2016 The Year Of The Grim Reaper Continues As George Michael Dies, Aged 53

George Michael dies, and other than a dull, dull ache in my heart, I can’t even say I am terribly surprised. 2016 has been a BEAST of a year. A complete and utter bastard of a year. This year has taken beloved family members, well-loved celebrities, and just about everyone in-between. 2016 has done it to the old, the fragile, the strong, and even those at the prime of their lives. And all we can do is shake our heads with disbelief and grief.

It is some comfort that the former Wham! member died peacefully in his Oxfordshire home. How all old soldiers and fighters for the truth should go.

The Tributes

Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, George Michael gave us 11 UK number ones, and no Christmas was the same without “Last Christmas”. The tributes have been flying in fast and thick; led by his former Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley and Sir Elton John:

Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog. Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx https://t.co/OlGTm4D9O6

— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 26, 2016

I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend – the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family, friends and all of his fans. @GeorgeMichael #RIP

A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on Dec 25, 2016 at 3:24pm PST

No, not George Michael as well. Another musical great leaves us this year. 2016 can just sod off. #RIPGeorge

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 25, 2016

We will not sit here and mourn. That is what this failure of a year wants us to do and it shall not win. Instead, we shall rejoice and talk about a man who lived completely on his own terms and was the better for it.

I HAVE NEVER AND WILL NEVER APOLOGISE FOR MY SEX LIFE ! GAY SEX IS NATURAL, GAY SEX IS GOOD! NOT EVERYBODY DOES IT, BUT…..HA HA!

— George Michael (@GeorgeMichael) May 13, 2011

A woman on ‘Deal Or No Deal’ told us she needed £15k for IVF treatment. George Michael secretly phoned the next day and gave her the £15k.

— Richard Osman (@richardosman) December 26, 2016

You were our first, our best, and our favourite. The sun will NEVER go down on you, George Michael. We loved you then and will love you always.

The Songs; Our George