George Michael Concert Madison Square Garden July 21, 2008   Written by Adam Ritter Opposite Photo: George Michael Photo Credit PR Photos

Fast Love

"Say ladies and gents…What were you doing in 1990?"

Well, if you were out looking for some affirmation, then you were no doubt among the star people who made their way into the night at George Michael's July 21st Madison Square Garden Show.

He may have been every little school girl's pride and joy, but after a shaky performance on the finale of "American Idol" this past May, it seemed wise to steel oneself for an evening of mediocrity in the aftermath of his first tour in fifteen years.

George Michael Concert
Photo Credit Adam Ritter

It pays to have a little faith though; Mr. Michael was in top form, belting iconic ballads up to the rafters, which is good because that's where we were sitting. Tickets to both shows at the Garden sold out faster than you can sink all of that cheap red wine.

Along with a gaggle of gospel singers and against a backdrop reminiscent of a Technicolor waterfall light show, Mr. Michael rattled off selections from a vast catalog that caters to both the heart and the feet. He also covered "Roxanne" as well as a touching version of "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" that made you want to make a little room in his BMW and go searching for some peace of mind.

While he seems to have been out of the spotlight (except for an occasional legal episode) for some time, Mr. Michael has enjoyed a flourishing career throughout Europe. Tonight's concert is in fact part of the "25 Live" world tour, celebrating his years in the music industry.

In one of many moments of reflection, the singer acknowledged his gratitude saying, "Thank you for the best 25 years that any man could wish for".

His sincerity was evident; including a twenty-minute intermission, tonight's show went for almost three hours and there were no complaints from this audience for whom everything it wanted was everything it saw, and then some.

George Michael Concert
Photo Credit Adam Ritter

"What do you want to hear?" Mr. Michael teasingly asked the crowd toward the end of the show. And after the frenzied scream for "Freedom," he replied, "I think we can oblige. This really is the last song of the night. So don't think you're going to get another chance to shake that ass, cause this is it, right now."

If you weren't having a great time, well, you're daddy probably didn't love you enough. And doesn't everybody want a concert like that?