Andrew Ridgeley

Andrew Ridgeley – Life, Career, and Reflections on Pop Stardom

Discover the life of Andrew Ridgeley, English singer-songwriter and co-founder of Wham!. Explore his early years, achievements with Wham!, solo ventures, environmental work, memoir, and legacy in 1980s pop culture.

Introduction

Andrew John Ridgeley (born 26 January 1963) is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and environmental advocate best known as one half of the 1980s pop duo Wham! with George Michael.

While George Michael went on to heavier solo fame, Ridgeley played a key role in Wham!’s success—performing guitar and backing vocals, contributing to image and stage presence, and co-writing early works. After Wham!’s dissolution, he largely stepped away from the spotlight, pursuing personal interests and writing his memoir Wham! George & Me.

Early Life and Family

Andrew Ridgeley was born in Windlesham, Surrey, England, on 26 January 1963.

His parents were Jennifer Jill (née Dunlop) and Alberto Mario Zacharia, the latter of whom later anglicized his surname to Ridgeley.

He grew up in Bushey, Hertfordshire, and attended Bushey Meads School.

When George Michael (then Georgios Panayiotou) enrolled at Bushey Meads, Ridgeley “took him under his wing”—a gesture that would later become foundational to their musical partnership.

He has one brother, Paul Ridgeley, born February 1964.

Formation of Wham! and Rise to Fame

Early Bands & Meeting George Michael

Before Wham!, Ridgeley and Michael played in earlier bands, including The Executive, which included Ridgeley, Paul Ridgeley, and George Michael (then Georgios).

In 1981, Ridgeley and Michael officially formed Wham!. Ridgeley handled guitar, backing vocals, co-writing, and contributed heavily to the duo’s image and dynamic.

They recorded a homemade demo tape (in Ridgeley’s living room, in about ten minutes) and circulated it to record labels until Innervision Records agreed to sign them.

Soon after, they moved to Epic/CBS for greater distribution.

Wham!’s Success & Global Impact

Wham! became one of the defining pop duos of the 1980s. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”, “Everything She Wants”, and “Careless Whisper”, many of which topped charts globally.

In 1985, Wham! became one of the first Western pop acts to perform in China, a landmark cultural moment.

By the time they disbanded in 1986, Wham! had sold over 30 million records worldwide.

Their farewell concert, The Final, took place at Wembley Stadium in June 1986 in front of tens of thousands of fans.

Solo Career & Post-Wham! Life

After Wham! ended, Ridgeley explored several paths:

• He relocated to Monaco and briefly tried a Formula 3 motor racing career.

• Then he moved to Los Angeles to explore acting.

• By 1990, he returned to England and released a solo album, Son of Albert, under Columbia Records.

  • Singles included “Shake” and “Red Dress.”

  • The album had limited commercial success and was critically panned.

• After that, Ridgeley largely stepped away from recording or performing at a high profile.

He maintained a low public profile for many years, occasionally appearing in documentaries, interviews, or public events related to Wham! or George Michael.

In 2019, Ridgeley published his memoir Wham! George & Me, documenting his friendship with Michael and their years in the spotlight.

He also made a cameo appearance in the film Last Christmas (2019), a movie featuring Wham! / George Michael music.

Personal Life & Interests

Ridgeley was in a long-term partnership with Keren Woodward (of the pop group Bananarama) from 1990 until 2017.

In 2022 he was reported to be dating socialite Amanda Cronin, though by mid-2023 they separated.

He is a keen cyclist and has participated in charity bike rides, notably the Dallaglio Cycle Slam supporting youth development.

Ridgeley is also known for environmental advocacy. He has supported groups such as Surfers Against Sewage, which promotes clean waters and protection of coastal environments.

Personality, Reflections & Recent Remarks

In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, Ridgeley reflected on his relationship with George Michael—admitting envy of Michael’s voice but expressing pride in their shared creative journey.

He recalled their early days as playful friends who pretended to be radio DJs, swapped clothes, and experimented with music and identity.

He also observed that their initial record contract was not generous, so even at the height of fame they were not yet living lavish lifestyles.

Ridgeley described stepping back from high ambition as a personal choice: after achieving success in his 20s, he chose a life more aligned with his values, doing “exactly as I pleased.”

Legacy & Influence

While George Michael often occupies the spotlight, Ridgeley’s contributions to Wham! were crucial to the duo’s identity—their image, public rapport, performance energy, and branding all benefited from his presence and partnership.

Wham! remains a touchstone of 1980s pop—Ridgeley, though quieter in public life, shares in that legacy. Their music continues to be celebrated, reissued, and introduced to new audiences.

His memoir and interviews help preserve the human side of that era—not just artistry, but friendships, struggles, and choices.

Moreover, his later commitment to environmental advocacy and quieter life path demonstrates a model of a public figure balancing legacy with personal purpose.