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Ananova users want Russell Crowe to have a shave
Ananova, April 24, 2002 Russell Crowe is the celebrity most Ananova users would like to see clean-shaven. Crowe scored 32% of votes in our poll. George Michael was second with 24%. X-Men's Wolverine came in third with 17%, with Ali G and Motorhead's Lemmy in fourth and fifth. Time out for sad George
The Sun, April 23 2002 GEORGE MICHAEL is to stop work on his eagerly awaited album because he is too depressed. The star is down after his single Freeek! only reached No7 in the charts and the death of his puppy. A pal said he is planning to spend two more weeks finishing a song in Sarm West Studios, Notting Hill, before taking at least four months off. He will stay in Dallas with Texan boyfriend KENNY GOSS. The pal added: “George is depressed and says he is too down to make music. “He was really upset Freeek! did not do better last month – he put his heart and soul into it and was secretly expecting to be No2 behind GARETH GATES. “It didn’t help when his dog drowned. George is going to take a long holiday so it doesn’t look like the album will be finished until Christmas.” Elton John gossiping about other stars
Gmail/Mirror, April 22 2002 In the Mirror, Sir Elton John was gossiping about other stars. The bits that relate to George are below: Elton, 55, reveals that he doesn't like George Michael's new single, why he's glad Robbie Williams is sorting his life out, and why Geri Halliwell's publicity-seeking has gone too far. But Elton doesn't think Will's "coming out" will have any effect on his career. "I follow the charts and I know it didn't affect his record sales one iota," he said. "That's one great thing about Britain - they don't give a toss if you're gay. I think it's great that he came out." He cites George Michael as another example of a successful gay artist, but doesn't think his latest record, Freeek! is much good. "I just don't think it was a very good song. And I love George. I honestly think he's the most talented writer to come out of Britain in the last 10 or 15 years, but I think he finds it hard to write and be productive. I just don't think Freeek! was his best song. But that's OK, we've all made those kind of records." DESAFINADO - 4TH ANNIVERSARY
April 11 2002 Desafinado completes forth anniversary. It was four years of hard but greatful work because I made lot of friends and help to promote the music, the magic and the art of GEORGE MICHAEL - THE LEGEND THAT IS !!! In first year we have the visit of more than 10.000 fans. The second year registerded more than 30.000 visits, especially in News section. So, the big decision in 1999-2000 it was make of Desafinado a daily online news website. Now Desafinado is visited by 300 people by day and has almost 200.000 visits, during these 4 years. Desafinado brought to GM fans community the latest news and exclusive material: special reports about last concerts (Linda's tribute, Net Aid, Stonewall), great interviews and all about the last album (lyrics, pics, authors, links, etc...). I am really happy because I never thought that this site could have so much success. It started just for fun and now is a real work. In Desafinado website history there are two great moments/awards: #1 - personal online visits of George Michael #2 - Best GM website (Dotmusic 2001) In fact, Desafinado was voted in September 2001, by Dotmusic Awards voters, the best George Michael website of the year. I want to thank you all friends that support and help me all these years, especially to: - Vanessa Machado (Brasil) the mother and the motor. - José Guilherme (Portugal) for his unforgettable support - Anabela Mata, (Portugal) that are protecting us in heaven. Thank you Nuno Westwood Lisboa - Portugal www.desafinado.org CONGRATULATiONS DESAFiNADO HAPPY BiRTHDAY AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT WORK!!! George Michael had a huge row with Madonna
http://www.madonnapower.com, April 11 2002 The Sunday People claim yesterday that George Michael had a huge row with Madonna after he saw her having a go at her assistant. Madonna reduced the poor woman to tears - just because she'd bought the wrong type of coffee, I can reveal. And George - at No 3 today with his new single Freek - was so shocked he shrieked: "You shouldn't speak to people like that." An onlooker who saw the row at a London recording studio said "Madonna was being completely charming to all the engineers and other staff but she exploded at her assistant for a trivial mistake. Everyone was so embarassed for the girl. When George stepped in he was told to mind his own business." Madonna was working on her next album at the studio and George had come in to hear some new mixes of his latest work. FREEEK CHARTS IN EUROPE
Max Damiany for G-MAIL, April 10 2002 Rich List
The Sunday Times, April 7 2002 Last June, to ensure privacy for a new swimming pool at his £1.8m Oxfordshire mansion, Michael had shrubs brought up the Thames by barge. In October he bought the Chelsea home of Chris Evans (qv) for £7.25m. His Big Geoff Overseas and Robobuild firms paid Michael, 38, more than £8m in 1999-2000. A new album is ready and we raise him by £5m - enough for a few more shrubs. Ah, pop stars
Advocate, April 6 2002 Sometimes we think we've got them figured out, sometimes we just don't know what the heck's going on. Take the new George Michael video, "Freeek!" At first glance, The Buzz [their musical review section] was awed by the outrageous sexual content, like the leashed Dobermans morphing into female bondage slaves. But this time out, the video isn't about Michael's being sold as a commodity ("Freedom 90") or his own sexual misadventures ("Outside"). This time, The Buzz is told, Michael is commenting on the sexually explicit programming on late night British television, which he feels is more than kids can handle watching. Got it. 
