Well, really 21.
That's how many dates former Wham! lead singer George Michael will be playing this summer as part of his 25LIVE "farewell tour" across the United States. On the heels of all the stanning that took place last week on his behalf in this space, Michael's first stateside appearance in over 17 years will be a "way of saying thank you to everybody before I move on," the 44-year-old pop star told USA Today.
Move on from what, you ask? "No more stadiums," Michael clarifies. "It's the end of a certain era, and I'm not sure if I really want to be a part of what's next." The good news? He'll still release music. The better news? It'll most likely be for free, instead of being a part of a pop industry he's become increasingly disenchanted with. Word.
The arena tour kicks off June 17 in San Diego, and will feature material from his new album "Twenty Five," which is due in stores April 1, with duets with both Mary J. Blige and Paul McCartney. Michael has been performing all over the UK and Europe for years, and told the paper that improvements will be made once he comes to the U.S., giving ticket holders "the best show of their lives." Score.
Other highlights of the tour include two dates at New York's Madison Square Garden (July 21 & 23), Los Angeles (June 25), Chicago (July 9), DC (July 29) and Atlanta (July 31). The final stop on the '25' express is August 3 in Sunrise, Florida. Tickets go on sale for SoulBounce Editors fan club members March 31.
Check the full list of tour dates after the bounce.
25 Live Reasons for George Michael to Tour [USA Today]
George Michael [Official]
George Michael tour dates:
- Advertisement -6/17: San Diego/San Diego Sports Arena
6/19: San Jose, Calif./HP Pavilion
6/21: Las Vegas/MGM Grand
6/22: Phoenix/US Airways Center
6/25: Los Angeles/Great Western Forum
7/2: Seattle/Key Arena
7/4: Vancouver/General Motors Place
7/7: St. Paul/Xcel Energy Center
7/9: Chicago/United Center
7/13: Dallas/American Airlines Center
7/14: Houston/Toyota Center
7/17: Toronto/Air Canada Centre
7/18: Montreal/Bell Centre
7/21 & 23: New York/Madison Square Garden
7/26: Philadelphia/Wachovia Center
7/27: Boston/TD Banknorth Garden
7/29: Washington, D.C./Verizon Center
7/31: Atlanta/Philips Arena
8/2: Tampa/St. Pete Times Forum
8/3: Sunrise, Fla./Bank Atlantic Center
