Andrew Ridgeley’s journey to fame began in the early 1980s when he formed the iconic pop duo, Wham!, with George Michael. Their chart-topping hits, including “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Last Christmas,” catapulted them to international stardom. The success of Wham! opened doors for Ridgeley and played a pivotal role in shaping his net worth.
Post-Wham! Career
After Wham! disbanded in 1986, Andrew Ridgeley released a solo album, “Son of Albert,” in 1990, but it did not achieve the same level of success as his work with George Michael. Since then, Ridgeley has taken a step back from the music scene, focusing on various other pursuits.
Andrew Ridgeley’s Net Worth
Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. While not on par with George Michael’s immense wealth, it is a substantial amount that reflects his successful music career and other ventures. Here are some factors that contributed to his net worth:
Wham! Earnings
The primary source of Ridgeley’s wealth comes from his time in Wham! The duo sold millions of records and performed numerous concerts, earning significant royalties and tour revenues. Ridgeley’s share of these earnings, along with licensing deals and merchandise sales, have contributed substantially to his net worth.
Solo Career
Although Ridgeley’s solo career was not as fruitful as his work with Wham!, it still generated income through album sales and performances. His solo ventures added a modest sum to his net worth.
Other Ventures
Apart from music, Andrew Ridgeley has ventured into other fields, including writing, and investments. These endeavors have diversified his sources of income, further enhancing his net worth.
FAQs about Andrew Ridgeley’s Net Worth
How does Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth compare to George Michael’s?
While Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth is substantial at approximately $25 million, it is significantly lower than George Michael’s, which was estimated to be around $200 million at the time of his passing. George Michael’s extensive solo career and songwriting royalties contributed significantly to his wealth.
Is Andrew Ridgeley still involved in the music industry?
Andrew Ridgeley has largely stepped back from the music industry after his solo career. He has focused on other interests and investments, although he occasionally participates in events related to his music career.
What are some of Andrew Ridgeley’s non-music ventures?
Ridgeley has explored writing and co-authored a book titled “Wham! George & Me,” which provides insights into his life and experiences with George Michael. He has also made investments in various businesses and ventures outside of the music industry.
Conclusion
Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth is a testament to the success he achieved during his time in Wham! and his continued involvement in various endeavors. While he may not have reached the same financial heights as his late partner, George Michael, his journey in the world of music and beyond has left him financially comfortable. Ridgeley’s career, characterized by Wham!’s era-defining music, continues to be a source of inspiration for aspiring musicians, and his net worth reflects the fruits of his labor over the years.
