The subsequent 2002 single “Shoot The Dog”, a satire on Bush and Blair in the run-up to the Iraq War, only got to No. 12 and George found himself criticised for meddling in politics. But he remains unrepentant and included it on his latest solo effort, Patience, which is Britain’s fastest-selling album this year, selling 275,000 copies in its first week and reaching No.1. Sales are currently approaching four million worldwide and the album also received favourable reviews, with one commenting that it’s a new George Michael “who no longer minds being thought of as a pop star”.
He frowns, “I never minded being thought of as a pop star. People have always thought I wanted to be seen as a serious musician, but I didn’t, I just wanted people to know that I was absolutely serious about pop music.”