George Michael revealed it was “great to be alive” as he resumed his European tour.
The 49-year-old singer was hospitalised with pneumonia while performing shows in Vienna last year. George returned to Austria on Tuesday night to stage the postponed concert dates from his Symphonica tour.
He donated 1,000 tickets to medical staff at the hospital where he stayed and paid tribute to the team who treated him as he battled for his life.
“I'd like to take the opportunity to say that there are a number of people without whom none of us would be here tonight,” he told fans at the Wiener Stadthalle. “This is one of the greatest honours of my life, to sing to the men and women who saved my life.”
During the show George delivered a rendition of Nina Simone’s classic track I’m Feeling Good – a special request from one of his doctors.
The star also performed some of his biggest hits including Patience, Father Figure and Cowboys and Angels.
He finished the concert with his latest hit White Light, which was inspired by his health struggles.
“One last treat for you all before we go. I think given the manner of men and women who did save my life, we could not go without singing this song. Let's hear it for the people who saved my life,” he smiled.