Flashbackby Freeek for Gmail, April 5 2002 Hurrah! FINALLY we get to read Geri's diary the last two years. Everybody's lives will definitely improve after they've read this stunningly interesting book about Geri trying to get laid, licking Robbie's arse to promote herself, kiss George and Kenny's arses to get publicity, eating one rice-cake a day to drop 40 pounds and shopping in the children's apartment to get trousers that fit her non-existent bum. "Dear Diary, I think I'm hungry. The last time I ate was some time last month, and that was only half a rice cake and 1oz of soup. I think it was chicken. Without the chicken. Feeling healthy! Went to George and Kenny's today. George is so gorgeous, I think I'm going to marry him soon. Still trying to figure out why Kenny doesn't have his own bedroom. One should almost think they were gay or something. Jesus, imagine that!! I know it's just rumours, I know George is waiting for me to get thin enough. Looking mighty sexy today. Was able to get a good clear shot of myself as I was walking past a pole earlier on. The only thing that didn't fit in were my boobs. Thank God my absolutely-not-fake boobs haven't encreased one bit like the rest of my body. I'm perfect. I should model for the new, healthy Barbie. George can be Ken. Or Kenny can be Ken. Oooh, I'm funny too! Maybe I should ask him, I know he fancies me too but George is the one for me. Who needs food when one has George? Love, Geri" Petite star? Yeah, in every meaning of the word. Geri's life part II
ITV, April 4 2002
Popstar Geri Halliwell has signed a £500,000 deal to write a second autobiography that will look at the years since her departure from the Spice Girls. According to a newspaper, it is also expected to reveal the truth behind her "sham" romances with broadcaster Chris Evans and singer Robbie Williams. Both relationships were dismissed as publicity stunts to promote her records.At the moment Geri is out in Los Angeles working on the book. She is staying with old pal George Michael and his boyfriend Kenny Goss at their mansion in Beverley Hills. One insider told the newspaper: "Geri has been having a fantastic time as you would imagine. George and Kenny have been fantastic hosts and have been introducing her to all their friends in LA." The contract for the latest instalment of the 29-year-old's life story since she left the all-girl band in 1998, comes just three years after the first volume If Only was released. The book - one of the best sellers of 2000 in Britain - described the petite star's childhood and time with the Spice Girls. Geri books return
Yahoo, April 4 2002
Geri Halliwell has signed a L500,000 deal to write a second autobiography, according to reports. The singer, who released her first autobiography, 'If Only…, in 1999, is said to be working on a book that will focus on her turbulent life since leaving the Spice Girls. A UK tabloid reports that the forthcoming book will also reveal the truth behind Halliwell's relationships with Chris Evans and Robbie Williams, both of which were dismissed as publicity stunts. Geri is said to be writing the book at George Michael's Los Angeles mansion.George Michael's New Video
Extratv.com, April 4 2002
George Michael is back with his first single in more than three years - A raunchy dance tune titled "Freek" But it's the sexed-up video for "Freek," featuring several scantily clad dancers on leashes, that has music TV executives freaking out. British pop culture correspondent Martin Lewis is also a personal friend of Michael's. "Extra" showed him the new video this morning. As Lewis points out, this isn't the first time Michael has created controversy with a naughty video. In 1998, after being busted for lewd behavior in a Los Angeles public bathroom, Michael made fun of his sex scandal in his video "Outside."But while "Outside" may have been good for a laugh, many believe Michael has gone too far this time. The BBC is already airing two different versions of the video, which includes many images so suggestive that we can't show them here. MTV executives in New York tell "Extra" despite a report that they may ban the video, they actually haven't seen it yet. And while it remains to be seen whether "Freek" will help Michael re-launch his career, the video is certainly creating a buzz in the music biz. SUN Bizarre Bits
The Sun, April 4, 2002 FREEEK CHARTS IN EUROPE
Geni for PALNET GEORGE, April 3 2002 #1 - Portugal, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Bulgaria, Pakistan #4 - Greece #5 - Switzerland #7 - France, Germany, Austria, Norway (debuted at #10) #10 - Finland, Taiwan #12 - Holland, Australia (debuted #5) #17 - Ireland (debuted at #14), UK (debuted at #7) #22 - Bolivia #26 - Sweden, Argentina #39 - South Africa Pretty boy and bad girl
Infobrix, April 2 2002 (Madonna's front denies, George's front no comment) Where's the java?... London's Sunday Mirror reports that an uptight Madonna got into a heated argument with pretty boy singer George Michael after she allegedly screamed at her personal assistant for bringing her the wrong kind of Joe. Michael and Madonna were working at the same recording studio when the tiff ensued. George takes Geri Back!
