You might know him as “the other guy” from Wham!, the iconic 1980s pop duo. But Andrew Ridgeley, George Michael’s musical partner-in-crime, possesses a net worth estimated at a substantial $40 million. While his days of topping the charts have long since passed, Ridgeley’s bank account continues to thrive, thanks to a combination of shrewd investments, business ventures, and, of course, those unforgettable Wham! royalties.
The Wham! Factor: A Legacy That Pays
Those infectiously catchy tunes – “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Last Christmas,” and the rest of Wham!’s greatest hits – still generate a considerable sum in royalties, providing a steady stream of income for Ridgeley. Further amplifying this financial flow are his songwriting credits, including co-writing the timeless ballad “Careless Whisper,” a song that continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.
Beyond the Music: Business Ventures and Investments
Ridgeley hasn’t rested on his Wham! laurels. He’s ventured into diverse fields, from the high-octane world of Formula Three racing to the culinary scene as a restaurateur. While precise details about the financial success of these endeavors remain private, they offer a glimpse into his entrepreneurial spirit and drive to explore new avenues.
The Gift of “Careless Whisper”
It’s worth noting the generosity of his former bandmate, the late George Michael. It was Michael who bestowed upon Ridgeley co-writing credits for “Careless Whisper,” a gesture that ensured a continuous flow of royalties for his friend long after their Wham! days concluded.
A Quieter Life: Cornwall and Beyond
Following Wham!’s disbandment in 1986, Ridgeley opted to step away from the relentless glare of the spotlight. He sought solace in the picturesque landscapes of Cornwall, England, embracing a more private life. He poured his experiences into a memoir, offering fans a glimpse behind the curtain of his life, and has dedicated his time to philanthropic endeavors.
Financial Success: A Testament to Adaptability
Though his music career may be a chapter in the past, Ridgeley’s astute investments and business ventures have secured his financial well-being. His impressive net worth is a testament to his adaptability and his knack for making sound financial decisions, proving that success can be found far beyond the stage and the recording studio. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the quiet ones are building empires of their own.
Does Andrew Ridgeley Still Receive Royalties?
While George Michael went on to have a massively successful solo career after Wham!, Ridgeley might have traded the stage for a quieter life, but that doesn’t mean the music stopped paying off. The answer to whether Andrew Ridgeley still sees those royalty checks is a resounding YES!
Ridgeley was involved in writing catchy Wham! tunes like “Club Tropicana” and “Wham Rap,” and every time they’re played, he earns a percentage. But the real money-maker is undoubtedly “Careless Whisper.” Although George Michael was the primary songwriter, he generously gave Ridgeley co-writing credit. Considering how frequently “Careless Whisper” graces the airwaves and playlists, those royalties likely add up quite significantly.
Ridgeley’s estimated net worth of $40 million is also bolstered by his ventures into Formula Three racing and the business world. While we may not hear about these ventures as much as his pop star days, they’ve undoubtedly contributed to his financial success.
It’s heartwarming to know that even though Wham! is a thing of the past, the music continues to benefit both George Michael’s legacy and Andrew Ridgeley’s life. It’s a testament to the power of a good song and the lasting impact of their partnership.
How Did Andrew Ridgeley Make His Money?
A significant portion of Andrew Ridgeley’s income stems directly from his time as one-half of the pop music sensation Wham! The duo sold over 35 million albums worldwide, and their countless hit singles, like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and the ever-popular “Last Christmas,” continue to generate substantial royalties.
Ridgeley’s songwriting contributions to Wham! further enhance his financial standing. Co-writing credits on songs like “Wham Rap” and “Club Tropicana” provide ongoing royalties, but the crown jewel is undoubtedly his co-writing credit on the global phenomenon “Careless Whisper.” This single hit song generates an impressive income stream for Ridgeley.
Beyond music, Ridgeley explored other avenues, including Formula Three racing and dabbling in the acting world. While the specifics of these ventures remain largely undisclosed, it’s safe to assume they provided a financial boost.
Andrew Ridgeley’s wealth is a combination of being in the right place at the right time with Wham!, possessing a knack for songwriting, and exploring other interests that piqued his curiosity—a recipe for success, some might say.
Did Andrew Ridgeley Attend George Michael’s Funeral?
The question of whether Andrew Ridgeley attended George Michael’s funeral on March 29, 2017, remains a subject of speculation among Wham! fans. George Michael’s farewell was a closely guarded, private affair, and the details have been kept confidential.
We know that Andrew and George shared a deep friendship that extended far beyond their Wham! days. They remained close throughout their lives, leading many to believe that Andrew would have been present for his old friend’s final farewell. Andrew has openly shared his grief over George’s passing and paid tribute to him in heartfelt ways.
However, no official guest list was ever released, and some names that were reported as attendees may not have been entirely accurate. While Andrew’s name wasn’t widely mentioned among those present, it doesn’t necessarily mean he wasn’t there.
There are several plausible explanations for Andrew’s potential absence from the public eye during that time. Funerals are deeply personal, and he might have simply wanted to respect George’s family’s wish for privacy. Alternatively, he might have had prior commitments that prevented him from attending.
Ultimately, whether Andrew Ridgeley was physically present at the funeral remains a mystery. The private nature of the event makes it difficult to make a definitive statement. However, given their strong bond, it’s certainly within the realm of possibility that Andrew was there to say goodbye to his longtime friend in his own way.
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