Born in Surrey, Andrew Ridgeley, 61, formed Wham! George Michael with his school friend. Since 1982, the band has dominated the charts with hits such as Tropicana Club, Stand Me Before You, Go Freedom and I’m Your Man. This year is the 40th anniversary of the release of the single The Last Christmas, which has become a festive classic; now a commemorative EP. Ridgeley lives in Cornwall.
When are you happiest?
With George, Shirlie [the Wham! backing singer, whom Ridgeley dated] I was beating like a teenager.
What is your earliest memory?
He is my paternal grandfather, whom my brother was delighted with and feared, whom we named Drac, as we thought he was Dracula’s count.
Besides property, what is the most valuable thing you have? bought?
pension
What is your savings account?
A photograph of George Shirlie and me from 1983.
Describe yourself in three words.
Male, of average stature.
What makes you miserable?
Watching the men’s soccer team in England.
If you could bring something extinct to life, what would it be?
My favorite cat, Kipper.
Who would play you in the movie of your life?
He sought to do nothing better.
What is your unforgivable attitude?
Fire
What scares you about getting older?
Getting older doesn’t scare me.
What book is he ashamed not to read?
Joseph Conrad’s Lord Jim, which was one of the set texts for my English literature A-level. I’m almost done.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I rather grew up with it.
Do you want fame or anonymity?
Famous anonymity.
What do you owe your parents?
Half a dozen genes.
Who would you say you are most saddened by, and why?
My father died before I could say goodbye.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Harvey of Sussex is bitter at best.
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What is love like?
Undiscovered, but not unwelcome.
Which living thing do you despise, and why?
There are too many for individuals, but almost exclusively for the political realms and the clergy to inhabit.
What words or phrases do you emphasize the most?
FFS!
What was your biggest disappointment?
My local Tesco has discontinued the dreaded Häagen-Dazs Peanut Butter Crunch.
When did you cry, and why?
Last week – A303 carriageway eastbound.
What would be the most important thing in your life?
A ban on music in restaurants.
What keeps you up at night?
rawness
Would you rather have sex, money or fame?
I ask for as much detail as is reasonable.
How do you want to be remembered?
I don’t think I care.
What is the most important lesson of life taught?
They are still waiting for lessons.