05 September 2012
Newsdesk
George Michael paid tribute to the medical staff who saved his life as he resumed his European tour last night (04.09.12), which he was forced to postpone after falling seriously ill with pneumonia last November.
George Michael paid tribute to the medical staff who saved his life as he resumed his European tour last night (04.09.12).
The 'Careless Whisper' singer was forced to postpone his 'Symphonica' tour last November after falling seriously ill with pneumonia while in Vienna, Austria, and he was given life-saving surgery in one of the city's hospitals.
Fortunately, George, 49, made a full recovery and donated 1,000 tickets to the doctors and nurses who helped him so they could see him take to the stage in Vienna's Stadthalle Wien.
He told the crowd: "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.
"This is one of the greatest honours of my life, to sing to the men and women who saved my life."
He then went on to perform a cover of Nina Simone's 'Feeling Good', which was a request from one of the doctors which treated him.
Backed by the Czech National Symphony orchestra, he also covered Nina's 'My Baby Just Cares For Me', Rihanna's 'Russian Roulette', Rufus Wainwright's 'Going To A Town and The Police's 'Roxanne', as well as singing many of his own hits including 'Father Figure' and 'Patience'.
He ended the show with a performance of his new single 'White Light,' which he wrote about his near-death experience.
Before singing the song, he said: "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."
