50 Facts About Andrew Ridgeley

Early Life and Education

Andrew Ridgeley, a name synonymous with 80s pop culture, has a fascinating background that shaped his journey to stardom.

1. Andrew John Ridgeley was born on January 26, 1963, in Windlesham, Surrey, England.
2. His parents were Jennifer John (née Dunlop) and Alberto Mario Zacharia, who later changed his surname to Ridgeley.
3. Ridgeley's mother was of English and Scottish descent, while his father had Italian and Egyptian roots.
4. He grew up in Bushey, Hertfordshire, and attended Bushey Meads School.
5. It was at Bushey Meads School where he met George Michael, his future bandmate.

Formation and Success of Wham!

Wham! wasn't just a band; it was a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation. Let's dive into how it all began and their meteoric rise.

6. Ridgeley and George Michael formed Wham! after meeting at school.
7. They shared a common interest in music and joined several bands before forming their own duo.
8. Their first single, "Young Guns," was released in 1982 and climbed to number 3 in the UK charts.
9. "Wham Rap (Enjoy What You Do)" was another early success, peaking at number 8 in the UK charts.
10. "Bad Boys" (1983) and "Club Tropicana" (1983) reached numbers 2 and 4 respectively.

Albums and Iconic Songs

Wham! produced some of the most memorable songs of the 80s. Their albums and singles continue to resonate with fans worldwide.

11. Wham! released their debut album "Fantastic" in 1983, which went straight to number 1 in the UK charts.
12. The album included hits like "Bad Boys" and "Club Tropicana."
13. They also released the single "Club Fantastic Megamix," which peaked at number 15.
14. One of their most iconic songs, "Careless Whisper," was written by Ridgeley and George Michael.
15. "Careless Whisper" has sold six million copies worldwide and was the 37th best-selling single of all time in the UK as of 2020.

The Final Concert and Disbandment

Every great story has an end, and Wham! chose to go out with a bang.

16. Wham! decided to end their career with a farewell concert dubbed "The Final."
17. The concert was held at Wembley Stadium on June 28, 1986.
18. It was attended by 72,000 people, marking the end of an era for the duo.

Post-Wham Career

After Wham!, Ridgeley explored various avenues, from racing to acting, before finding his true calling in environmental activism.

19. Ridgeley moved to Monaco and attempted a career in Formula Three motor racing.
20. He then moved to Los Angeles to try his hand at acting but eventually returned to Britain in 1990.
21. Ridgeley performed a cameo role in the 2019 film "Last Christmas."
22. He became an environmental activist after contracting a waterborne illness from raw sewage while surfing.
23. This experience led him to join the UK charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS).

Environmental Activism

Ridgeley's commitment to environmental causes has had a lasting impact, particularly in improving water quality.

24. Ridgeley is a prominent member of SAS, an organization dedicated to improving water quality at English surfing beaches and riverways.
25. His efforts with SAS have been instrumental in enacting laws against the discharge of raw sewage in UK offshore waters.
26. These laws have virtually eliminated E. coli illness and deaths in the UK.
27. Ridgeley is also a partner in an English company that manufactures surfing goods.
28. He frequently uses his name and financial resources to support initiatives aimed at improving water quality.

Philanthropy and Personal Life

Beyond his environmental work, Ridgeley has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts and maintains a fulfilling personal life.

29. In 2018, Ridgeley participated in an 18-day, 1,100-mile cycling event across the French and Swiss Alps, raising $1.4 million for charity.
30. Andrew Ridgeley is married to Keren Woodward, a musician, and they have one child together.
31. He is of English, Italian, and Egyptian ancestry.
32. Ridgeley has no intention of returning to the music industry.

Legacy and Continued Influence

Ridgeley's influence extends beyond his music career, leaving a lasting legacy in both pop culture and environmental activism.

33. Ridgeley and George Michael wrote "Careless Whisper" on the back of a bus during their school days.
34. Wham!'s music has appeared in various films such as Sixteen Candles (1984), Charlie's Angels (2000), Zoolander (2001), and The Holiday (2006).
35. Ridgeley has reportedly amassed £10 million from sales and royalties of records since 1982.
36. Despite retiring from active music-making, Ridgeley still receives tens of thousands of pounds annually from his share of Wham!'s royalties.
37. His environmental activism has had a significant impact on water quality in the UK.
38. Ridgeley's efforts with SAS have led to numerous safe sewage laws being enacted.
39. He is a partner in an English company that manufactures surfing goods.
40. Ridgeley continues to support Surfers Against Sewage.
41. His activism remains crucial in maintaining the organization's mission to improve water quality.
42. Ridgeley's legacy extends beyond his music career.
43. He remains recognized for his contributions to both music and environmental causes.
44. Ridgeley is a supporter of activist groups like Surfers Against Sewage, which advocates for a ban on ocean dumping.
45. As the guitarist for Wham!, Ridgeley contributed significantly to the duo's sound and success.
46. Although Ridgeley has not pursued a solo music career, he has continued to write music under various pseudonyms.
47. Wham!'s music continues to be featured in popular culture, ensuring their legacy endures.
48. Ridgeley has reportedly amassed £10 million from sales and royalties of records since 1982.
49. Despite retiring from active music-making, Ridgeley still receives tens of thousands of pounds annually from his share of Wham!'s royalties.
50. Ridgeley's environmental activism has had a significant impact on water quality in the UK.

Ridgeley's Multifaceted Legacy

Andrew Ridgeley’s life is a blend of musical success, environmental activism, and personal endeavors. From his early days with Wham!, creating hits like "Careless Whisper," to his impactful work with Surfers Against Sewage, Ridgeley has left a lasting mark. His efforts have improved water quality in the UK, showcasing his dedication beyond music. Despite stepping away from the spotlight, he continues to influence through his philanthropy and business ventures. Ridgeley's story is one of evolution, from a pop icon to a committed environmentalist. His journey reminds us that success isn't just about fame but also about making a difference. Whether through chart-topping hits or environmental laws, Ridgeley's contributions resonate across different fields. His legacy is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in shaping a better world.