The Mirror, April 2, 2002 Amazingly, the ginger one - who is probably kidding herself that she's exploring (non-existent) Hollywood opportunities - has left the joint to move into George Michael's LA mansion. Like Robbie, George is no fan of the Watford girl - whose naked ambition, dovetailing as it does with an apparent total absence of talent, is pretty hard to take. But the generous Mr Michael took pity on Halliwell, who sought refuge because (in her own mind) millions of photographers were battling to get her picture. It's a lovely gesture from 37-year-old George, who only last week blasted his new tenant. Of the flat-as-a-pancake "singer", he snarled: "It's hard to hang out with someone who loves the press when you spend your time running away from them." If she really does love the press George, we can assure you it's a very one-sided relationship.
George Michael's Final AlbumThe Sun - Bizarre, April 1, 2002 George Michael (38) yesterday announced on CNN, where he in 1998 admitted to a lewd conduct arrest and cleared the sexuality question up, that his next album due to be released in October this year, will be his last. "I've done it all. I've made a final dance album, and with that I close a 20 year long career. It's taken me longer and longer between albums, and even though I have plenty of inspiration, I don't want to start repeating myself. This is also the reason why I haven't promoted Freeek. I didn't want to create a new hype now that I won't be releasing anymore albums. Universal Music has known this all along, and were willing to make a one-album deal, and be responsible for my last album." The album that will be called 20 Years My Way, will see the stores on Monday 8 October, and after announcing his retirement, George is more than willing to talk about the final album. "It's up-tempo with a couple of slow numbers thrown in. I can mention a few titles: 'Freeek', of course, 'Amazing' that is a Beatles inspired song, where I used the Lennon piano, 'The Last Temptation' is a real killer duet with Kylie Minogue, Elton finally did backing vocals on a song called 'Indeed I Do' and thats all I'm willing to reveal. I could release it now, but it would crash with the other plans I have." When asked what these other plans are, he said: "This was supposed to be a secret, but I've been offered a role in a musical on the West End, after attending several auditions over the last few weeks. The Premiére is 1 May, a month from now, and will end by October, so thats why we decided to release the album then. That way people will concentrate on one thing at the time, and I don't have to deal with two things at the time. After that I dont know what will happen, but hopefully I'll have other things to do from January 2003." George isn't the first artist whos announced his retirement over the years. Frank Sinatra announced his in the 60s but did a come-back, Elton John has threatened to retire on several occasions but hasn't. Only time will tell if this is for real or not. As were used to waiting approximately five years for an album from George Michael, I don't think anyone will start missing him until the beginning of the next decade. Maybe it was about time he released his fans at least now they don't have to go around asking: When is the next album coming out? Special THANKS to Freeek (freeek@start.no) for this... Well - what's the date today? - APRiL FOOLS!!! -- Phew, whatta masterpiece - and the poor fans are ready to BELiEVE almost everything...
George Michael Prepares To Strip On StageNews Of The World, April 1, 2002 George Michael (38) announced this morning that he will do a three-date show to promote his latest single and video 'Freeek!' The first gig that will take place in Royal Albert Hall in London this evening, was sold out within 40 minutes. Ticket sales started the minute George announced his plans while talking to radio presenter Chris Tarrant. He said: "It was about time I did it. My fans have been waiting for over a decade, and I owe it to them. I'm planning on doing a freeeky show, now that I'm finally rid of my back problems. I thought a 3-day mini tour would be a kick start!" During the half hour long interview, George also admitted that he had lived out all his fantasies in his new video 'Freeek!'. "I think and hope my fans will see me in a different light and tonight I'll take it even further. I'll appear in the black catsuit from the video, the scene with the dogs/women. That's my favourite. That and the guy who kindly lent me his toned body," he jokingly added. The second gig will take place in Madison Square Garden in New York tomorrow, 02/04/02, and the third date will be 03/04/02 in Rotterdam, where he started his 80's tour 'Faith'. Tickets to all three gigs sold quicker than anyone thought possible, and as we speak there are only a couple of hundred tickets left for the Madison Square Garden gig. The superstar promised the audience to play something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue. "I'll play the four F's: 'Faith', 'Father Figure', 'Freedom' and 'Fastlove'. You know, f-ing George Michael. Then I'll do the 5th F: 'Freeek', another new song called 'Amazing' and a song for my darlin' Kenny: 'The Day I Found You'." In stunning A'capella he sang the first verse and the first chorus of the last song mentioned, and added: "I really hate doing this, but just see how happy it makes him" he said, referring to the fact that his Texan lover Kenny Goss (41) was in the next room, probably smiling from ear to ear. "Oh, and the borrowed song will be 'I Will Talk and Hollywood Will Listen' by Robbie Williams that I find incredibly funny, and the blue will be 'Boom Boom' by John Lee Hooker." Chris commented that he had trouble believing his ears, which made George laugh heartly and add: "I can't blame you, I can hardly believe it myself. I just know it's something I have to do, and to stir things up a bit more I've been working out quite a bit the past year, so I may even step out of the suit if it gets too hot before the show ended with an a'capella version of 'Freeek' - this time pre-recorded. We're looking forward, George! Special THANKS to Freeek (freeek@start.no) for this... Well - what's the date today? - APRiL FOOLS!!! -- Phew, whatta masterpiece - and the poor fans are ready to BELiEVE almost everything... |