iTunedIN | GEORGE MICHAEL | THE FAITH TOUR

Available Now on Vinyl Special Edition, CD, and Digital

One of pop-music’s most illuminating talents returns, captured live from THE FAITH TOUR, the groundbreaking solo show that presented George Michael at the height of his stardom.

Superstars like this aren’t made; they’re born. When George Michael arrived on the scene, as one-half of the kitsch-pop/dance duo WHAM! with Andrew Ridgeley, the pair caused a seismic shift in pop and were catapulted to the top of the charts. It didn’t happen overnight. They worked their asses off, and with hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Everything She Wants,” the pair were perfectly positioned for the MTV generation.

Five years on the international music charts wasn’t enough for George Michael, who really wanted to chart his own course. Recognizing his bandmate's greater ambition, Ridgeley released the caged bird and let Michael sing. George Michael retreated into the studio, chopping at the bit to work on new music, and, in 1987, debuted Faith, his first solo album. It was an instant hit with audiences and critics alike, and the provocative lead single “I Want Your Sex” revamped Michael’s image.

Considered one of the most unique talents of his generation, George Michael wasn’t prepared for the tsunami of riches that would come his way; videos like the hip-smacking gyrations in “Faith” and the auteur-style of “Father Figure” defined his image and showcased his new musical direction. I would elevate George Michael to icon status, on a par with his contemporaries, including Madonna and the other Michael, Michael Jackson.

With his success and stardom shooting into the upper atmosphere, George Michael gave his fans exactly what they wanted and hit the road on his first landmark solo effort. The Faith Tour (1988-1989) played sold-out venues worldwide and cemented Michael as one of the decade’s most successful live acts. The accolades wouldn’t end there. What followed would be one of the most incredibly prolific careers of any solo male artist in pop.

You, Gotta, Have Faith…

The show was an unparalleled success for George Michael, and this year it hit the big screen for the first time. Released by Universal Pictures, George Michael: The Faith Tour takes fans right back to the late 80s and introduces an entirely new generation to one of the greatest pop artists of all time, at the height of his career. Along with the film's worldwide theatrical release comes a series of new vinyls, including commemorative editions, a double-disc CD, and a digital audio version.

The audio releases were mastered from original multi-track tapes captured on the road and beautifully capture George Michael’s winning, charismatic performances and the energy of the enthusiastic audiences. The setlist is zero-focused on Faith with showstopping renditions of “Father Figure,” Monkey,” and the album’s title track, along with several offerings from Michael’s WHAM! catalog, including “I’m Your Man” and “Careless Whisper.”

For the dedicated diehard fan, this is long overdue, and for others just discovering George Michael, it is an incredible introduction to his extraordinary talent. The vinyl collector editions are available in multiple versions, including a special prize edition package with a 136-page booklet featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes photographs. The digital audio version plays the live concert seamlessly from start to finish, while the other versions split it across the discs in the volume. The phenomenon that is George Michael will be with us for a long time; his legacy endures. You just have to have faith.

Get your #FansEyeView of GEORGE MICHAEL: THE FAITH TOUR now in theaters:

THE FAITH TOUR | George Michael is available as a Digital Download on iTunes and is also available on a Special Edition Vinyl and 2-disc CD.