George Michael dead aged 53 as Elton John and Madonna lead tributes to ‘a brilliant artist’
ELTON John and Madonna have led the tributes following the tragic death of music legend George Michael on Christmas Day.
The Careless Whisper singer “died peacefully at his home” in Oxford aged 53, according to his publicist of suspected heart failure.
Today fans and famous faces around the world were in mourning for the the star – who found fame as one half of pop group Wham! in the 1980s.
Referring to him by his nickname "Yog" (Yours Only George), Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley said he was "heartbroken" by Michael's death.
He wrote: "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."
"Farewell my Friend! Another Great Artist leaves us. Can 2016 F*** Off NOW?" Madonna wrote in a post on Instagram accompanied by a video of her presenting Michael with an award.
Elton John also published a picture of himself with Michael, saying: "I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist".
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During the course of his career, Michael sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
Thames Valley Police revealed South Central Ambulance Service attended a property in Oxfordshire just after 1pm on Christmas Day.
They have confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Many reactions referred to the spate of music world deaths in 2016, starting with David Bowie in January.
Singers Prince and Leonard Cohen also died this year and Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt passed away on Saturday in a Spanish hospital.
"2016 - loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to George Michael's family," the band Duran Duran, who were 1980s contemporaries of Wham!, said on their official Twitter account.
Spandau Ballet, a British band which formed in the late 1970s, wrote: "We are incredibly sad at the passing of our dear friend George Michael. A brilliant artist & great songwriter."
Shortly after news of his tragic death broke, fans of the star laid candles outside of his home.
Newer pop stars also paid tribute to the influential London-born artist, who was planning to release a new album and a documentary next year.
"Oh God no... I love you George... Rest in peace," wrote pop star Robbie Williams, while fellow singer Pixie Lott paid tribute on Twitter to the "beautiful and talented" Michael.
US singer La Toya Jackson wrote: "You have given the world an amazing gift! What a talent! What a loss!".
Tributes came in from outside the music world too.
Ricky Gervais added: "Unbelievable. RIP George Michael."
Comedian David Walliams said: "I pray George Michael finally finds peace.
"A deeply private man with an awe-inspiring talent that couldn't help but make him a superstar."
Football presenter and former England captain Gary Lineker tweeted: "No, not George Michael as well. Another musical great leaves us this year. 2016 can just sod off."
"Star Trek" actor George Takei referred to some of Michael's greatest hits in a tweet, writing: "Rest with the glittering stars, George Michael. You've found your Freedom, your Faith. It was your Last Christmas, and we shall miss you."
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said Michael "brought joy to millions of us" and British opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn hailed Michael as a "strong supporter" of gay and workers' rights.
The gay rights charity Stonewall said: "You inspired many and your music will live on in the hearts of the community. You will be sorely missed."
British producer Naughty Boy had just a fortnight ago revealed he was working on new music with George.
And it wasn't just George's musical career that was moving forwards, with The Sun revealing he had grown close to love of his life Kenny Goss in November.
A friend revealed: “George and Kenny are back spending time together again and it’s an exciting time for those of us who have been so worried over the last few years.
“There have been some really dark periods for George, especially during the time apart from Kenny.
“When he was with him, there always seemed to be something keeping him on the straight and narrow.
“It was never straightforward but Kenny is the love of his life and is really good for him, so this is very good news.”
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