Craig Winberry Channels George Michael in the ‘Life and Music of George Michael’ Tour

Craig Winberry, a talented singer and actor, has taken on the iconic role of George Michael in the captivating tour, ‘The Life and Music of George Michael’. With his incredible vocals and masterful stage presence, Winberry brings the essence of Michael to life in this unforgettable tribute.

Prior to assuming this role, Winberry dedicated countless hours to studying footage of the late British icon. He discovered that portraying George Michael is not just about embodying his physical appearance and vocal complexity, but also about conveying the message with authenticity and truth. Winberry believes that expressing oneself fearlessly, as Michael did, is key.

Aside from immersing himself in Michael’s music and performances, Winberry delved into documentaries about the singer’s life and career. He particularly found insight in a Netflix documentary about Wham!, the band Michael was a part of before launching his solo career. Additionally, Michael was working on a personal documentary before his untimely passing, which Winberry found to be a valuable resource.

For Winberry, his journey with George Michael’s music began when he first heard Wham!’s hit song ‘Wake Me Up’ blasting from his brother’s bedroom. Watching the accompanying music video further solidified his admiration for the artist. Little did he know that years later, his striking resemblance to Michael would catch the attention of a director of photography who had previously worked with the late singer.

This musical tribute taught Winberry much about Michael’s character. He discovered Michael’s deep love for his family and witnessed the challenges he faced following the loss of his partner and mother. Michael’s connection to humanity was palpable, as he fearlessly discussed topics that were previously considered taboo, such as mental health and LGBTQ rights. He also learned about Michael’s philanthropy, such as his ongoing support for Christmas lights in a town outside of London.

Upon Michael’s passing, the world mourned the loss of an extraordinary artist, just months after David Bowie‘s departure in 2016. However, Winberry acknowledges that Michael’s music has transcended time and continues to touch people’s lives. The enduring popularity of classics like ‘Last Christmas,’ which reached number one in the UK in 2019, has introduced a new generation to Michael’s timeless hits like ‘Careless Whisper’ and ‘Wake Me Up’.

The ‘Life and Music of George Michael’ tour is renowned for its authentic portrayal of the beloved artist. Fans have praised Winberry’s performance, often noting how spot-on it is. However, there have been instances where some enthusiastic concert-goers have taken it a step too far. In one particular incident, a show attendee in San Antonio was convinced that Winberry was the reincarnation of George Michael himself, following him around in disbelief.

This concert-style show is a celebration of George Michael’s legacy, spanning his illustrious four-decade-long career. As a member of Wham! in the early ’80s and later as a solo artist, Michael sold over 115 million albums worldwide. His 1987 solo album, ‘Faith’, remains one of the best-selling albums in history.