WHAM! Members, Gear & Sound

British pop-duo

Genre

Pop New Wave Synthpop Dance-pop Blue-eyed soul Soft rock Disco Europop Christmas music New romantic Pop rap dance rock new wave pop christmas

Members

Select a WHAM! band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

George Michael

Roles:

Singer

Groups:

Infamy Boogie Box High

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Tommy Eyre

Roles:

Keyboardist Music Producer

Groups:

Michael Schenker Group The Sensational Alex Harvey Band Gary Moore Band The David Austin Band

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Dee C. Lee

Roles:

Singer

Groups:

The Style Council

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Andrew Ridgeley

Roles:

Guitarist

Needs more gear

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Deon Estus

Roles:

Singer Bassist Composer Music Producer

Groups:

Boogie Box High Brainstorm The David Austin Band

Needs more gear

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Shirlie Holliman

Roles:

Singer

No gear added

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Hugh Burns

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

Wild Connections The David Austin Band

No gear added

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Pepsi DeMacque

Roles:

Singer

No gear added

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Shirley Holliman

Roles:

Singer

No gear added

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Danny Cummings

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes Penguin Cafe The David Austin Band

No gear added

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Trevor Murrell

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Gonzalez

No gear added

See Gear

About

WHAM! was a British pop duo that emerged in the early 1980s, captivating audiences with their infectious blend of pop, dance-pop, and new wave. Formed by childhood friends George Michael (vocals, keyboards, bass) and Andrew Ridgeley (guitar) in Hertfordshire, England, the group quickly rose to fame with their vibrant sound and charismatic performances. WHAM! became synonymous with the upbeat, energetic music scene of the era, delivering chart-topping hits that are still celebrated today.

How to Sound Like WHAM!

The sound of WHAM! is characterized by its bright, polished production and catchy melodic hooks. Their music often features crisp, rhythmic guitar lines, as heard on tracks like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," where Andrew Ridgeley used a Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar to deliver vibrant jangle and rhythmic flair. Synthesizers played a pivotal role, with George Michael utilizing instruments like the Yamaha DX7 to create lush, dynamic textures. The pulsating beats of tracks like "Everything She Wants" were often driven by drum machines such as the Linn Electronics LinnDrum, infusing their music with an irresistible danceability. WHAM!'s sound is a masterclass in combining melodic pop sensibilities with the glossy sheen of 1980s production, making their music timelessly appealing.

Discography

Fantastic

1983

Make It Big

1984

Music From The Edge Of Heaven

1986

Get the WHAM! Sound

Want to sound like WHAM!? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.