George Michael In Hot Water Over Song & Video - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

80sTrivia · 07-06-2002, 08:24 AM

George Michael refuses
to release his anti-US
'protest' song in States

George Michael's controversial new single has been castigated in America, where it was greeted with boos after an airing on CNN, dotmusic can report.

'Shoot The Dog' is an attack on Tony Blair and makes reference to his unwillingness to question the politics of American President George Bush. It also features an equally contentious video, with Blair portrayed as Bush's 'lap-dog' (see above).

Some Americans believe it to be an attack on their country, with it coming so soon after the New York terrorist attacks of September 11.

But Michael insists that he would never "disrepect" the American feeling towards September 11 and doesn't plan to release the record stateside.

Speaking to CNN he said: "There was no plan to release ('Shoot The Dog') in your country and I think it would have been disrespectful to make this an issue in a country which obviously has suffered much loss and very recently."

The video for the single depicts an animated Blair being tickled like a poodle by Bush and also shows Michael trying to seduce Blair's wife Cherie.

Despite not being released in America, the single will be available in Australia, South America and throughout Europe and Asia.

The decision not to release the single in America has also brought its own criticism, with 'Pop idol' judge Simon Cowell, accusing Michael of being a "coward".

"It shows a lack of conviction to write a song about America and not actually release it there," he told the Sun newspaper.

But a spokesperson for Michael insists that the single was never intended to be released in the US because he hasn't got a record deal there.

'Shoot The Dog' is out in the UK from August 5.

By DOMINIC MOHAN
Showbiz Editor

GEORGE Michael was branded a coward last night after refusing to release his anti-American rant Shoot The Dog as a US single.

The star has decided not to put out the track over there as he fears it could kill his career.

US fans are sickened by the September 11 slur. The video portrays Tony Blair and George Bush as gay lovers.

Pals thought George would issue the protest single in the US as a statement next month.

It will instead be released across Europe, Australia, Asia and South America.

Last night Pop Idol judge and BMG Records boss Simon Cowell said: “George is a coward.

“It shows a lack of conviction to write a song about America and not actually release it there.”

A source close to 39-year-old George said: “He’s basically bottled it.”

The animated video jokes about the political aftermath of September 11 and shows PM Blair as President Bush’s dog.

In one sick scene homosexual George, who lives in LA with lover Kenny Goss, tries to seduce Mr Blair’s wife Cherie.

***

Final nail in coffin for career

GEORGE Michael has made his biggest error since releasing his own seven-inch in an LA public toilet four years ago.

What’s worse is that Shoot The Dog is a c*** record. The best thing is the Human League sample it uses heavily.

George seems to have a death wish. This will be the final nail in the coffin of his career in the States, and possibly here too.

The fact he isn’t releasing it there is cowardly. How can a protest song not be released in the country it’s about?

Anyway, I don’t want a man who stuffed shuttlecocks down his shorts and sang about a club called Tropicana preaching about the War on Terror.

His career was at a crossroads and he has just taken the wrong turning.

He is no longer relevant and this was a desperate attempt to reinvent himself.

Forget shooting the dog George, you’ve just shot yourself in the foot.

***

Callers jeer George on TV
By DOMINIC MOHAN
and BRIAN FLYNN

ANGRY Americans jeered and heckled George Michael yesterday as he spoke on a live talk show to defend his controversial single.

The ex-Wham! star, 39, took part in a hastily-arranged phone interview on US news channel CNN in a last-ditch bid to rescue his reputation.

He told Talkback Live host Arthel Neville the track was meant as an attack on Tony Blair — and insisted it was “never intended” for release in America.

But seething music fans deluged the station with calls abusing the British singer, who drew boos from the studio audience.

One caller, who gave her name as Leah from Florida, told him: “You can’t tell me that you did not intend to slam our country when you slam our President.

“By portraying him going to bed with your Prime Minister, you slam our country. You can talk about your own family, but I’ll be danged if I’ll let somebody else step in from the outside and talk about them.”

Gay George — arrested in 1998 for fondling himself in an LA toilet — claimed he had never planned to issue Shoot The Dog as a single in America.

He said: “I think that would have been bad timing — and disrespectful in a country which obviously has suffered much loss, and very recently.”

But American radio chiefs and DJs joined the condemnation yesterday.

Ron Price, who runs KMXP FM in Phoenix, said: “He has taken the coward’s way out.

“He shouldn’t have released the song or video. But to put it out in the UK and not in America is the worst possible decision as it’s so two-faced.”

DJ Lisa Tyler, of San Diego station The Planet, said: “It’s created a real storm. A lot of Americans are very offended.”

Scott Shannon, of New York’s WPLJ, said the row was the final nail in the coffin of George’s flagging US career.

The New York Post dismissed Shoot The Dog as a “tawdry tune” and called George a “washed- up pervert pop star”.

Yet British broadsheet newspapers mocked the star over the disc — calling him the “tight-trousered philosopher” and a “half-forgotten hound”.

