THE CURSE OF GEORGE MICHAEL

The singer was surrounded by tragedy before and after his death fi ve years ago

It’s hard to believe someone as talented, rich and successful as George Michael would ever imagine he lived under a curse. But despite his many achievements, the British singer struggled to overcome the many tragedies he faced in his 53 years.

Even his musical ability appeared to materialise as a result of a bump on the head when he was a child.

“I know it sounds bizarre, but it was quite a bad bang,” George told BBC's Desert Island Discs in 2007. “I have a theory that maybe it was something to do with this whole left-brain right-brain thing, but I became absolutely obsessed with music and everything changed after that.”

George began his career busking on the London Underground but after befriending high school pal and future Wham! cohort Andrew Ridgeley, the pair were propelled into stardom the same year they turned 20.

The next seven years were a whirlwind of hit records, touring and world fame. Then in 1991 during a concert in Rio de Janeiro, the then 27-year old locked eyes with a man in the crowd. He was fashion designer Anselmo Feleppa, who would become George's first love. Two years later, Anselmo’s tragic, premature death from an AIDS-related illness would haunt the singer.

DEEP DEPRESSION