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George Michael has
become the first singer to perform at the new Wembley Stadium,
nearly seven years after the last concert at the London venue.
He performed hits from
his Wham! days and his solo career as part of the first of two
shows at the iconic venue.
The north-London-born
singer said it was an "amazing honour". "I have
felt a huge association with Wembley from when I was a child,"
he told reporters.
On stage, he called his
fans "the best, most patient in the world".
"I'm actually here,
I don't believe it," he said.
"Before I get
carried away with the evening's proceedings I would like to say,
for these 25 long years, thank you so much."
Celebrity guests at the
show included ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, TV presenters Claire
Sweeney and June Sarpong, and Ivana Trump, the ex-wife of US
businessman Donald Trump.
Court appearance
The gig came a day after
Michael was sentenced to 100 hours of community service for
driving while unfit.
Asked before the gig if
that had affected his preparations, he replied: "Not at
all, not in the slightest. It's just nice to have it out of the
way."
Magistrates in Brent,
north London, also disqualified the 43-year-old from driving for
two years, after he was found slumped behind the wheel of his
Mercedes in October 2006.
He had previously
admitted the offence, saying he was guilty because of tiredness
and prescription drugs.
On stage on Saturday, he
attacked "liars" in the press covering his private
life.
Michael is no stranger to
Wembley, having played with Wham! at 1985's Live Aid concert and
as a solo artist, most recently at 1999's Net Aid show.
The UK leg of his
European 25 Live 2007 tour also includes stadium shows in
Norwich, Manchester, Glasgow and Plymouth.
Diana concert
Rock bands Muse and
Metallica are also playing the rebuilt Wembley this summer,
which will also play host to Concert for Diana - featuring Sir
Elton John and Duran Duran - and Live Earth, which will include
Madonna and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Bon Jovi were the last
act to play at Wembley in August 2000, before the old stadium
was torn down as part of a £757m redevelopment.
They were due to re-open
Wembley for concerts last summer, but construction delays meant
the new stadium did not open for business until March.
Bon Jovi will now be the
first band to play a full show at the O2 arena - the former
Millennium Dome - on 24 June. |
