Fans arrested for dancing, a mid-air stabbing and an offer of 6,000 bikes as payment: As a film is released about the first tour of China by a Western pop band, Andrew Ridgeley on why Wham! saw red there

In April 1985, Wham! stepped onto a stage in Beijing’s Workers’ Gymnasium, marking an unprecedented moment as the first Western pop band to perform in China. The audience of 15,000, mostly unaccustomed to Western music, greeted the appearance of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley with unexpected silence and restraint, a stark contrast to the energetic reception typically seen at their concerts.

The band's historic visit was the culmination of a lengthy and complex negotiation process, spearheaded by their co-manager Simon Napier-Bell. His strategy aimed to accelerate Wham!'s international breakthrough by capitalizing on China’s cautious opening to Western influences following the Cultural Revolution. After more than a year and a dozen visits, Napier-Bell secured permission for the band to play, edging out rival bids such as one from Queen by presenting Wham!’s image as more suitable to Chinese officials’ sensibilities.

Despite the breakthrough, the trip was far from smooth. The band encountered unexpected cultural barriers, including restrictions on audience behavior. The novelty of Western pop music and dance culture baffled many attendees, leading to moments of tension when a fan was removed for dancing during the show. This incident underscored the political sensitivity surrounding the performance and highlighted the challenges of bridging diverse cultural expectations.

Wham!’s live set was met with a muted reaction, with many concertgoers appearing confused or overwhelmed by the loud music and unfamiliar performance style. The silence and lack of visible enthusiasm left George Michael visibly unsettled. The band later reflected on the experience as disheartening, as their usual dynamic connection with audiences was absent.

The tour extended beyond Beijing to the southern city of Guangzhou, where the atmosphere contrasted sharply with the capital. Proximity to Hong Kong had fostered a more open environment, and the audience reacted with enthusiasm, dancing and applauding freely. The stark difference between the two cities illustrated the varied pace of cultural openness within China at the time.

The journey was also marked by unexpected personal and logistical challenges. On the flight to Guangzhou, trumpet player Raul D'Oliveira suffered a severe psychological crisis, resulting in a self-inflicted injury that forced the plane to return mid-air, creating a tense and frightening episode for the band and crew.

Behind the scenes, the band’s relationship with documentary filmmaker Lindsay Anderson, initially hired to chronicle the tour, was fraught. Anderson’s serious and detached approach clashed with the youthful pop stars' energy and style, leading to dissatisfaction with the resulting footage. The original film, which focused heavily on China’s broader social landscape, was ultimately shelved due to its lack of appeal as a music documentary.

Decades later, director Mike Christie revisited the archival material to craft a new documentary that offers an authentic and candid look at Wham!’s groundbreaking trip. This film includes rare moments revealing George Michael’s private struggles and reflections on the complexities of performing under a Communist regime. The documentary captures the unvarnished realities of the tour, balancing triumphs with discomfort and cultural friction.

Financially, the Chinese authorities attempted to compensate the band with an offer reportedly amounting to thousands of bicycles, reflecting the country’s economic context and restrictions on foreign currency. Wham! declined the unconventional payment, recognizing the impracticality of such a deal.

Despite the hurdles, the tour generated significant international publicity, paving the way for Wham!’s subsequent successful American tour. The China performances, initially perceived as risky and uncertain, ultimately contributed to the band's global profile and enduring legacy.

This remarkable chapter in music history is now being revisited through the upcoming release of the Wham! 10 Days In China documentary, which promises to provide a nuanced narrative of a journey that transcended entertainment to become a symbol of cultural exchange during a pivotal era.