A previously unseen concert film documenting George Michael’s landmark 1988 ‘Faith’ tour is slated for release in cinemas worldwide later this year, accompanied by an 18-track live album of previously unheard performances. The project, titled George Michael: The Faith Tour, offers a rare glimpse into the pop icon at the height of his career, captured during the European leg of the tour at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy in Paris.
Directed by longtime collaborators Andy Morahan and David Austin, the film was assembled from footage shot over two nights using 14 cameras and 35mm film. The release comes a decade after Michael’s death on December 25, 2016 and promises to be a significant event for fans, offering a fresh perspective on a pivotal moment in his career. The ‘Faith’ tour supported the album of the same name, which sold over 25 million copies worldwide, peaking at Number One in both the UK and the US, and achieving Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America in 1996.
The film will debut with an original short film, “Finding Faith,” by photographer Mary McCartney, contextualizing the tour’s cultural significance. The short will feature a previously unheard interview with Michael, alongside unseen images captured by American photographer Herb Ritts and behind-the-scenes footage from the iconic “Faith” music video, according to Deadline.
A Lost Performance Rediscovered
For decades, the footage from the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy was thought to be lost. The film’s restoration and remastering represent a significant undertaking, bringing a high-quality visual and auditory experience to audiences. The 14-camera setup ensured comprehensive coverage of the performances, providing a dynamic and immersive viewing experience. The tour itself spanned nine months, from February to October 1988, and was choreographed by Paula Abdul.
New Music from the Archives
Accompanying the film is the album The Faith Tour, which will feature 18 previously unreleased recordings from Michael’s performances during the world tour. The album will draw from both his work with Wham! and his solo catalog, offering a comprehensive collection of live tracks for fans. George Michael Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment are behind the album’s release, as reported by iHeartRadio.
The release of The Faith Tour follows recent tributes to Michael’s music from contemporary artists. In November, Kae Tempest released a cover of Michael’s 1990 single ‘Freedom! ’90’, titled ‘Freedom! 25’, and Poppy covered Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ in October. Taylor Swift also interpolated Michael’s 1987 song ‘Father Figure’ into her own track of the same name on her album ‘The Life Of A Showgirl’, a move that was positively received by the singer’s estate, who stated they were “delighted” with the incorporation of the melody.
Details regarding the film’s distributor and specific release dates are currently being kept under wraps. However, anticipation is building for the opportunity to revisit this iconic performance and experience George Michael’s artistry in a new light.
As the release date approaches, further details regarding the film’s distribution and the album’s availability will be announced. Fans can expect a comprehensive package that celebrates the legacy of George Michael and the enduring impact of the ‘Faith’ tour.
What are your favorite George Michael songs? Share your memories of the ‘Faith’ era in the comments below and share this article with fellow fans!
