Andrew Ridgeley is a British singer, songwriter, and guitarist who rose to fame in the 1980s as one half of the pop duo Wham!. Alongside his childhood friend, George Michael, Andrew sold millions of records worldwide and became an international superstar.
Early Life
Andrew Ridgeley was born on January 26, 1963, in Windlesham, Surrey, England. His full name is Andrew John Ridgeley, and he grew up in Bushey, Hertfordshire. Andrew attended Bushey Meads School, where he met his future bandmate, George Michael. The two quickly became close friends and shared a passion for music.
Musical Career
In 1981, Andrew and George formed the pop duo Wham! and released their debut single, “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do),” which reached the top 10 in the UK charts. Their next single, “Young Guns (Go for It!),” went straight to number 3, cementing their place in the music industry.
The duo went on to release numerous hit singles, including “Club Tropicana,” “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” and “Freedom.” Their success was not limited to the UK, as they also gained a massive following in the US and other parts of the world.
In 1986, Andrew and George decided to disband Wham! and pursue solo careers. Andrew released his solo album, “Son of Albert,” in 1990, but it failed to achieve the same level of success as his Wham! days. He then decided to retire from music and focus on other interests.
Personal Life
Andrew Ridgeley was in a relationship with Keren Woodward, a member of the British pop group Bananarama, for many years. The couple eventually married in 1990 and had a son, Thomas, in 1996. Andrew and Keren separated in 2017 but remain good friends.
Net Worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Andrew Ridgeley has an estimated net worth of $25 million. Most of his wealth comes from his successful music career with Wham!.
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Legacy
Andrew Ridgeley’s contribution to the world of music cannot be overstated. Wham! became one of the biggest pop groups of the 1980s, and their music continues to be loved and played by fans all over the world. Andrew’s unique guitar skills and harmonies with George Michael helped to shape the sound of pop music at the time and inspire countless musicians.
FAQs:
Q: When did Andrew Ridgeley retire from music?
A: He retired from music after the release of his solo album, “Son of Albert,” in 1990.
Q: How did he meet George Michael?
A: He met George Michael while attending Bushey Meads School in Hertfordshire.
Q: What is Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth?
A: Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million.
Conclusion:
Andrew Ridgeley journey from a young musician to a global superstar is nothing short of remarkable. Alongside George Michael, he created some of the most iconic pop songs of the 1980s and left a lasting legacy in the music industry. Despite retiring from music, Andrew remains an important figure in pop culture, and his contribution to music will never be forgotten.
