Wham’s Andrew Ridgeley looks back: ‘Fame or anonymity? I choose famous anonymity’
Andrew Ridgeley, who is now 61 and hails from Surrey, teamed up with his school buddy George Michael to create the band Wham!. Starting in 1982, they ruled the music charts with popular songs like "Club Tropicana," "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," "Freedom," and "I’m Your Man." This year marks four decades since the launch of their iconic holiday song, "Last Christmas," which has become a seasonal favorite; to celebrate, a special EP has been released. Ridgeley currently resides in Cornwall.
When were you the happiest? I was at my happiest during my teenage years hanging out with George and Shirlie, who was the backing singer for Wham! and my girlfriend at the time.
What’s the first memory you have? Mine goes back to my grandfather on my dad’s side. My brother and I found him both fascinating and a bit scary, so we called him Drac because we thought he looked like Count Dracula.
Apart from buying real estate, what's the priciest item you've purchased? A retirement plan.
What’s the one item you hold most dear? It’s a photograph of George, Shirlie, and me taken in 1983.
Summarize your identity in three words. A man of typical height.
What brings you down? Watching the England men's soccer team.
If you had the chance to revive any extinct creature, which one would you pick? For me, it would definitely be my beloved cat, Kipper.
Who would portray you in the movie version of your life? Probably someone who's just looking for something to fill their time.
What’s your least attractive trait? Being irritable.
What worries you about aging? Personally, I don't find aging to be frightening.
Is there a book you feel embarrassed about not having read? For me, it’s Joseph Conrad’s Lord Jim. It was included in the curriculum for my English literature A-level, and I'm just about done with it now.
What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid? That kind of presupposes that I've actually matured.
Would you prefer being famous or remaining unknown? The concept of being renowned while still enjoying the benefits of anonymity.
What do you think you owe your parents? A decent set of genes.
Who do you wish you could apologize to the most, and what’s the reason? I would choose my dad, as he passed away before I had the chance to say farewell.
Who or what is the greatest love of your life? For me, it’s Harvey’s Sussex Best Bitter.
What does love feel like? It can be a bit unsettling, yet still enjoyable.
Who is the living person you dislike the most, and what are your reasons? There are so many to choose from, but the majority are found mainly in politics and religious leadership.
What terms or expressions do you find yourself repeating the most? Seriously!
What has been your greatest letdown? For me, it's when my nearby Tesco decided to stop carrying Häagen-Dazs Peanut Butter Crunch ice cream.
When was the last time you shed tears, and what was the reason? It happened last week due to the road closures on the A303 heading east.
What one change could enhance your life the most? Prohibiting music in dining establishments.
What keeps you up at night? An upset stomach.
Would you prefer to have more intimacy, wealth, or recognition? Personally, I feel I have a satisfactory amount of each.
How do you want people to remember you? Personally, I don’t really mind.
What’s the biggest takeaway life has given you? That there are still plenty more lessons to learn.
