CALENDER: 21. December

 

   

Thu 21 Dec 2006

George Michael's greatest hits tour has climaxed with a special free concert for NHS nurses in north London.

 

Comedienne Catherine Tate, dressed in a nurse's uniform, introduced the singer to the 2,000-strong invited audience.

Comics David Walliams and Ricky Gervais were in the audience at the Roundhouse Theatre as Michael sang a range of hits drawn from his 25-year career.

 

Michael announced the gig last month, saying he wanted to thank the nurses who had cared for his late mother.

"The nurses that helped my family at that time were incredible people, and I realised just how undervalued these amazing people are," he wrote on his website.

 

'Full of heroes'

 

"I salute you," Michael told the crowd on Wednesday. "This evening is 100% me saying 'thank you' to you."

Michael, who complained of a cold during the performance, told the audience the venue was "full of heroes".

"Society calls what you do a vocation, and that means you don't get paid properly," he is quoted as saying in the Guardian newspaper.

 

"Thank you for everything you do - some people appreciate it. Now if we can only get the government to do the same thing."


comments:

A truly wonderful night that I will never forget, as I got to stand so close to my idol. It has absolutely made my Christmas.
Ruth Bourke, Wales

 

It was a fantastic concert and I would love to say a very big thank you. He made all of us feel special. People do say thank you, but for George to say it publicly feels good.
Susan Steadman, Olney

 

I had the time of my life. It was such a vibrant atmosphere. I thank George Michael for making us feel appreciated. We all were so touched by the comments he made. I am glad the work we do has not gone unnoticed.
Ranjani Kendrick, London

 

I was at the concert along with many of the nurses and staff who I work with at the Royal Surrey County Hospital A&E in Guildford. After so many months wondering whether or not our department is going to close it was so nice to have an evening where we didn't have to worry. George Michael was extremely good and his comments were appreciated at a time when the NHS is under so much pressure. Nurses feel so undervalued these days and struggle to provide the excellent care that they do under such a barrage of threats and cuts. He made us feel special again for one amazing night!
Simon Pawlin, Guildford

 

This was a wonderful concert and George was excellent. It was a small audience and I was lucky to be near the front - he is as gorgeous as ever. It was really kind of him to put this concert on for us nurses and it was really appreciated. Playing Last Christmas with the simulated snow from the roof just topped the night.
Stephanie Shand, High Wycombe, Bucks

 

Absolutely amazing night, made me feel appreciated and what a way to be thanked for doing my job. George was on top form and what a performance.
Sue Martin, Torquay

 

A fantastic performance and atmosphere. So generous of George Michael. We really appreciated his actions, comments and generosity.

Kate Laycock, Shrewsbury