We lost the angel-voiced George Michael back in 2016, and the pop world still feels his absence. His work with Wham! and as a solo artist is still on rotation among fans and even casual listeners today, and his legacy will never die.

I, like many fans, returned to Michael’s recorded live performances for some sense of comfort after he passed. And when I stumbled upon George Michael’s final performance in 2012 before his death, I caught what were his last words to fans from the stage. And those words devastated me. They might just devastate you, too.

George Michael’s Final Words to Fans From His Last Recorded Performance Before His Death Are Haunting

George Michael’s final performance before he passed away took place on the Symphonica: The European Orchestral Tour. That tour took place in 2012 and spanned over a dozen countries and 75 dates. His very last performance, though, took place in London at Earl’s Court on October 17, 2012. Michael had performed two shows before this fateful final performance.

It was a gorgeous show, as always. Michael was known for putting on powerhouse live performances, after all. He sang a medley of hits, opening up the show with “Through” before diving into a Walter Donaldson cover called “My Baby Just Cares For Me”. He performed several more songs, including “Kissing A Fool”, “Father Figure”, and “You Have Been Loved”, among several more Johnny Mathis and Bing Crosby covers, among others.

Later, Michael would take to Twitter to thank those who attended the concert.

Hi everyone, thank you so much for the weekend shows in Earls Court, you were AMAZING!!!!

— George Michael (@GeorgeMichael) October 16, 2012

The encore of George Michael’s final performance included lovely renditions of “I’m Your Man”, “Freedom 90”, and “Amazing”. In total, Michael performed 20 songs during his set, including a medley or two. 

After the encore, George Michael uttered what would be his final words to his fans from the stage: “Thank you, London, we love you. See you soon.”

Absolutely haunting. We would not, in fact, see George Michael soon. Nobody knew this would be his last performance, including Michael. He very much intended to take a break for a few years, but I doubt he really knew this would be the end. George Michael would pass away several years after his final performance on Christmas Day, 2016, from a combination of dilated cardiomyopathy and liver disease. He was only 53 years old.

Photo by David Wolff – Patrick/Redferns via Getty Images