A captivating new 90-minute documentary, WHAM! 10 Days in China, is set to hit theaters next month, revealing never-before-seen footage of the band’s 10-day journey behind the iron curtain.
Former WHAM! manager Simon Napier-Bell, in a rare interview, discloses his strategy to propel George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley to international stardom. Managing WHAM! from 1983 to 1985, Simon recounts his initial encounter with the duo and their ambitious goal of becoming the top music group within a year.
Despite initial skepticism, Simon’s associate Jazz Summers proposed the groundbreaking idea of making WHAM! the first Western pop group to perform in China. This bold move aimed to garner global attention and accelerate the band’s rise to fame.
Facing challenges in China without proper preparations or language skills, Simon embarked on a mission to secure permission for WHAM!’s groundbreaking concerts. Through persistence and creative tactics, including organizing lunch meetings with Chinese ministers, Simon successfully paved the way for WHAM!’s historic performances in Beijing and Guangzhou.
The whirlwind tour saw WHAM! playing to enthusiastic crowds in China, with George Michael overcoming stage fright on the opening night. Despite stringent rules from organizers, the band’s concerts attracted significant media coverage, propelling WHAM! to international acclaim.
Simon’s strategic approach not only brought WHAM! to China but also catalyzed significant foreign investment in the country over the following years. The documentary offers a glimpse into this transformative journey, featuring restored footage and revealing behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
As the film commemorates the band’s milestone performances in China, Simon reflects on his enduring memories of working with George Michael, praising his songwriting prowess and exceptional vocal talent.
WHAM! 10 Days in China will premiere in cinemas on July 28, with ticket sales launching on June 24. For more information, visit www.wham10daysinchina.com. Simon Napier-Bell’s book, “I’m Coming to Take You to Lunch,” is also available now.