Distressed Andrew Ridgeley opens up about losing Wham bandmate George Michael and how funeral delay is ‘difficult for everyone’
ANDREW Ridgeley has opened up about losing former Wham bandmate George Michael.
The 54-year-old says the delay of George's funeral, which has been held up toxicology tests, is 'difficult for everyone'.
Speaking to the backstage at the Brits earlier this week, he said: "We’ve not had closure. It’s difficult for me. It’s difficult for everyone.
Andrew added: "It's a limbo period and we need to be able to move on."
George's family were told they must wait at least 13 weeks to bury the late star after they were hit by more delays last week.
A hold-up over toxicology tests means the coroner cannot release the singer’s body for another four weeks.
George’s funeral will now take place more than three months after his death on Christmas Day.
The Sun on Sunday can also reveal George’s assets are to be frozen with an executor appointed to manage his £105million estate.
Andrew made an emotional speech at the awards ceremony, held at London's O2 arena on Wednesday night.
Along with Wham's original backing singers Pepsi & Shirlie, he pay homage to George's brilliance, telling the audience, which included George's sisters Yioda and Melanie, he was 'the greatest singer songwriter of his generation'.
He said: "On Christmas Day 2016, the greatest singer songwriter of his generation, an icon of his era, George Michael, was lost.
"A supernova in the shining stars had been extinguished and it felt like the sky had fallen in."
Shirlie then said: "One of my strongest memories is George and I walking to the post box and sending in big brown envelopes to record companies the boys’ first demo cassettes.
"Sadly they were all returned a few weeks later with a letter saying no thank you.
"However, of course, it was their loss. Fortunately one up and coming record label decided to give the boys a chance."
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Pepsi fought back tears as she added: "These three amazing friends took me into their fold and there was so much laughter, fun and kindness. They were truly wonderful times and I will always cherish them."
Andrew continued: "George’s contribution to the great archive of contemporary music rests alongside the immortals. His is a legacy of unquestionable brilliance and one which will continue to shine and resonate for generations to come.
"George has left for us in his songs in the transcendental beauty of his voice and in the poetic expression of his soul, the very best of himself.
"I loved him and in turn and we, you have been loved."
Coldplay frontman then performed a rendition of George's hit 'A Different Corner'.
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