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As part of teen pop two-piece Wham!, George Michael was every little hungry schoolgirl\\u2019s \\u2013 and statistically one tenth of all little hungry schoolboy\\u2019s \\u2013 pride and joy. With his hair feathered, his torso bronzed and his shorts shortened, George spent the first seven years of his career selling more than 30 million records globally alongside ghost of pop past Andrew Ridgely.

By 1987, it was time for George to go it alone. His debut album Faith heralded the death of Day-Glo George and the birth of George 2.0. This George was everything a male pop star in the 80\\u2019s should have been \\u2013 a worldwide phenomenon, a master of his craft, a beacon of male sexuality. And then he fell in love with a dude.

To commemorate World AIDS Day we celebrate a gay trailblazer who, though never officially diagnosed with HIV or AIDS-related illnesses, suffered a tragic loss at the hands of the disease. A loss that would punctuate his career, and perhaps inform his incredible philanthropy, until the very end.

We\\u2019ve made a Spotify playlist brimming with all things gorgey Georgey \\u2013 check it out! Follow the pod on Instagram at @auralfixationpodcast, or the boys on @drew_down_under and @andrewdoyouthinkyouare. Or go retro and email us! auralfixationpodcast@gmail.com for ya nerve.