George Michael is dead

[topinla]

Ex-Wham singer was 53

[loverboy95]

Another shocking death this year. RIP George.

[escortrod]

According to his publicist he "died peacefully at home". Given the range of people that have told me they barebacked him, and the fact that in a documentary a few years ago he talked about his fear of HIV and consequent refusal to get tested I have to wonder if it was AIDS related.

[bostonman]

Whatever the cause of death, this is very sad.

[loverboy95]

According to his publicist he "died peacefully at home". Given the range of people that have told me they barebacked him, and the fact that in a documentary a few years ago he talked about his fear of HIV and consequent refusal to get tested I have to wonder if it was AIDS related.

 

I am wondering this, too.

[+ sniper]

He'd been hospitalized so many times SINCE that reported comment, I can't imagine nobody close to him sat him down and made him get a test. Is England the same as the US? In the US they can't order an HIV test without a special separate consent. I would think in places with socialized medicine if you come in the door they just test you for everything they suspect. It's just too fucking stupid now that it's treatable not to find out.

[escortrod]

Is England the same as the US? In the US they can't order an HIV test without a special separate consent. I would think in places with socialized medicine if you come in the door they just test you for everything they suspect.

It's always interesting to hear what Americans assume about socialised healthcare and/or the UK. Anyhow, patient rights and privacy are just as jealously guarded here as in the US. They would require his consent to carry out a HIV test, but for in a few exceptional circumstances.

[+ sniper]

In the US HIV test consent is a separate level unto itself- in many states its a separate test order form completely from EVERYTHING else. That separation dates back to when the condition was untreatable and knowing was likely to lead to losing your job, your home, etc. There had been a push in recent years to remove that separate level now that it's a treatable condition.

[+ sniper]

But if he really never had a test, never got treated, and died of AIDS as a result, what a damned waste. And simply irresponsible to boot.

[escortrod]

Incidentally it's unlikely that he spent much time in NHS hospitals while being treated in the UK. Given his fame and resources it'd be unusual not to use private hospitals.

[marylander1940]

http://68.media.tumblr.com/ccd5ed5cd088d1da6c601f23310dd734/tumblr_ogmeccEq9V1qb3o8to2_500.gif

 

http://68.media.tumblr.com/1b736c0d3868afe3ea32d9acad873215/tumblr_ogmeccEq9V1qb3o8to6_500.gif

[bostonman]

One of Michael's albums that may have passed many people by was called "Songs From The Last Century" - covers of jazz and pop standards. Though at times he winds up being perhaps a bit too croony for his own good, lol, I think it's a very interesting and touching album.

 

I think his cover of "I Remember You," with, ingeniously, only harp accompaniment, is a very appropriate sendoff to a man who I think was a much more versatile artist than many people might have realized.

 

[+ ArVaGuy]

The Hollywood Reporter has a statement from his manager that heart failure was the cause of death. Considering the hard life George Michael led, this seems plausible.

[tyro]

I have not yet cried this Christmas. Not till now.

RIP.

T

[marylander1940]

[marylander1940]

[marylander1940]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooYtCvEdoNY

[big-n-tall]

 

[bigvalboy]

Thank you @big-n-tall and @marylander1940

 

I cry with Tyro

 

Gone too soon....Go in peace. You will be remembered.

[big-n-tall]

Besides Last Christmas... my favorite George Michael songs were...

 

 

 

 

And George via WHAM!

 

[bigvalboy]

May I humbly add...

 

[tyro]

Earlier this week, I was grocery shopping when "Do They Know It's Christmas?" started playing. I was singing along without even realizing it.

T

[+ José Soplanucas]

What a talent. The only one who was able to match, and even improve Freddy Mercury's interpretations. One of the last survivors from the 80. Adios Whitney H, Michael J, Prince, and now this. Who is left? Madonna? I remember Buenos Aires nights, disco Bunker, making out and having sex listening to his music. Fuck 2016.

[rvwnsd]

A couple of thoughts...

 

One of the things I got from my mom was the believe that that everyone has a "time." George Michael's time was Christmas weekend, 2016. No one's fault. It was his time.

 

Regarding "who's left," in addition to Madonna, there is Cyndi Lauper (who has won both Grammy and Tony awards), Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Dolly Parton, Cher...

 

It is sad to hear that a celebrity dies young. However, rather than focus on who we lost, let's remember them and be glad for those we still have and for those who are yet to come.

[Moneymike68]

tragedy