Daily Telegraph pop critic Neil McCormick said: “Even after listening to his single and reading his four-page interview with The Mirror, I’m not sure what his message is.”

A spokesman for George said: “The record will not come out in North America, but may feature on his album.”

TJL · 07-06-2002, 10:58 AM

Ah yes...George Michael..

Call me crazy, but I refuse to listen to the political ramblings of a guy who used to wear bright flourescent gloves in his videos.

Pitooey · 07-06-2002, 11:10 AM

I agree with you TJL...........

In my opinion....... I understand that music is freedom of speech but, I don't agree with George Michael.......... I think he shouldn't be a coward. If he's stabbing the USA in the back then let him face us................

DarleneIllyria · 07-06-2002, 09:41 PM

I thought George Michael was already a washout in America. I guess you learn new things everyday.....

isiahthomas · 12-19-2002, 12:44 PM

I used to like his Wham songs Wake Me Up Before You Go Go & Careless Whisper. What is George's former partner in Wham doing now? What's his former partner's name? I also used to like George's Faith & I Want Your Sex songs. I Want Your Sex was on the Beverly Hills Cop 2 soundtrack. How long has George Michael been gay? I didn't know he was fondling himself in a LA public bathroom 4 yrs ago hahahahahahahahahahaha.

Dean Winchester · 09-29-2003, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by isiahthomas
I used to like his Wham songs Wake Me Up Before You Go Go & Careless Whisper. What is George's former partner in Wham doing now? What's his former partner's name? I also used to like George's Faith & I Want Your Sex songs. I Want Your Sex was on the Beverly Hills Cop 2 soundtrack. How long has George Michael been gay? I didn't know he was fondling himself in a LA public bathroom 4 yrs ago hahahahahahahahahahaha.

most of the gay community has known George was gay since the early 90's

musicradio77 · 09-29-2003, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by isiahthomas
I used to like his Wham songs Wake Me Up Before You Go Go & Careless Whisper. What is George's former partner in Wham doing now? What's his former partner's name? I also used to like George's Faith & I Want Your Sex songs. I Want Your Sex was on the Beverly Hills Cop 2 soundtrack. How long has George Michael been gay? I didn't know he was fondling himself in a LA public bathroom 4 yrs ago hahahahahahahahahahaha.

I have these albums, "Faith" and "Make It Big" with Wham! I like these songs by George Michael:

1. "I Want Your Sex"
2. "Faith"
3. "Father Figure"
4. "Hard Day"
5. "One More Try"
6. "Monkey"
7. "A Last Request"
8. "Kissing a Fool"
9. "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (from 'Zoolander')"
10. "Everything She Wants"
11. "Last Christmas"
12. "Love Machine (The Miracles Cover)"
13. "Freedom"
14. "Careless Whisper"

