Being a child of the 50s I loved and still do, all the fantastic music that came with that era. I smile whilst dancing along to the 60’s (especially Lusty Dusty and Motown) and the early 80’s when Wham! blasted on to the scene with the gorgeous George and Andrew.
Watching George strut his stuff, oozing seductiveness and belting out hit after hit, one could be forgiven for thinking he had it all, looks, charisma and exceptional genius. For those lucky enough to watch ‘Wham! Last Christmas Unwrapped Special’ on TV the other night I felt it was such a fitting tribute to the man they affectionally knew as Yog. It conveyed a confident George who loved Christmas, loved sharing his generosity with friends and many of his chosen charities.

But knowing how deeply troubled he was over his sexuality and feeling the need to hide this from his family, caused many mental health issues whilst plunging him into depression. He was an emotionally fragile man who was crippled by insecurities sending him into dark corners. The number one Christmas hit he craved with ‘Last Christmas’ only topped our charts last year – what a cherry on the cake that would have been for him to see.

At the end of the programme, I felt bereft, we all knew he was tumbling down a rabbit hole that he could not find his way out of, but to hear he had died – allegedly alone – on his favourite day of the year, Christmas day, was deeply shocking and sad.

It made me reflect on the deaths and suicides that so many families have unexpectedly had to deal with over the years, and especially at this time of year. Who expected the wonderful Robin Williams to have also suffered from bouts of depression, how hard must it have been for him to have lived covering up his real feelings and thoughts.

I honestly have no idea how loved ones left behind cope with their sorrow, how they carry on with a brave appearance. I am in awe and full of admiration and respect for those left behind. Take care of your family and your friends, try and see behind their mask, take time to ask how they are. Let’s share the love this Christmas and open our hearts as well as our minds to others.