Story perspectives

First Western Pop Act in China Featured in New Documentary

7/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

*Wham! 10 Days in China* presents 1985 Beijing concert footage and interviews that show the shows’ impact on Chinese listeners.
George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley became the first Western pop act to perform in China in April 1985, a tour designed by manager Simon Napier-Bell to generate headlines and raise Wham!’s profile.
Since Michael’s 2016 death, Ridgeley has overseen documentaries—including a 2023 Netflix film and 2024 *Last Christmas Unwrapped*—to preserve Wham!’s legacy.

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Story summary

*Wham! 10 Days in China* presents 1985 Beijing concert footage and interviews that show the shows’ impact on Chinese listeners.
George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley became the first Western pop act to perform in China in April 1985, a tour designed by manager Simon Napier-Bell to generate headlines and raise Wham!’s profile.
Since Michael’s 2016 death, Ridgeley has overseen documentaries—including a 2023 Netflix film and 2024 *Last Christmas Unwrapped*—to preserve Wham!’s legacy.