June 10, 2007 12:24

George Michael makes Wembley history

First to play stadium since multi-million renovation

George Michael became the first singer to perform at the new Wembley Stadium last night (June 9), nearly seven years after the last concert at the London venue.

The veteran star, who had been sentenced to 100 hours community service for driving while unfit just the previous day, performed hits from his Wham! days and his solo career. He plays the stadium again tonight (June 10). The shows are part of his 25Live tour celebrating 25 years in the music business.

Michael said it was an "amazing honour" to play Wembley. "I have felt a huge association with Wembley from when I was a child," he told reporters.

On stage, he called his fans "the best, most patient in the world".

Asked before the gig if his sentencing had affected his preparations, he replied: "Not at all, not in the slightest. It's just nice to have it out of the way." His community service sentence came he had previously admitted the driving while unfit saying he was guilty because of tiredness and prescription drugs.

On stage, he attacked "liars" in the press covering his private life.

The UK leg of his 25 Live 2007 tour moves to Norwich on Tuesday, before calling at Manchester, Glasgow and Plymouth.

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