Recorded in August 1984 at London’s Advision Studios, the song was written and produced by George Michael, who was 21 at the time. He also played every instrument on it, a one-man project, with not even bandmate Andrew Ridgely allowed to interfere.
Wham! came in at number two, and the duo donated all profits from the double A-side to the aid efforts in Ethiopia. The song is the best-selling UK single never to reach number one, with over two million copies sold. It returns to the charts every year, especially after George’s tragic death on Christmas Day 2016.