A new documentary explores the lasting impact of Wham!'s 1985 trip to China, the first Western pop act to perform in the country.

In April 1985, the pop duo Wham! became the first Western act to perform in communist China. Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael arrived in Beijing as part of a strategy by their manager, Simon Napier-Bell, to generate global publicity for a future U.S. tour. While the duo initially faced a muted reception from a public unfamiliar with their music, the visit served as a cultural milestone that influenced many audience members to pursue careers in music.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The documentary 'Wham! 10 Days in China' features remastered footage and interviews with Chinese audience members who were inspired by the performances. Ridgeley notes that the tour motivated some individuals to choose life paths they otherwise would not have considered, calling this personal legacy the most important aspect of the trip. George Michael, in archival footage, described the experience as both a 'nightmare' and a 'great privilege,' acknowledging the responsibility of introducing Western pop music to the region.

From Hertfordshire to Global Stardom

The duo's partnership began at Bushey Meads School in 1974, when a 12-year-old Ridgeley volunteered to help a new student, Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, settle in. Ridgeley describes this as a 'sliding doors moment' that shaped their lives. Following the China tour, the band successfully launched a sold-out U.S. stadium tour. Although the duo performed their final concert at Wembley Stadium in June 1986, Ridgeley continues to manage the band's legacy through various documentary projects.