George Michael performs first concert at new Wembley Stadium
Just a day after being sentenced to 100 hours of community service and receiving a two year driving ban, George Michael has played the first ever concert at the new Wembley, seven years since Bon Jovi played the last concert at the old stadium in August 2000.
District Judge Katherine Marshall at Brent Magistrates Court ruled out a custodial sentence, instead giving the gay singer 100 hours community service and a two year driving ban. He admitted the offence but claimed he was guilty due to “tiredness and prescribed drugs.”
George Michael, 43, was found slumped at the wheel of his car in Cricklewood on October 1st last year. He had a mix of drugs in his system at the time of arrest, including GHB and cannabis, which he described as his “drug of choice.”
George Michael performed hits from both his solo career and his Wham! days and said it was an ‘amazing honour’ to open the new stadium. The stadium’s acoustics were well tested and the noise and atmosphere in the stadium was electric.
George Michael was delighted to be back at Wembley, having played the old stadium with Wham! At Live Aid in 1985 and also as a solo artist. He said: “I have felt a huge association with Wembley from when I was a child. People can expect one of the best shows they have ever seen.”
Rock band Muse are next to playing at Wembley followed by Concert for Diana featuring Elton John and Duran Duran, Live Earth with Madonna and the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Metallica.
