Wham! was an English pop duo formed in 1981 by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley in Bushey. Rising to global fame in the 1980s, they became one of the decade’s most successful acts, selling over 30 million records. As part of the Second British Invasion, Wham! scored major US hits with singles like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," "Careless Whisper," and "Everything She Wants." Their song "Last Christmas" is a perennial holiday favorite, with its profits donated to charity. Drawing on funk and soul influences, Wham! initially addressed youth issues and social themes in their debut album. Their second album, Make It Big, cemented their international star status, topping charts in both the UK and US. In 1985, they broke new ground as the first Western pop group to perform in China, strengthening cultural relations. The duo parted ways in 1986 after releasing a farewell single and greatest hits album, with George Michael moving on to a solo career.