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British pop duo that dominated global charts in the mid-1980s with their infectious, upbeat sound and iconic music videos. Formed in Bushey, England, in 1981 by childhood friends George Michael (born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou) and Andrew Ridgeley. They achieved massive commercial success with hits like 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go', 'Careless Whisper', 'Freedom', and 'Last Christmas'. Known for their energetic performances, fashionable image, and Michael's distinctive vocals. They became one of the best-selling acts of the decade. Wham! famously split at the peak of their fame in 1986, holding a farewell concert at Wembley Stadium. George Michael pursued a highly successful solo career. Ridgeley largely stepped away from the music industry.

• Wham! made history as the first major Western pop act to perform in China in 1985, a significant cultural moment during the Cold War.
• The song 'Careless Whisper', often credited to Wham!, was actually released as a George Michael solo single, though Ridgeley received a co-writing credit.
• George Michael initially hid his songwriting talent and sexuality, presenting a carefully managed pop image during the Wham! years, contrasting with his later solo persona.
• Their final single, 'The Edge of Heaven', and the album 'Music from the Edge of Heaven' were released only in North America and Japan after the band had effectively split elsewhere.
• The iconic 'Choose Life' T-shirts worn in the 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go' video became a massive fashion trend.
• Their 1984 single 'Last Christmas' has become a perennial Christmas classic, re-entering charts worldwide almost every year since its release.
• Wham! took a strong anti-apartheid stance by refusing to perform in Sun City, South Africa, despite lucrative offers.