Praying For Time

"Praying For Time"

Royal Albert Hall - 29/10/2011

In Rivalry & Unity we likened the rift between pop icon George Michael’s fans immediately following his untimely passing on December 25, 2016, to the  infamous feud between artists and fans of the East Coast/West Coast hip hop scenes, of the 1990’s, in the United States.  The focal points of this feud were East coast-based rapper The Notorious B. I. G (Bad Boy Records) and West coast based rapper Tupac Shakur (Death Row Records). 

When we launched this blog back in June of 2017 it was edgy and unlike any other that existed at the time: we’re proud of that fact as well as the material that we’ve produced for our readership.  The journey hasn’t always been easy as there has been some turbulence along the way but such is life … we keep going ... we keep reaching ... we keep the faith.  So, before we move forward let’s take a brief look back at some of our most popular articles.    

Please note that all views expressed in this blog unless otherwise noted are those of its author: who at no time was acting in any capacity for any of the parties involved.  This platform and all of the hard work that has gone into it has been a labor of love ... voluntary ... no pop ups ... no compensation.  In our series This Is MY Freedom we gave you an intimate view into this author's personal journey: many fans have heralded the series as courageous and bold.   

"I'm Your Man" 

Earls Court, 2008

At the onset of our reporting on the tenuous state of George Michael’s fandom following his death the focal points of the discord between the 'Lovelies’, a term of endearment that the late pop icon coined for his fans, were his former, long time partners Fadi Fawaz and Kenny Goss.  There hasn't been a dull moment with all of plot twists,turns and the emergence of a revolving cast of 'characters' all of whom have brought their share of controversy. 

There’s no sugar coating the fact that death is a difficult subject for any family to have to cope with; however when that tragedy is compounded by issues arising from a decedent’s personal issues, celebrity status or enormous wealth things can get rather precarious.  Many fans have expressed their displeasure regarding the lack of communication and intervention by George Michael’s representatives in shooting down published tabloid articles, rumors and the drama on social media.  

There is also considerable concern over the use of George Michael's name, image and likeness to sell products and services.  These are trademark, licensing and copyright issues for his estate's representatives to sort out and not matters that the public at large should attempt to thwart as it only leads to more acrimony.  To say that there is not a disparity in what fans straight across the board deem as acceptable or unacceptable would be disingenuous of us: as uneven standards are applied.

"Everything She Wants"

The Final Two, Earls Court - 24/08/2008

The expectation that fans should be kept apprised with respect to personal and business matters is unrealistic.  Fans have been made aware that there were various projects in progress at the time of Michael’s death and that those projects would proceed forward in time.  Currently, Freedom: George Michael Director’s Cut is being screened at select film festivals across the globe.  To date, the highly acclaimed documentary has won three awards in its nominated category of best documentary film.

In the fall of 2017, George Michael's creative team unveiled their forward thinking, bold and innovative Freedom Project campaign which was said to be a collection of personal stories of fifteen individuals who are sharing their truth and being their authentic selves.  This campaign promised to be something that the fandom would be inspired by and possibly lead to other projects.  It goes without saying we look forward to its release with great anticipation.

To add some perspective ... it took Prince’s estate over two years to work out many business and legal matters that folks outside of the music and entertainment world are not familiar with.  Starting this fall, fans will finally be able to hear his unreleased music, wear newly commissioned licensed clothing, purchase tickets to see an orchestra playing his material and hear his songs in movies, commercials and television shows.  

"Careless Whisper"

25 Live - HP Pavilion - San Jose, 2008

In our article To Tweet or Not To Tweet we discussed social responsibility which is an ethical framework that suggests that an individual has an obligation to act for the benefit of society at large.  This responsibility can be passive, by avoiding engaging in socially harmful acts, or active, by performing activities that directly advance social goals.  This article made readers pause and think about how they as well as others behave on social media.

We also discussed cyberbullying which is bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets.  Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else.  It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation.  An Easier Affair was a piece inspired by and in response to the effects cyberbullying on this blog's author and her platform..  

Through this platform Lovelies were able to voice their thoughts, concerns and opinions at a pivotal point in time when they were afraid to do so out of fear of retribution.  George Michael, himself, said that freedom is the most important word in the world and not to allow anyone to take it away from you.  There is much to be learned by listening to what your peers have to say and although we'd like to believe that we can discuss matters openly it remains widely taboo to share differences in opinion. 

"Freedom 90"

Olympics Closing Ceremony - London 2012

What we heard in our acclaimed Listen Without Prejudice series was that there were cracks in the foundation of this fandom long before its leader’s untimely passing.  Many discussions were similar in nature to those George Michael, himself, found intrusive and would voice his disdain over them having taken flight.  One could surmise that the fan base suffers from the lack of direction that it had become accustomed to under Michael’s watchful eyes.

In tune with his core values the late pop icon often took it upon himself to rally his Lovelies not only around him but rather around one another.  In our article I Remember You the 'Lovelies' who contributed their thoughts recounted how grateful they were to have connected with fans from around the globe through George Michael … both women and men they consider close friends as well as extended family.  

"Going To A Town"

Mannheim, September -2011

'Lovelies' often remark that peace, love and equality were the cornerstones of George Michael’s philosophy on life and that he imparted those principles through the lyrics of his songs.  I don’t know if this world will ever live up to the high expectations that he had for it but if each of you do your part to be peaceful, loving, kind, productive and proactive global citizens then maybe just maybe it can become the world that he aspired it to be.

Until the next time stay well and take care xx