Four decades ago, Wham! bid farewell with a legendary concert at Wembley Stadium known as The Final. The event, held on June 28, 1986, attracted 72,000 enthusiastic fans and featured special appearances from renowned artists such as Elton John and Simon Le Bon.
This marked the conclusion of a remarkable era for the lifelong friends George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, along with their backing vocalists Pepsi and Shirlie.
Since the group disbanded, Andrew Ridgeley ventured into different paths, initially trying his hand at Formula Three racing in Monaco before exploring acting opportunities in Los Angeles. He later returned to England, launching a solo album titled Son of Albert, which did not achieve significant success. Reflecting on his journey, Ridgeley expressed contentment with his past band experience and revealed a lack of clear aspirations post-split.
Despite a brief reunion with George at Rock in Rio in 1991 and discussions of a formal comeback, a full reunion never materialized. Ridgeley penned a bestselling memoir titled Wham! George & Me in 2019 and made a cameo appearance in the romantic comedy Last Christmas.
For the last three decades, Ridgeley has led a private life in Wadebridge, Cornwall, finding solace away from the intrusive nature of fame. Active in his community, he enjoys pursuits like golf and surfing.
Following George’s passing in 2016, Ridgeley paid a heartfelt tribute at the 2017 Brit Awards, lamenting the profound void left by his dear friend’s absence. Reminiscing on their joyful times, Ridgeley expressed a desire to relive their carefree days together.
Helen ‘Pepsi’ DeMacque, who joined Wham! as a backing singer and dancer in 1983, teamed up with Shirlie Holliman post-split to form the successful duo Pepsi & Shirlie. The duo enjoyed chart success with hits like Heartache and Goodbye Stranger.
After a hiatus in 1989, Pepsi pursued various endeavors, including working in a gift shop in New Zealand and collaborating with local artists. She ventured into musical theatre, featuring in productions like the Josephine Baker story and Hair revival.
Following personal challenges, Pepsi settled in St Lucia with her husband James Crockett, operating a thriving charter sailing business. In 2025, she released her debut novel, Island Song, inspired by her heritage. Close to Shirlie, the duo co-authored a joint autobiography in 2021, emphasizing their enduring bond.
Shirlie Holliman’s entrance into the music scene was serendipitous, transitioning from horse riding to a successful pop career alongside Pepsi. Despite post-Wham! successes, Shirlie faced challenges balancing her career with personal life, especially after marrying Martin Kemp and becoming a mother.
The family endured hardships when Martin battled health issues, leading Shirlie to dedicate herself to his care. Following a period of financial strain and career shifts, Shirlie made a comeback in entertainment alongside her family, engaging in music projects and supporting her son Roman through public challenges.
George Michael, Wham!’s lead singer, excelled as a solo artist post-split, achieving chart-topping success with hits like I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) and the iconic album Faith. Despite musical triumphs, personal struggles, legal disputes, and tragic losses marked his journey, culminating in his untimely passing on Christmas Day 2016.
Remembered for his immense talent and turbulent life, George’s legacy lives on through his groundbreaking music and enduring impact on the industry.