Brilliant. I’m always amazed at how you can conceptualize the elements and their essence!
Once again the master speaks and with this being an “audio book “, we are graced by the Master’s Voice… move over Nipper, even you’ve been replaced ! I can’t wait for the rest of it!!
All you say is true - just as all I'm saying is too. Like most artists, George could turn the ego in and off. When he was in music business mode he turned it on - and it protected him, which is what the piece is about. But he also loved turning it off too - daring himself to live without it - then deal with the resulting problems he got from having done so. Most artists are much the same in that way.
Gut-wrenchingly close to the bone, perhaps, but not entirely fair, Simon. Those major artists who made it into 'legend' status, all suffered from being trapped in the same lonely- yet- self-indulgent - publicity-led black hole. A veritable Catch 22 for them all. Some, particularly Elton John, rose above this and managed to soldier-on in the big bubble - rising above the trolling and the jealousy and hate. It's no fun being famous for most. I knew George Michael very well, and we spent hours in deep convo. He was nothing other than a beautiful soul, as far as I was concerned, and it was an absolute pleasure and privilege to know him.
True, although I word cite Lana Del Ray and Lorde as two exceptions who manage to shun social media and get away with it. All artists tend to view themselves as the centre of the universe, but some balk at the idea of being expected to boast about themselves 24/7 thus destroying their own mystique.
Interesting view of ego I hadn't considered. But does having that ego excuse rudeness? The more common tales of ego are seemingly negative "so and so was really rude etc". But agreed, the best performers on stage put on that character and turn everyone on to it, while showing a little tell sometimes of what lies within.
No excuse for rudeness - but when the big ego is fully engaged, manners certainly seem to recede. However, when it's disengaged the ego's owner is often a most polite and charming person - though you might say that's just another side of the same ego. All a bit schizo really.
Always fascinating and insightful observations Simon. The quandary that befalls artists between ego and self doubt is now made far worse by the expectation of the industry to court likes and followers forcing the artists into turning their own lives into a continuous soap opera narrative. Amy did it unwittingly but now it seems to be part of the formula.
It's a quandary - and yet, most major artists tend to be very self-obsessed and already see the world with a viewpoint that puts them at the centre - so to conform to the needs of social media they don't have to alter themselves to much.
I guess I just didn't have the ego back then when you offered me the opportunity to be a recording artist. I do now! Great read and interesting insights. You should've told me!
Thank you, I am humbled by and grateful for your kind words. I am still writing the occasional song and singing (a lot better!) with friends here in Ireland. I trust this finds you well and happy with your partner.
I’ve been hoping for this ever since you first spoke to me, Silvio, and Stefano about this topic back in Udine many years ago! 🇮🇹 Even then we were completely fascinated, and I’ve been waiting for this in-depth work ever since.
I can’t wait to read everything, but knowing I can also listen to it in your own voice adds an extra layer of emotion that makes it even more special. 🎧❤️
I’m certain this holds the answers to doubts I’ve carried for years. So ready to absorb every single word! ✨🙌
Surely, there must be something positive to say about Wham!'s the Final Wembley concert than George doing a Naomi Campbell? Or is this the highlight? It's a rhetoric question of course. How many of these artists don't get duped by managers? There's more than the ego that drives these master artists like Lennon, Bowie, Michael something more than ego and more spiritual. Their creative powers are second to none. Thanks for sharing.
Yes - many more things about the concert could be said - but more positive than that? I thought it was brilliant - the highpoint of the show. The rest was nostalgia, but that was something new. To see someone who'd been a shy twelve year old grow into someone who could pull something like that off - mainly under Andrew's confidence giving tutelage - was amazing. Besides, this piece was about ego, and the need that all great artists have for it if there're to protect their creativity. George's opening strut at that gig was a perfect example of what that protective ego can deliver.
That makes a more compelling story and stronger point including all this. Otherwise it reads like sensationalism tabloid journalism and besides not the whole picture.
Great read and totally bang on…
Thank you Simon 🙏🏻
Brilliant. I’m always amazed at how you can conceptualize the elements and their essence!
Once again the master speaks and with this being an “audio book “, we are graced by the Master’s Voice… move over Nipper, even you’ve been replaced ! I can’t wait for the rest of it!!
Thank you Stephen. It probably won't come quickly. But I'll try.
You have hit upon my issue, why I'm a bookseller: I have ZERO vulnerability. At least none that anyone can see.
Or...I have the vulnerability of a supermassive black hole.
So your book selling is your protective cover? An ego replacement?
NOOOOO! It's a job that pays food and rent, and supports my rehearsal habit.
