From Rolling Stone · Rob Sheffield · · 2m
George Michael's Faith Tour: The Last Pop Stardom
George Michael's 1988 Faith Tour was his final pop spectacle before retiring from live shows.
In brief
George Michael's 1988 Faith Tour was his final pop spectacle before retiring from live shows. George Michael performed his last major tour in 1988, ending his pop stardom after a brief but impactful era. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
George Michael's 1988 Faith Tour
George Michael launched his solo career with the 1987 album Faith, a black-leather stud that shocked the music industry.
“Faith”
The Faith Tour's Impact
The Faith Tour, his one and only solo mega-pop tour in 1988, was a brief but intense period of live stardom.
“one and only solo mega-pop tour”
George Michael's Performance Style
George Michael sang the line 'If you ever hunger, hunger for me' to audiences, making it a personal demand.
“If you ever hunger, hunger for me”
The Faith Tour Film Release
The Faith Tour film arrives in theaters on December 11, 2026, capturing two nights in Paris from 1988.
“Dec. 11”
George Michael's Secret Identity
George Michael was a closeted, tormented, lonely gay man in a brutally homophobic era, which affected his career.
“closeted, tormented, lonely gay man”
George Michael's Tour Setlist
George Michael performed Wham! hits like 'Everything She Wants' and 'I'm Your Man' during the Faith Tour.
“Everything She Wants”
George Michael's Gender-Fluid Performance
George Michael sang Gladys Knight's 'If I Were Your Woman' at the Nelson Mandela tribute concert, changing gender pronouns.
“If I Were Your Woman”
George Michael's Inner Turmoil
George Michael's inner conflict between pop stardom and his identity led him to end his live performances after the Faith Tour.
“inner conflict”
George Michael's 1991 Elton John Collaboration
George Michael released a live version of Elton John's 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me' in 1991, helping Elton maintain his chart streak.
“Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me”
George Michael's 1991 Cover to Cover Tour
George Michael's 1991 Cover to Cover Tour featured only 29 shows and focused on oldies by his heroes.
“29 shows”
George Michael's Final Pop Era
George Michael retired from live performances after the Faith Tour, ending his pop stardom in 1988.
“1988”
George Michael's Legacy
George Michael's Faith Tour remains a pivotal moment in pop history, though he never returned to live performances.
“pivotal moment”
The headline
George Michael performed his last major tour in 1988, ending his pop stardom after a brief but impactful era.
