George Michael fans are emotional after hearing the late singer’s first posthumous song, This Is How (We Want You To Get High).
The Wham! star, who died on Christmas Day in 2016, started recording the song seven years ago in 2012 and put the finishing touches to the track in 2015 in one of his final studio sessions.
This Is How will appear on the Last Christmas movie soundtrack, released on Friday, and is an upbeat, funky song co-written by George and James Jackman.
In a statement, George’s sisters, Melanie and Yioda, dad Jack and longtime manager David Austin said: ‘We hope fans and lovelies! everywhere rejoice in hearing this great new song written as ever with Yog‘s immense passion and pride.
‘This new track we proudly send as his gift to you this season to bring you all love and festive joy…..
‘Whoever you worship… Whoever you love.’
Fans were thrilled to hear a previously unheard and unreleased track from the iconic singer, with one stating: ‘Guitars and goosebumps.’
‘Oh my how emotional was that hearing new #music by @GeorgeMichael @ZoeTheBall totally unexpected- thanks buddy Gavin,’ another said after hearing This Is How on Zoe Ball’s BBC Radio 2 show.
Overwhelmed with emotion, one admitted: ‘Everytime I listen to him, it’s something so emotional…I really love his voice!’
Another is already campaigning for the song to get to number one, and said: ‘The Voice is back ! #GeorgeMichael #ThisIsHow Lets get it to Number 1 ! #truetothelegacy [sic].’
This Is How features lyrics about alcohol, drugs and getting one’s life together, although it’s not known if George was writing from his personal experience.
The Last Christmas soundtrack features three Wham! songs, including the eponymously titled festive classic, as well as 12 songs from George’s solo career.
Last Christmas stars Emilia Clarke as bookkeeper Kate who meets Tom, played by Henry Goldman, by chance before embarking on a romance together during the festive period.
Wham! singer Shirlie Holliman recently told Metro.co.uk that George would have loved the movie.
‘I know it would all have been done with his permission. So I’m sure he had a talk about the movie,’ she said.
‘It’s lovely to think I’m going into Christmas and can have nice memories of Christmas and his music all around it. I just kind of go by my gut instincts and I do feel really good about this idea of this movie with all his songs in it.
‘George was such a Christmas fan. It was his favourite time of the year and so I’m sure he would have loved the idea of it.’
Emma Thompson, who wrote the screenplay, has since confirmed that George gave his blessing to the film.
The Last Christmas movie hits UK cinemas on 15 November while the soundtrack arrives on 8 November.
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