☀️EGO☀️ gotta eat!
Always terrific writing though Simon.
All you say is true - just as all I'm saying is too. Like most artists, George could turn the ego in and off. When he was in music business mode he turned it on - and it protected him, which is what the piece is about. But he also loved turning it off too - daring himself to live without it - then deal with the resulting problems he got from having done so. Most artists are much the same in that way.
Gut-wrenchingly close to the bone, perhaps, but not entirely fair, Simon. Those major artists who made it into 'legend' status, all suffered from being trapped in the same lonely- yet- self-indulgent - publicity-led black hole. A veritable Catch 22 for them all. Some, particularly Elton John, rose above this and managed to soldier-on in the big bubble - rising above the trolling and the jealousy and hate. It's no fun being famous for most. I knew George Michael very well, and we spent hours in deep convo. He was nothing other than a beautiful soul, as far as I was concerned, and it was an absolute pleasure and privilege to know him.
True, although I word cite Lana Del Ray and Lorde as two exceptions who manage to shun social media and get away with it. All artists tend to view themselves as the centre of the universe, but some balk at the idea of being expected to boast about themselves 24/7 thus destroying their own mystique.
Interesting view of ego I hadn't considered. But does having that ego excuse rudeness? The more common tales of ego are seemingly negative "so and so was really rude etc". But agreed, the best performers on stage put on that character and turn everyone on to it, while showing a little tell sometimes of what lies within.
No excuse for rudeness - but when the big ego is fully engaged, manners certainly seem to recede. However, when it's disengaged the ego's owner is often a most polite and charming person - though you might say that's just another side of the same ego. All a bit schizo really.
Always fascinating and insightful observations Simon. The quandary that befalls artists between ego and self doubt is now made far worse by the expectation of the industry to court likes and followers forcing the artists into turning their own lives into a continuous soap opera narrative. Amy did it unwittingly but now it seems to be part of the formula.
It's a quandary - and yet, most major artists tend to be very self-obsessed and already see the world with a viewpoint that puts them at the centre - so to conform to the needs of social media they don't have to alter themselves to much.
Love it!
Totally describes the sometimes fragile and ego driven life of a creative musician!
And of course, not just musicians - so many other creative people too.
I guess I just didn't have the ego back then when you offered me the opportunity to be a recording artist. I do now! Great read and interesting insights. You should've told me!
You wrote lovely songs and sang without angst - your ego was beautifully out of sight.
Thank you, I am humbled by and grateful for your kind words. I am still writing the occasional song and singing (a lot better!) with friends here in Ireland. I trust this finds you well and happy with your partner.
Brilliant read as always, really enjoyed the insight, thanks Simon x
Thanks Steve - glad you enjoyed it.
Narcissism, fairly explained.
Well - at least, partially - I hope.
Dearest Simon,
I’ve been hoping for this ever since you first spoke to me, Silvio, and Stefano about this topic back in Udine many years ago! 🇮🇹 Even then we were completely fascinated, and I’ve been waiting for this in-depth work ever since.
I can’t wait to read everything, but knowing I can also listen to it in your own voice adds an extra layer of emotion that makes it even more special. 🎧❤️
I’m certain this holds the answers to doubts I’ve carried for years. So ready to absorb every single word! ✨🙌
Love, Federica
It will be a bit of a wait, I'm afraid. I'm working on it but I'm also working on a couple of films. Probably the autumn. 💕🥂
Surely, there must be something positive to say about Wham!'s the Final Wembley concert than George doing a Naomi Campbell? Or is this the highlight? It's a rhetoric question of course. How many of these artists don't get duped by managers? There's more than the ego that drives these master artists like Lennon, Bowie, Michael something more than ego and more spiritual. Their creative powers are second to none. Thanks for sharing.
Yes - many more things about the concert could be said - but more positive than that? I thought it was brilliant - the highpoint of the show. The rest was nostalgia, but that was something new. To see someone who'd been a shy twelve year old grow into someone who could pull something like that off - mainly under Andrew's confidence giving tutelage - was amazing. Besides, this piece was about ego, and the need that all great artists have for it if there're to protect their creativity. George's opening strut at that gig was a perfect example of what that protective ego can deliver.
That makes a more compelling story and stronger point including all this. Otherwise it reads like sensationalism tabloid journalism and besides not the whole picture.
Nothing is ever the whole picture. Art is deciding which part to show.
That is a brilliant encapsulation of art! 👌
Will there ever be a release of that farewell concert? Who sits on the rights for that?
The George Michael Estate control the rights. I've no idea if it will ever come out. George was against the idea.
That’s a shame… he probably had his reasons.