David Austin, friend and collaborator of the late George Michael has confirmed there are completed, unreleased recordings from the singer that have yet to be released – but ruled out compiling a posthumous LP.
The musician and filmmaker – who co-directed the new movie ‘George Michael: Freedom Uncut’ – opened up about the late musician’s vault of recordings, revealing there are “a few tracks that were finished” by the singer before his death on December 25, 2016
“There are three or four recordings that were complete, George Michael finished [and] mastered recordings,” he said during a screening of ‘George Michael: Freedom Uncut’ in London on June 13. “That’s what we’ve got.”
One of the songs –This Is How (We Want You To Get High) – was released on the soundtrack to the 2018 holiday flick ‘Last Christmas’, while the other cuts remain unheard.
Despite there being more incomplete recordings in the vault, however, David insisted they will never release a posthumous George Michael album.
Asked whether there was anything else that “could” be released in the future, he teased: “There might be…
“We’re not going to ever, ever do [a full album],” he added. “I remember just after Amy [Winehouse] had passed away, they put that album out, you know what I mean? And they pulled all these fucking demos out of the drawer and started getting people involved. I think they did the same with [Michael] Jackson, didn’t they?
“We would never ever do that. George’s complete body of work is his body of work. That’s what we have to work with.”
Narrated by the singer, ‘George Michael: Freedom Uncut’ offers an unprecedented look into his life during the turbulent period after his breakthrough, leading up to, during and after the making of ‘Listen Without Prejudice: Vol 1’ (1990).
It explores George’s life in the spotlight, as he navigates solo success following the end of the duo, alongside his personal trauma of meeting his first real love, Anselmo Feleppa, who tragically died from an AIDS related brain haemorrhage in 1993 – years before Gerorge himself spoke openly and publicly about his sexuality – and the devastating loss of his mother in 1997.
It’s also a celebration of his outstanding contribution to music, delving deep into his transition to global superstar over the course of his original solo album series, and his influence on the cultural landscape during that time.
For local venues airing the film, check here.
Explore the life and career of George Michael in the July 2022 edition of Retro Pop, featuring commentary from James Gavin, biographer and author of ‘George Michael: A Life’.
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