Wham! “Last Christmas” will be released in 5 formats as “Last Christmas EP”

■”This is amazing! It will become a signature song that will go down in history! It should definitely be released.” (Andrew Ridgeley)

One of the most beloved Christmas songs of all time, Wham! It has been revealed that a commemorative EP will be released to mark the 40th anniversary of the release of “Last Christmas” in 2024.

The EP includes all the original 7-inch and 12-inch versions, as well as George Michael’s 2006 performance of ‘Last Christmas’ at London’s Wembley Arena.

The EP will be released on December 13th in five formats: limited edition 12″ (snowflake white) color vinyl, 12″ picture disc, 12″ zoetrope picture disc, as well as CD and digital ( *Physical format is only available on imported discs).

“Last Christmas” was originally released on December 3, 1984. Dating back to December 1984, this six multi-platinum classic peaked at number one in 16 countries upon its release, and officially became the fourth best-selling single of all time in the UK. The song has reached number one numerous times over the past 40 years, and has been streamed an astonishing 5 billion times. Now, 40 years after its release, this song has become an indispensable part of Christmas, and remains a timeless Christmas classic.

Here in Japan, “Last Christmas”, released in 1984, was at number one for a total of 26 weeks in the 1980s and 1990s
in the weekly single ranking (Western music category) of the domestic chart, and in the annual single ranking. They have set various records, including being in the TOP 100 for 10 consecutive years from 1989 to 1998 (first place in the history of Western music singles)

and have recorded cumulative sales of over 1 million singles.

*…Oricon research (oricon.co.jp)
(C)Tony McGee
[Everything about “Last Christmas”]

◇Lyrics, composition, arrangement, and production by George Michael. Recorded in August 1984. All vocals, programming of the synthesizer (Roland Juno-60), rhythm machine (Linn 9000), and performance, including the sleigh bells, were performed by George alone at Advision Studios in London. On December 3, “Last Christmas” and “Everything She Wants” were released as double A-side singles. It was eclipsed by Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”, on which George himself appeared, and although it only reached number 2 in the UK, it became “the best-selling single of all time that never reached the top spot” (* *) has recorded mega sales.

**…Achieved number 1 on the UK Official Singles Chart for the first time in January 2021. In 2023, it reached No. 1 on the UK Christmas Chart for the first time (in the UK, the chart released around December 25th every year is attracting attention as the "Christmas Chart", and many artists aim to reach No. 1). ).

◇The episode on the night that “Last Christmas” was born is well known among fans. When George and Andrew visited the family home where George’s parents lived, George was inspired, locked himself in his childhood room, and created the outline of “Last Christmas” in one night. . Meanwhile, his partner, Andrew Ridgeley, was watching MTV and soccer programs on the TV in the living room and was not participating in the songwriting process. However, the morning after it was completed, George asked for his impressions without any confidence, and Andrew highly praised it, saying, “This is amazing! It’s going to be a representative song that will go down in history! It should definitely be released.” As he predicted, the dreamy and sentimental “Last Christmas” continues to shine brightly as a classic that continues to decorate holiday seasons around the world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8gmARGvPlI
Release information
2020.11.11 ON SALEWham!

ALBUM
“Japanese Single Collection -Greatest Hits-“
2024.12.13 ON SALE
Wham!
EP “Last Christmas EP”
・12-inch vinyl (Snowflake White Color/Picture Disc/Zoetrope Picture Disc)
・CD

・Digital format
All 5 types
Wham!
OFFICIAL YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT41vlFeZ_asAUCY7BOiJVQ