Wham!’s historic concerts in China set stage for American fame
In a groundbreaking moment for global pop culture, the British band Wham! performed two concerts in communist China in April 1985, orchestrated by their manager Simon Napier-Bell. This unprecedented venture aimed to leverage international publicity to pave their way to success in the United States, reports BritPanorama.
Andrew Ridgeley, one half of the duo alongside George Michael, expressed skepticism about the plan during a recent video call. “I couldn’t see how the goal would be achieved. It was incredibly expensive. It was incredibly risky,” he stated, but acknowledged the power of publicity in shaping their image.
The significance of Wham!’s trip to China extended beyond music; it symbolized a collision of political and cultural ideologies. A new BBC documentary, Wham! 10 Days in China, chronicles this unique moment, depicted as a complex interaction involving Chinese officials, international press, and local audiences. The film features footage from a rare 1986 documentary alongside fresh material, illustrating a grand plan that was often precarious.
Ridgeley praised the documentary for its authenticity, though he noted its emotional weight. “Seeing George alive and singing, it’s always going to bring that aspect to it,” he remarked. By April 1985, Wham! was a pop phenomenon, boasting multiple chart-topping hits, but concerns over Michael’s vocal health due to past issues prompted the unusual decision to pursue concerts in China instead of starting an American tour.
Napier-Bell capitalized on China’s gradual opening to the West under Deng Xiaoping, which began in 1978. After extensive negotiations, he secured their historic two-concert visit, compelling Ridgeley to set aside his hesitations about performing in a communist state. Upon arrival, the pair faced a curious yet bewildered audience, as well as the spectacle of political diplomacy—a stark contrast to the vibrant Western music scene.
The concerts saw a mixture of excitement and unease. At the first concert in Beijing, Wham! performed to a hesitant crowd, who had been informed against expressing enthusiasm. The consequences of the cautious atmosphere left Michael frustrated, highlighting the challenges faced by artists in an authoritarian environment. The second performance in Guangzhou, however, proved successful, as a more receptive audience created a less inhibited atmosphere.
Despite the difficulties encountered, the trip to China significantly propelled Wham!’s trajectory, leading to a major U.S. tour later that year. Ridgeley described the experience as “unique,” while acknowledging its lasting impact. The concerts opened doors for future Western acts in China, influencing a generation who attended the shows, many of whom later became musicians and DJs themselves.
Reflecting on the legacy, Ridgeley concluded, “You can’t really ask for a better legacy.” In a world that has since embraced more diverse cultural interactions, Wham!’s venture into China remains a landmark event in pop history.
‘Wham! 10 Days in China‘ is available on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
