Wham during their historic 1985 China tour.
Martyn Goddard
The year 1985 served as a seismic shift in pop culture. Following the global success of Live Aid that July, the music industry realized its profound capacity for collective action and advocacy. It was a moment that redefined the purpose of stardom.
As the post-punk and synth-pop movements faded into the background, the musical landscape pivoted toward the burgeoning sounds of U2 and the bold, hair-metal-infused energy of acts like Bon Jovi. Amidst this transition, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley of Wham! undertook a pioneering expedition to China in April 1985—a feat previously unattempted by Western pop icons. Their journey is chronicled in the upcoming documentary, Wham! 10 Days In China, set for a July 28 theatrical release.
The film serves as an immersive time capsule, featuring restored, previously unseen footage of the duo engaging with local fans and officials, alongside vibrant performances in Beijing and Guangzhou. Beyond a standard tour chronicle, the documentary captures a fascinating cultural collision, highlighting the efforts of two young British artists attempting to bridge the gap with Chinese youth through the universal languages of sport and melody.
Reflecting on the tour, former manager Simon Napier-Bell once noted to Billboard that the local authorities were initially apprehensive, viewing Western youth culture as a volatile, uncontrollable force. To facilitate the tour, attendees were issued special cassette tapes containing original tracks alongside Mandarin-language renditions of Wham! hits, featuring lyrics subtly adapted for the local climate.
The duo’s impact proved enduring. Years later, travel writer Colin Thubron reported hearing their music resonating across the country, a testament to the cultural footprint left by their visit. Even decades after their 1986 dissolution, the group’s legacy remains untouchable, with “Last Christmas” continuously shattering chart records and solidifying its status as an immortal holiday standard.
WHAM! 10 Days In China, directed by Mike Christie, utilizes newly digitized archive material to paint a vivid picture of this landmark cultural exchange. Tickets and screening information are available at wham10daysinchina.com, with a subsequent broadcast planned for the BBC.
