As a movie connoisseur with a soft spot for ’80s pop culture, I must say that the story behind Wham!’s “Last Christmas” video is as captivating as a classic Hollywood film. The blend of heartwarming camaraderie and unrequited love, beautifully captured in the snowy Swiss Alps, is a testament to the power of friendship and the enduring charm of George Michael’s music.

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The video for Wham!’s “Last Christmas” features a cast of attractive young individuals skiing across mountains using cable cars and exchanging heartfelt glances instead of turkeys while reminiscing about their past Christmases, particularly one where they gave their hearts only to lose them the following day. This clip bears a resemblance to movies like “The Big Chill” and “St. Elmo’s Fire,” rather than typical pop music videos. However, 1984 was far from an ordinary year for the boys from Bushey.

In commemoration of the song’s 40th anniversary, George Michael’s childhood friend and musical partner Andrew Ridgeley, as well as Wham!’s backup singers Pepsi DeMacque-Crockett and Shirlie Kemp, along with their real-life friends who appeared in the video, embark on what Ridgeley describes as a “sort of spiritual journey” to revisit the chalet in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, where it was filmed in 1984.

That year marked significant milestones for Wham! as they notched three UK number one singles, a UK number one album titled “Make It Big”, and a solo hit by Michael with “Careless Whisper”. They also found success in America. However, there was still one more achievement to add to their collection. As Ridgeley recalls, they aimed to conclude everything spectacularly with a Christmas number one single. Luckily, at the tender age of 21, Michael had the prowess to bring that aspiration to fruition.

On one occasion, nestled in north London, an idea blossomed as he crafted a four-track mix within his bedroom, with his closest friend engrossed downstairs in a football match below. Ridgeley recollects: “Yog [his pet name for Michael] coaxed me upstairs to hear the keyboard melody of the Last Christmas chorus. It was undeniably a fantastic tune – extremely catchy, slightly melancholic yet still hopeful. He knew he had struck gold.

In a refreshing take, the documentary reexplores the moment when Michael found himself in the recording studio, translating his thoughts directly into the recording gear with mere finger movements. Subsequently, he enlisted the esteemed director Andy Morahan for the video production (on the right). Michael’s ambition was to bring his cinematic dream to life – creating a visual spectacle reminiscent of a heartwarming Christmas film.

We were having great fun, but there were casualties

Instead of Switzerland, the duo headed off there, connecting with their longtime friends such as Pat and Cheryl, John and Dave – companions they’ve shared good times with throughout the years. As Ridgeley puts it, “We’re still friends today.” The cameras captured the group frolicking in the snow, with Michael keeping his hat on because of a bad hair day, while the story’s love interest, portrayed by Kathy Hill, kissed Ridgeley, leaving a melancholic Michael as an observer. The mood was festive, filled with laughter from pulled crackers, flowing wine, and concealed heartbreak. It’s always puzzled me why Ridgeley vanishes from the final scene of the video, where everyone else can be seen dozing off after dinner. The explanation lies in the excessive alcohol consumed during lunch.

He disclosed that the production team, in their discernment, opted to serve us authentic wine, filling it to the rim. It turned out to be a lively gathering, but there were some injuries, among them myself. After bouts of hearty laughter at the dinner table, my eyes became swollen and I was deemed unfit for filming, so they sent me to a waiting room.

When “Last Christmas” was first played, it unfortunately didn’t reach the top spot during the holidays, overshadowed by Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” where Michael also contributed. As Ridgeley puts it in the documentary, “We were watching our chance at a Christmas number one slip away.” Bob Geldof, in the same film, comments on Michael’s selfless act of donating all profits from “Last Christmas” to Band Aid charity: “Had he not given it up, ‘Last Christmas’ would have been number one. Moreover, he didn’t just relinquish his song’s success, but also a significant amount of his own money.

In 2023, the song “Last Christmas” finally climbed to the number one spot on the holiday charts. As Ridgeley puts it, “For quite some time, it had slipped through our fingers, but now it’s more central to Christmas celebrations than when it was first released.

Each year, Michael had a deep affection for Christmas, often hosting the same group of friends for a celebration, even as his career as a solo artist reached new heights. After his passing on December 25th, 2016, a vibrant holiday legacy, both musically and personally, continues to leave a bittersweet taste. However, Ridgeley maintains a philosophical outlook: “The song holds a significant meaning. He wouldn’t want his friends to be haunted by his memory for all time. The pain associated with it has lessened over time.

INSIDE STORY

‘IT’S SNOWING, GET HERE!’

Director Andy Morahan on shooting the perfect video

How did you come to direct the Last Christmas video?

Initially, I collaborated with George on the song “Careless Whisper.” The concept for “Last Christmas” emerged from a chat between us; George proposed involving friends, and Andrew suggested potential names. I recommended creating a montage as well. They were insistent that they wanted it to be cinematic, devoid of singing, allowing the storyline to captivate instead. At first glance, it seems like friends going on vacation, but beneath the shiny pop veneer lies the melancholy of unrequited love. Our aim was to add depth beneath the glossy surface.

What was your biggest challenge?

Prior to reaching Switzerland, I had been hopscotching through various countries in search of snow. All of a sudden, I received a call from a location scout who informed me that Saas-Fee was expecting a substantial snowfall that very day. True enough, the weather cooperated, and we were all eagerly anticipating our arrival. As soon as everyone had gathered at the hotel, we knew exactly what we wanted to accomplish, and events moved swiftly from there.

What’s your main memory of the day?

Initially, we captured the moment when George emerged from the vehicle, giving a friendly wave to his companions. Everything fell into place smoothly, prompting me to think, “Alright, this seems to be on track.

Who was the boss on the day?

George and I had a well-established bond – we weren’t newbies in this area. He generally gave me free rein – his control would have been tighter if he were directing and performing.

How do you feel when you hear the song now?

Initially, I believed George and Wham! produced superior songs; however, I underestimated its lasting impact and influence. Over time, my admiration for it has grown, even blossoming into love. It’s had a profound effect on many people’s lives, which I take great pride in.

2024-12-04 00:36

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INSIDE STORY

‘IT’S SNOWING, GET HERE!’

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