07-06-2002, 08:24 AM	#1
80sTrivia Member Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 23, 2002 Posts: 21,715	George Michael In Hot Water Over Song & Video George Michael refuses to release his anti-US 'protest' song in States George Michael's controversial new single has been castigated in America, where it was greeted with boos after an airing on CNN, dotmusic can report. 'Shoot The Dog' is an attack on Tony Blair and makes reference to his unwillingness to question the politics of American President George Bush. It also features an equally contentious video, with Blair portrayed as Bush's 'lap-dog' (see above). Some Americans believe it to be an attack on their country, with it coming so soon after the New York terrorist attacks of September 11. But Michael insists that he would never "disrepect" the American feeling towards September 11 and doesn't plan to release the record stateside. Speaking to CNN he said: "There was no plan to release ('Shoot The Dog') in your country and I think it would have been disrespectful to make this an issue in a country which obviously has suffered much loss and very recently." The video for the single depicts an animated Blair being tickled like a poodle by Bush and also shows Michael trying to seduce Blair's wife Cherie. Despite not being released in America, the single will be available in Australia, South America and throughout Europe and Asia. The decision not to release the single in America has also brought its own criticism, with 'Pop idol' judge Simon Cowell, accusing Michael of being a "coward". "It shows a lack of conviction to write a song about America and not actually release it there," he told the Sun newspaper. But a spokesperson for Michael insists that the single was never intended to be released in the US because he hasn't got a record deal there. 'Shoot The Dog' is out in the UK from August 5. By DOMINIC MOHAN Showbiz Editor GEORGE Michael was branded a coward last night after refusing to release his anti-American rant Shoot The Dog as a US single. The star has decided not to put out the track over there as he fears it could kill his career. US fans are sickened by the September 11 slur. The video portrays Tony Blair and George Bush as gay lovers. Pals thought George would issue the protest single in the US as a statement next month. It will instead be released across Europe, Australia, Asia and South America. Last night Pop Idol judge and BMG Records boss Simon Cowell said: “George is a coward. “It shows a lack of conviction to write a song about America and not actually release it there.” A source close to 39-year-old George said: “He’s basically bottled it.” The animated video jokes about the political aftermath of September 11 and shows PM Blair as President Bush’s dog. In one sick scene homosexual George, who lives in LA with lover Kenny Goss, tries to seduce Mr Blair’s wife Cherie. * Final nail in coffin for career GEORGE Michael has made his biggest error since releasing his own seven-inch in an LA public toilet four years ago. What’s worse is that Shoot The Dog is a c* record. The best thing is the Human League sample it uses heavily. George seems to have a death wish. This will be the final nail in the coffin of his career in the States, and possibly here too. The fact he isn’t releasing it there is cowardly. How can a protest song not be released in the country it’s about? Anyway, I don’t want a man who stuffed shuttlecocks down his shorts and sang about a club called Tropicana preaching about the War on Terror. His career was at a crossroads and he has just taken the wrong turning. He is no longer relevant and this was a desperate attempt to reinvent himself. Forget shooting the dog George, you’ve just shot yourself in the foot. *** Callers jeer George on TV By DOMINIC MOHAN and BRIAN FLYNN ANGRY Americans jeered and heckled George Michael yesterday as he spoke on a live talk show to defend his controversial single. The ex-Wham! star, 39, took part in a hastily-arranged phone interview on US news channel CNN in a last-ditch bid to rescue his reputation. He told Talkback Live host Arthel Neville the track was meant as an attack on Tony Blair — and insisted it was “never intended” for release in America. But seething music fans deluged the station with calls abusing the British singer, who drew boos from the studio audience. One caller, who gave her name as Leah from Florida, told him: “You can’t tell me that you did not intend to slam our country when you slam our President. “By portraying him going to bed with your Prime Minister, you slam our country. You can talk about your own family, but I’ll be danged if I’ll let somebody else step in from the outside and talk about them.” Gay George — arrested in 1998 for fondling himself in an LA toilet — claimed he had never planned to issue Shoot The Dog as a single in America. He said: “I think that would have been bad timing — and disrespectful in a country which obviously has suffered much loss, and very recently.” But American radio chiefs and DJs joined the condemnation yesterday. Ron Price, who runs KMXP FM in Phoenix, said: “He has taken the coward’s way out. “He shouldn’t have released the song or video. But to put it out in the UK and not in America is the worst possible decision as it’s so two-faced.” DJ Lisa Tyler, of San Diego station The Planet, said: “It’s created a real storm. A lot of Americans are very offended.” Scott Shannon, of New York’s WPLJ, said the row was the final nail in the coffin of George’s flagging US career. The New York Post dismissed Shoot The Dog as a “tawdry tune” and called George a “washed- up pervert pop star”. Yet British broadsheet newspapers mocked the star over the disc — calling him the “tight-trousered philosopher” and a “half-forgotten hound”. Daily Telegraph pop critic Neil McCormick said: “Even after listening to his single and reading his four-page interview with The Mirror, I’m not sure what his message is.” A spokesman for George said: “The record will not come out in North America, but may feature on his album.”
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07-06-2002, 10:58 AM	#2
TJL Suburbanite Extrordinaire Forum Star Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New Jersey - the cradle of civilization Posts: 16,591	Ah yes...George Michael.. Call me crazy, but I refuse to listen to the political ramblings of a guy who used to wear bright flourescent gloves in his videos.
	__________________ "I think I'll stroll up to the front to see how the shooting's going..." - Capt. Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce Read my blogs! http://centralparkamisguide.com/ http://dvdcriticscorner.com Visit me on Facebook!http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=641138880 Hey, I do the tweet thing too! http://twitter.com/TomLevier My shop of handmade items! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ColdGarageCreations

07-06-2002, 11:10 AM	#3
Pitooey Member Forum Star Join Date: Feb 15, 2001 Location: Rocking in Transylvania. Posts: 15,042	I agree with you TJL........... In my opinion....... I understand that music is freedom of speech but, I don't agree with George Michael.......... I think he shouldn't be a coward. If he's stabbing the USA in the back then let him face us................ Attached Images
	__________________ Pitooey... AKA JennyLee - I love the Monkees all over again! *SAY NO TO DRUGS* Jesus saves... Last edited by Pitooey; 07-06-2002 at 11:14 AM.

07-06-2002, 09:41 PM	#4
DarleneIllyria Gone Forum Star Join Date: Oct 15, 2000 Posts: 19,086	Shazam! I thought George Michael was already a washout in America. I guess you learn new things everyday.....

12-19-2002, 12:44 PM	#5
isiahthomas Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Aug 20, 2002 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 10,704	I used to like his Wham songs Wake Me Up Before You Go Go & Careless Whisper. What is George's former partner in Wham doing now? What's his former partner's name? I also used to like George's Faith & I Want Your Sex songs. I Want Your Sex was on the Beverly Hills Cop 2 soundtrack. How long has George Michael been gay? I didn't know he was fondling himself in a LA public bathroom 4 yrs ago hahahahahahahahahahaha.