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Music

The Black Madonna, Tiga and Other Electronic Artists Mourn the Death of George Michael

The popular musician died on Christmas at the age of 53.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons

George Michael, famed pop star and former member of 80s group Wham!, died late Christmas night at the age of 53. Michael's death was a shock to fans and fellow musicians alike.

Known for his late 80s and early 90s classics like "Faith," "Father Figure," "Freedom! '90," and the modern Christmas standard "Last Christmas" (among many other hit songs), Michael was a living legend from a young age. He was the primary songwriter in Wham! and wrote his own solo material which covered subjects such as sexuality, artistic freedom, creativity, and emotional heartbreak.

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As evidenced by the enormous outpouring of love in the hours and days following his death, Michael continues to influence generations of artists. His generous charitable efforts and outspoken acceptance as a member of the LGBTQ community made him an influential and important figure in the public eye.

Here, we've gathered some of the reflections from musicians, DJs and producers across the globe mourning his death.


Pet Shop Boys

Dear George, gone too soon. It's so sad. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Love, Neil and Chris x — Pet Shop Boys (@petshopboys)December 26, 2016

Duran Duran

2016 - loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to — Duran Duran (@duranduran)December 25, 2016

The Black Madonna

On his visit to Chicago's Smartbar:

The owner of Smart Bar said once there was a guy at one of the industrial nights in the 80s chilling at the bar that he didn't recognize.

— The Black Madonna (@blackmadonnachi)December 25, 2016

So Joe's talking to the guy. Good looking guy with an accent. And they're chatting, buying drinks and so on. Joe is great with new people.

— The Black Madonna (@blackmadonnachi)December 25, 2016

So finally he's getting up to leave and Joe says, 'I didn't catch your name, what was it again?' The guy says George. And it clicks. ?

— The Black Madonna (@blackmadonnachi)December 25, 2016

And her personal reflections:

I had a vivid dream about working with George and I sent an impassioned letter through a friend begging to work with him a few months ago.

— The Black Madonna (@blackmadonnachi)December 25, 2016

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For me, he was untouchable. I'm so sad this happened.

— The Black Madonna (@blackmadonnachi)December 25, 2016

Zane Lowe

One of the true greats — Zane Lowe (@zanelowe)December 25, 2016

Gary Numan

Oh no. George Michael RIP.

— Gary Numan (@numanofficial)December 25, 2016

Skream

WOW. RIP George. The original playboy — Oliver Jones (@I_Skream)December 25, 2016

Tiga

George Michael serious legend.

— Tiga (@Tiga)December 26, 2016

Hard to believe George Michael was only 24 when Faith came out. What an absolute star.

— Tiga (@Tiga)December 26, 2016

Freedom! '17 — Tiga (@Tiga)December 26, 2016

George Michael. Prince. Bowie. On top of the talent, and the style… they actually had something they NEEDED to say. That's a rare quality

— Tiga (@Tiga)December 26, 2016

Jackmaster

George Michael was only 53! That puts a lot of things into perspective. Came out at a time when it wasn't easy either. One of the good ones.

— JACKMASTER (@jackmaster)December 26, 2016

Can't imagine it's ever easy to come out as a gay man when you're such a public figure, but imagine in 30 years ago compared to now…

— JACKMASTER (@jackmaster)December 26, 2016

Kaytranada

hell to the nah — KAYTRANADA (@KAYTRANADA)December 25, 2016

Mike Servito

UGH. Last Christmas. the ultimate foreshadow. rest in peace — Mike Servito (@mikeservito)December 25, 2016

i really do love last christmas. ugh.— Mike Servito (@mikeservito)December 26, 2016

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Tommie Sunshine

Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 saved my life at 19. — Tommie Sunshine (@tommiesunshine)December 26, 2016

There much to learn in the lyrics of that album. I suggest it as a proper mourning soundtrack for those who need it. ?

— Tommie Sunshine (@tommiesunshine)December 26, 2016

Zomby

Rip George Michael Smh 2016 you prick

— ZOMBY ® (@ZombyMusic)December 25, 2016

Machinedrum

Really? George Michael ? This year is toooooo fucking much. I had 'Last Christmas' in my head all day too. Rest in peace

— M∆CHINEDRUM (@Machine_Drum)December 25, 2016

Chris Liebing

no. not George Michael.
'Listen without prejudice' is one of my all time favorite Albums. Another amazing Artist has left us. R.I.P.

— Chris Liebing Ⓥ (@ChrisLiebing)December 26, 2016

Benzi

RIP George Michael jam out this — BENZI (@benzi)December 26, 2016

Dubfire

Skylar Spence

'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go' was the first song I ever covered, and I used to perform it often. here it is w my brother & two best friends. — (@skylar__spence)December 25, 2016