George’s Real Conviction is with Song Writing

George Michael on why he had to step back from video in order to protect himself as a songwriter:

“I think I’ve come to realise that my only real conviction is with song writing. I don’t think I am, or was, important as a “pop” star. And I don’t think that I have anything really important to say other than with my songs, you know. I’d much rather concentrate my energies and, if anything, direct my lifestyle towards my song writing. I see my career with Wham!, and my career solo, ‘til now, as being a kind of apprenticeship. And, its left me in this position, I have a platform now, from which I can actually write and have these songs heard. Hopefully, the loss of the visual image is not going to damage me too much. I understand that it could; I understand that its a risk, but I’d like people to believe that I’m not stepping back from video because, just because I think I’m big enough now and I don’t have to do it. I’m stepping back because I think that’s the way to protect myself as a songwriter.”

SOURCE: George Michael on ‘Listen Without Prejudice’ (1990)

Similar Posts:

• George Michael Interview with Capital FM Radio with Dr. Fox (Dec 1998)
• An Audience with George Michael: Interview with Chris Evans (1996)
• George Michael on ‘Listen Without Prejudice’ (1990)
• BBC Hardtalk Interview with George Michael (2003)
• George Michael: The Reluctant Pop Star (Calendar Magazine, Sept 1990)