘Last Christmas’ such an iconic and timeless song?
After its release in 1984, the track has become a holiday favorite not only in the United Kingdom, but also across the world. In 2022, it experienced an unexpected, but significant revival that it has never seen since its birth, topping charts in various countries and reigniting old feelings associated with the 1980s. Nostalgia, no doubt, plays a huge factor in the song’s popularity. The memories of Wham! and everything else associated with the 1980s are temporarily brought back whenever this song plays. The bittersweetness of love combined with a haunting past regret is the perfect blend of joy and reflection.
Overall, the achievements of ‘Last Christmas’ underscore the song’s status as a beloved holiday anthem, ensuring its place in the soundtrack of countless celebrations for years to come. Wham!’s ardent instrumental playing and the emotional story behind ‘Last Christmas’ also makes it popular with a variety of audiences. The liveliness of the song and the heartfelt emotions that went with it demand a worldwide reverence that Wham! still sees today.
The song’s legacy has only been solidified in the wake of George Michael’s passing on Christmas in 2016, which adds a poignant layer to the song’s meaning. For many, this saddening, but coincidental death imbues ‘Last Christmas’ with a sense of respect, transforming it into a tribute to the artist himself. Each holiday season, as the song plays on repeat in homes and malls, listeners are reminded not only of the joy of the holidays but also of the profound impact that Wham! has had on both music and culture.
“A face of a lover with a fire in his heart
A man undercover, but you tore me apart
Ooh-ooh
Now I’ve found a real love, you’ll never fool me again”
Overall, the achievements of ‘Last Christmas’ underscore the song’s status as a beloved holiday anthem, ensuring its place in the soundtrack of countless celebrations for years to come.