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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 |
