George Michael at His Eighties Pop Peak: See Photos From ‘The Faith Tour’
In 1988, George Michael launched his first solo tour after the success of his debut album, *Faith*, and its hit singles. A newly restored concert film, assembled from footage shot at two Paris performances, will bring that stage show to cinemas later this year, offering audiences a view of a period in his career that was never captured in a widely seen concert film.
The footage was filmed on 35mm in spring 1988 and was long thought lost. Director Andy Morahan and Michael’s friend and collaborator David Austin restored it; screenings will also include a short film by Mary McCartney using unheard interview audio. A live album from the tour is also planned, and the setlist featured Seventies soul covers and Michael’s duet with Aretha Franklin, “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)”.
In short
- Restored footage from George Michael’s 1988 Faith tour is heading to cinemas.
- The film draws on two Paris performances shot on 35mm.
- A short film and live album are also planned.
Explained simply
George Michael became a solo star after first finding fame as one half of the pop duo Wham!, alongside Andrew Ridgeley. His 1987 album Faith established his solo career, blending pop with soul influences and producing several hit singles.
The Faith Tour was Michael’s first tour as a solo artist. Its songs included his own hits, Seventies soul covers and “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)”, his duet with American singer Aretha Franklin. The tour offers a glimpse of a key period in Michael’s career, when he was moving from pop-duo success to global solo stardom.