Review: Faith: The George Michael Legacy

Saturday 6th April 2019

Like millions of people around the globe, I have adored George Michael and his music ever since he and Andrew Ridgeley first graced Top of the Pops in the early 1980’s as Wham! I have been fortunate enough to see George in concert many times and his music is played in my home more than any other artist. I have so many fond memories associated with the songs of George Michael, that when a chance comes along to see a show featuring his music, I am there.

Randall Butler’s performance as George Michael was phenomenal. It is not always easy to emulate a famous artist so well that there is little difference between the original artist’s voice and that of the tribute artists, yet Randall sings exactly like George did. He moves exactly like George did and he commands a stage like George did.

Randall and his Faith band, which includes two vocalists – Juliet and Belinda Kay, are doing all they can to keep George’s songs alive. The opening number Faith was then followed by other hits such as Fastlove, Outside, Spinning the Wheel and Careless Whisper. As a tribute to Wham! Randall also performed: Edge of Heaven, Everything She Wants, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Club Tropicana, I’m Your Man, Freedom and Young Guns.

Incorporated into the show were tributes to artists that George Michael worked with. Belinda Kay did an amazing job of singing the duet As, just like Mary J. Bilge. Similarly, Juliet gave an incredible performance as Aretha Franklin whilst singing I Knew You Were Waiting. There was acknowledgement of the collaboration between George and Elton John with Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me and then, as part of the encore, a powerful tribute to the late Freddie Mercury with Find Me Somebody to Love.

For a fan of George Michael’s work, the performance given by northerner Randall and his group was an absolute delight. Long may they keep doing what they do, or as George Michael might have said – they were all Amazing.

Reviewed by Gill Atacocugu