A new film, "Wham! 10 Days In China," revisits the groundbreaking 1985 tour that saw the British pop duo Wham! become the first Western musical act to perform in China. The documentary, set for cinema release and a later BBC2 screening, features extensive commentary from surviving band member Andrew Ridgeley and unused footage from a documentary filmed at the time.
The band's arrival in Beijing on April 7, 1985, marked a historic moment, with 15,000 people attending their concert at the Workers' Gymnasium. However, the reception was far from the energetic response the band typically received. Andrew Ridgeley described the initial silence from the audience as confusing, with many attendees unfamiliar with Western pop music and its associated style of performance.
"Wham! in China? Cynical. Untried, untested, risky. I didn't really like it. I felt we were there on false pretences. It was a circus," Ridgeley stated, reflecting on the tour's purpose. The decision to target China was a strategic move by co-manager Simon Napier-Bell, who aimed to fast-track the band's global recognition, particularly in the United States, by achieving this unprecedented cultural milestone.
The path to securing the performance was arduous. Napier-Bell spent 18 months and made 13 trips to China to finalize the agreement. The band's wholesome image, contrasted with more flamboyant acts like Queen, proved decisive in gaining approval from Chinese officials. Interestingly, Ridgeley recounts saving Freddie Mercury's life at Live Aid a few months later.
Challenges and Cultural Clashes
The documentary delves into the challenges faced during the tour. Director Lindsay Anderson, known for his gritty dramas, was hired to document the visit but reportedly had little respect for the pop stars, viewing the project solely as a financial opportunity. Ridgeley described their collaboration as "a marriage made in the very depths of hell."
Footage from Anderson's original film shows the duo at various sites, including the Great Wall, but Ridgeley found the staged scenes uncomfortable. The film also touches upon George Michael's personal struggles at the time, including his private nature and unreleased status, with Ridgeley often acting as a buffer.
The Beijing concert itself was fraught with difficulties. The audience's unfamiliarity with breakdancing, showcased by the support act, led authorities to fear potential unrest, resulting in an announcement for attendees to remain seated. When Wham! took the stage, their energetic performance was met with bewilderment. One spectator noted that people were unaccustomed to reacting with movement during performances.
The situation escalated when a fan was removed by police for dancing on his seat, an incident that band manager Simon Napier-Bell described as having turned the concert political. George Michael reportedly found the experience "f****** horrible," and Ridgeley expressed disappointment at the lack of discernible impact from their performance.
Further drama occurred during the flight to the second concert in Guangzhou when trumpet player Raul D'Oliveira suffered a mid-air breakdown and injured himself. The plane was forced to return, causing distress among the passengers.
Guangzhou, being closer to Hong Kong, proved more receptive to Western culture, with its audience actively clapping and dancing. This contrast highlighted the differing cultural landscapes within China at the time.
Aftermath and Legacy
Despite the initial struggles, the China tour generated significant publicity, and Wham! subsequently embarked on a successful tour of the United States, fulfilling Michael's ambition. As payment for their record-breaking concerts, the duo was reportedly offered approximately 6,000 bicycles, a proposition they declined due to logistical and cost concerns.
Following their experience with Anderson's filming, Wham! ultimately dismissed him, deeming his original documentary footage "dull" and unsuitable for a pop band's story. However, the wealth of material he captured has now been utilized by director Mike Christie for the new documentary. The film includes candid moments, such as Michael discussing Communism while receiving a massage, with the decision to include the scene justified by Michael's own contemporary remarks about his comfort with his appearance.
Though Michael once described the Beijing concert as his most difficult performance, he later acknowledged its significance, recognizing the privilege of introducing Western pop music to a new audience. "Wham! 10 Days In China" is now offering a comprehensive look at this pivotal moment in music history.