Unreleased Wham! demo of Careless Whisper resurfaces with new material

The genesis of one of Wham!’s most famous hits, “Careless Whisper,” is far more humble than one might imagine. In a revelation by producer Paul Mex, it was disclosed that the first-ever recording of the iconic song involved some makeshift tools, including a broom. Mex, who assisted in the creation of Wham!’s early demos, shared this intriguing tidbit during an interview with Secret Sussex.

Back in 1981, Mex brought his portable recording studio to Andrew Ridgeley’s family home to capture the demo version of “Careless Whisper.” The trio, which included George Michael and Ridgeley, were lacking a proper microphone stand. To resolve this issue, they innovatively fashioned a stand using Mrs. Ridgeley’s broom. By wedging the broom between a sofa cushion and the sofa’s back and placing the microphone on its bristles, they managed to create a makeshift stand.

According to Mex, the scene must have been comical, with George Michael belting out lyrics while singing into a brush. Despite the humorous setup, the pressure was on to complete the recording quickly and discreetly, so as not to disturb Mrs. Ridgeley, who had returned home to find a messy living room.

In a single take, George Michael delivered an incredible vocal performance of “Careless Whisper.” Mex asserts that even at that early stage, it was clear that Michael harbored aspirations of transitioning into a solo career. While the song didn’t quite fit the Wham! mold, it played a crucial role in securing the duo’s deal with Innervision Records, ultimately paving the way for Michael’s successful solo trajectory.

Mex was always confident in George Michael’s talent and foresaw his promising future as a solo artist. Despite Andrew Ridgeley’s pivotal role in getting things moving for Wham!, Mex believed that both Ridgeley and Michael recognized Michael’s creative genius and inherent talent, which would inevitably set him on a course for individual success.

The demo version of “Careless Whisper,” a treasured gift from George Michael to Paul Mex on his birthday, remained a prized possession in Mex’s Brighton studio for many years. Mex fondly remembers the demo as his “pride and joy,” a cherished memento that symbolizes the early days of George Michael’s illustrious career.

The story behind the inception of “Careless Whisper” sheds light on the unconventional and resourceful beginnings of one of the music industry’s most enduring hits. Despite its humble origins and impromptu recording setup, the song’s timeless appeal and George Michael’s undeniable talent have solidified its place as a classic in the annals of music history.