Playing George Michael in Tribute Show, Out Performer Craig Winberry Invites Fans to the Party

EDGE: What was it about his music that proved so popular?

Craig Winberry: He was truly authentic. He was a producer, and he put the whole package together himself. I think when you come from an artistic expression and when you're putting on so many different hats i.e., producer, engineer, writer, and talent you're seeing the entire picture. There is honesty and authenticity in his music that people not only hear, but they feel. He has a talent that could not be faked.

EDGE: Do you have a favorite song that you perform?

Craig Winberry: Since I got this question a lot, I started saying it depends on the day. Some days when it's rainy and the weather is just awful, I am loving "Jesus to a Child," "Older," or "One More Try." Some of those ballads make you want to get a blanket curl up and just think about things. Then some days are beautiful and sunny, and I am feeling songs like "Freedom! '90" or "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go." George has written a song for every part of his life from being a young man to somebody who is finally standing in his truth. There is a George song for every emotion.

EDGE: As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, did it help find a connection to him as a person and a performer?

Craig Winberry: Yes, my husband is Brazilian, as was George's partner Anselmo Feleppa. As a performer in the queer community, audiences in general are going to have some built-in stereotypes and perceptions of what they think you can talk about and what they think you can share. George was pushing that needle. He was like you can label me whatever word you want, but here's what I like, and here's what I'm going to do. So, label it whatever you want, but we're over here having our party and we're going to have a good time no matter what.

EDGE: Since his death, massive strides have been made in more LGBTQ acceptance in music. What are your thoughts on why he didn't feel comfortable being out publicly?

Craig Winberry: It was the times we lived in. It would have killed his career. I think he got to the point where as soon as you label something queer, gay, or questioned anything a lot of people might look the other way. He created a character for Wham, inaccessible. All the girls wanted him and Andrew. As I was learning more about George he once said, "They don't know who I am. How do I continue to make records and have this conversation through my music?" He didn't want that level of fame anymore because it felt like he wouldn't be able to have a life. I believe he was happy with the success he achieved with Wham! and with his solo career, especially after his album "Faith" was released. After "Faith," he had such a huge fan base that people didn't want him to go. I think Greek heritage was another reason he stayed in the closet. The culture is very conservative. Like my coming out story, it's my personal story and we all come to these truths or understandings in our own terms. To have to do that extremely publicly like George did I don't think I could have done something like that. He paved the way for me. I have always been out in my professional career, so I could only imagine the pressure and how he would choose to tell the story.

EDGE: What message do you hope the audience takes away from the show, especially in the context of celebrating the music of George Michael?

Craig Winberry: It's been so amazing to see the audience members who went to a George Michael concert in the 1980s or 1990s here, now at the show, and the enthusiasm that they're showing is amazing. I think George wanted his music to transcend time because he wanted it to be universal and connect to everyone. This show is about getting all your friends together and bringing them to the show because you're going to have a good time. The finale is amazing! Everyone will be dancing in the aisles. We do highly encourage people to do so. If you're having a good time, get up and dance. We want everyone to have a good time at our party.

"The Life and Music of George Michael" is currently on a North American tour. for complete tour dates, follow this link.

For tickets for the show at Boston's Emerson Colonial Theatre on Sunday, March 10, 2024, follow this link.