Sir Elton John pays emotional tribute to ‘kindest’ friend George Michael on radio show

The musician honoured his long-time friend by dedicating a number of poignant tracks to him 
Good friend: George Michael and Elton John had been close for decades
Johny Eggitt/AFP/Getty Images
Jennifer Ruby7 February 2017
The Weekender

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Sir Elton John paid tribute to his late friend George Michael on Beats 1, describing him as the 'kindest and most generous man’.

The British superstar, who had been friends with Michael for decades, dedicated a number of tracks to the singer during an emotional interview on Monday.

“I wanted to do a little tribute to him on the show because not only was he a good friend, but he was probably one of the most brilliant songwriters this country’s ever produced, and certainly one of the best vocalists ever,” he said.“One of the best in the world.”

John then played a series of records by stars including Nina Simone and Bob Dylan in memory of his friend, who tragically passed away at the age of 53 on Christmas Day.

“He was the kindest, most generous man, and did it without wanting any publicity,” John said of Michael.

The musician went on to say that he had first bonded with Michael after the release of Wham’s hit track Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.

“I’ve seen him being kind to so many people,” he said. "I’ll miss him so much for his music but more than anything for his humanity.”

John played a number of heartfelt tracks including Drown In my Own Tears by Ray Charles and Bruce Springsteen’s Streets of Philadelphia.

Michael’s family have recently been told that they will have to wait until March before his body is released for the funeral as the post mortem is ongoing.

The singer’s other half Fadi Fawaz, who was questioned by Thames Valley Police last month, is no longer part of the police investigation.

George Michael - In pictures

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