WHAM!’s original studio albums, Fantastic and Make It Big, are to be released on special edition colour vinyl and black vinyl, the first time the records have been available in a physical vinyl format in over 30 years.
When George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley exploded onto the scene with Fantastic, the pop world didn’t quite know what had hit it. The album debuted at #1 in the UK, sold millions of copies worldwide and featured hits such as Bad Boys, WHAM! Rap and the seminal Club Tropicana, which helped catapult the duo to global stardom.
Their follow-up album Make It Big – which this year celebrates its 40-year anniversary alongside hit singles Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Everything She Wants and Freedom – hit number one in both the US and the UK and yielded four singles, all of which made it into the top three in both the US and the UK.
Britain’s best-loved duo made a major breakthrough with these remarkable albums in 1983 and 1984 respectively, and their impact on the music industry and pop culture has endured over the decades. These unforgettable records managed to establish WHAM! as the 1980s’ definitive poster boys – as well as leaving us with a legacy of perfect pop hits.
Of the release, Andrew Ridgeley of WHAM! said: “It’s a wonderful testament to the enduring nature of WHAM!’s music that our legions of loyal fans and the younger cohorts of music fans desire to own the music in their original formats”.
George Michael Entertainment added: “We are delighted that these two classic albums are once again available on vinyl for a whole new generation to enjoy”.
Fantastic and Make It Big will be available from 22nd March 2024.