Andrew Ridgeley is a British musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the co-founder and rhythm guitarist of the iconic 1980s duo Wham!.
With his friend and bandmate George Michael, Ridgeley achieved immense success and became one of the most influential acts of their time. This article will delve into Andrew Ridgeley net worth, life, career, and awards.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Full Name: | Andrew John Ridgeley |
|---|---|
| Popular Name: | Andrew Ridgeley |
| Gender: | Male |
| Birth Date: | January 26, 1963 |
| Age: | 60 years old (as of 2023) |
| Parents: | Albert Ridgeley (father), Jennifer Ridgeley (mother) |
| Siblings: | Paul |
| Birth Place: | Windlesham, Surrey, England |
| Nationality: | British |
| Ethnicity: | White |
| Education: | Bushey Meads School |
| Marital Status: | Married |
| Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
| Wife/Spouse: | Keren Woodward |
| Children: | Unknown |
| Dating: | Not Applicable |
| Net Worth: | $40 million |
| Source of Wealth: | Music, Songwriting, Royalties |
| Height: | Unknown |
| Weight: | Unknown |
What is Andrew Ridgeley Net Worth and Salary in 2023?
According to reports, Andrew Ridgeley has an estimated net worth of $40 million in 2023. His primary source of wealth comes from his successful music career, songwriting royalties, and the continued popularity of his work with Wham!.
While Ridgeley’s individual net worth may not match that of his former bandmate George Michael, his contributions to the duo’s success have undoubtedly made a significant financial impact on his life.
Despite stepping away from the spotlight in recent years, Ridgeley continues to earn through his music catalog and royalties. Also check: Andrea Bocelli net worth
Why is Andrew Ridgeley Famous?
Andrew Ridgeley rose to fame as one-half of the British pop duo Wham!. The musical partnership with his childhood friend George Michael garnered worldwide success, releasing hits like Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and Careless Whisper.
Together, they became icons of 1980s pop culture, known for their catchy tunes, stylish fashion, and energetic performances.
Wham! played a crucial role in shaping the pop music landscape, and Ridgeley’s guitar skills and harmonies were an integral part of their sound. Even after the duo disbanded, Ridgeley’s influence resonated, making him a renowned figure in the music industry.
Biography Overview
Early Life
Andrew John Ridgeley was born on January 26, 1963, in Windlesham, Surrey, England. Not much is known about his early life and family background.
However, it was during his school years at Bushey Meads School that he met his future Wham! bandmate, George Michael. Their shared love for music and common musical aspirations forged a lifelong friendship and partnership.
Education
Ridgeley attended Bushey Meads School, where he developed his passion for music and formed his first band called The Executive. It was during these formative years that he met George Michael, and their musical journey began.
Career and Awards
Ridgeley’s career began in the early 1980s when he formed Wham! with George Michael. The duo released their debut album, Fantastic, in 1983, which achieved considerable success in the UK.
However, it was their second album, Make It Big, released in 1984, that catapulted them to global stardom. The album featured chart-topping hits like Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and Careless Whisper.
Wham! received several awards and nominations during their career, including Brit Awards for Best British Group and Best British Single. They also achieved the honor of being the first Western pop band to perform in China, leaving a lasting impact on both the Western and Eastern music scenes.
Beyond music, Ridgeley has also participated in charity events, such as an 18-day, 1,100-mile cycling event across the French and Swiss Alps in 2018, raising $1.4 million for charity. As of 2023, Ridgeley has not received any notable awards for his musical contributions.
Personal Life
Andrew Ridgeley is married to Keren Woodward, a member of the British pop group Bananarama. The couple has kept their personal life relatively private, and little is known about their children or family life.
Social Media Accounts
Andrew Ridgeley maintains a low profile on social media platforms, which aligns with his privacy preference. As a result, there are no official social media accounts associated with him. However, as a music icon, various fan pages and tribute accounts celebrate his contributions to the music industry.
Lists News 2023
- In 2023, Andrew Ridgeley, the other half of the iconic pop duo Wham!, experienced a resurgence in popularity. This was largely due to the release of a Netflix documentary titled Wham!, which premiered in the summer and quickly became a trending topic on the platform.
- In addition to the documentary, the summer of 2023 also saw the release of an extensive Wham! collection titled The Singles: Echoes from the Edge of Heaven, further cementing the band’s lasting legacy.
FAQs about Andrew Ridgeley
When did Andrew Ridgeley retire from the music industry?
Andrew Ridgeley stepped away from the music industry after Wham! disbanded in 1986. He focused on his personal life and pursued various other interests outside of music.
Does Andrew Ridgeley still perform music?
Ridgeley has occasionally appeared at charity events and tributes to Wham! and George Michael. However, he has not pursued an active music career or released solo albums since Wham!
Is Andrew Ridgeley involved in any other artistic endeavors?
While Ridgeley primarily focuses on his personal life, he has occasionally dabbled in other creative pursuits. He has acted, appeared in documentaries, and even participated in the London Marathon in 2019.
See also:
- https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jul/19/oh-god-i-envied-his-voice-andrew-ridgeley-on-ego-angst-and-loving-george-michael
- George Michael Net Worth
- Keren Woodward Net Worth
- Siobhan Fahey Net Worth
- Gary Barlow Net Worth
Conclusion
Andrew Ridgeley may have left the music industry behind, but his contributions as one half of Wham! and his impact on pop culture in the 1980s continues to be celebrated.
With an estimated net worth of $40 million, Ridgeley’s musical legacy, songwriting, and enduring popularity ensure his place in music history. For more information about Andrew Ridgeley, visit Byboe.
