***UPDATE***
George Michael has cancelled his Australia 2012 tour dates due to health concerns. In a statement released by touring company Dainty Group, George regretfully states, “I have today announced the cancellation of the shows in Australia which breaks my heart. By way of explanation all I can say at this time is that since last year's illness I have tried in vain to work my way through the trauma that the doctors who saved my life warned me I would experience. They recommended complete rest and the type of post traumatic counselling which is available in cases like mine but I'm afraid I believed (wrongly) that making music and getting out there to perform for the audiences that bring me such joy would be therapy enough in itself. Unfortunately I seriously underestimated how difficult this year would be and although I was right to believe that the shows would bring me great happiness and that my voice would recover completely (I truly think that some of my recent performances have been my best ever) I was wrong to think I could work my way through the major anxiety that has plagued me since I left Austria last December.
All that's left for me to do is apologise to my wonderful Australian fan base and to promise faithfully that as soon as I complete these shows here in the UK I will receive the treatment which is so long overdue."
Michael was dangerously ill at the end of 2011 when he fell into a coma after developing pneumonia. All tickets will be automatically refunded Friday 12 October. For more information on specific dates head to the
Dainty Group website.
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Do not deny your glee at this news –
George Michael is thrusting his way back down to Australia with his Symphonica: The Orchestral Tour.
Way back in November he revealed that a 2012 tour was on the cards, and now this long-awaited announcement comes through an open letter from George to his fans, recognising them for their support over the last 30 years.
As a ‘thankyou’ to his loyal followers who have weathered a series of indiscretions and related court cases, George will release the new single ‘White Light’ on July 2 (June 29 in the UK). The new album, his first since 2004’s
Patience, is due for release “in autumn” - presumably our spring.
Dates for the shows have been announced, but ticket sales are still yet to be confirmed so be sure to keep some cash in reserve. The six arena dates span November and early December, meaning that some Sydney fans might have a difficult decision coming their way. On November 17 do you go to Harvest Festival, or see the infinitely charismatic guy behind ‘Faith’, ‘Careless Whisper’ and ‘Freedom’?
It seems that the glorious ‘80s music Gods are smiling on us, as many aficionados are only just now recovering from their post-Prince comedown. Thanks Big Guy/Gal!
GEORGE MICHAEL TOUR DATES:
Saturday 10 November – Perth Arena, Perth
Tuesday 13 November – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
Saturday 17 November – All Phones Arena, Sydney
Wednesday 21 November – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Thursday 22 November – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Tuesday 27 November – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
Saturday 1 December – Hope Estate Winery, Hunter Valley
WORDS: Lauren Bertacchini