‘Last Christmas’ Was Released By WHAM! 40 Years Ago

Dec 4 2024

Forty years ago, Wham! released Last Christmas, a song that has become a Christmas classic.

Written by George Michael in early 1984, the track was created in his childhood bedroom during a quiet winter afternoon.

According to bandmate Andrew Ridgeley, Michael seemed inspired, producing the melody almost effortlessly. The song captures the festive season’s spirit with its evocative sleigh bell sounds and heartfelt lyrics.

Wham! was already enjoying a successful year, having achieved their first number-one hit with Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and embarking on a global tour.

Last Christmas cemented their status as pop icons, showcasing Michael’s extraordinary songwriting ability. Though only 21 at the time, the duo aimed to create a perennial Christmas hit, and the song’s enduring popularity proves their success.

Despite their youthful image, Wham! was built on a deep friendship. Ridgeley, who had taken Michael under his wing at school, admired his bandmate’s talent and determination.

Though Michael increasingly wrote solo, Ridgeley recognised his ability to craft timeless hits, calling Last Christmas “remarkable.” Four decades on, the song remains a festive staple, its universal appeal ensuring it will accompany celebrations for generations to come.

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Eminem’s Mother Debbie Nelson Passes Away

Dec 4 2024

Debbie Nelson, mother of rapper Eminem, passed away on 2 December at the age of 69 in St. Joseph, Missouri, due to lung cancer complications, confirmed by Eminem’s representative.

Nelson’s illness was reported in September.

Born in 1955 on a Kansas military base, Nelson detailed her challenging upbringing in her 2008 memoir, My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem.

The eldest of five children, she assumed family responsibilities after her parents’ divorce. At 16, she married Eminem’s father, Marshall Bruce Mathers Jr., and gave birth to the rapper at 18.

Nelson and Eminem had a turbulent relationship, famously chronicled in his music, including the 2002 song Cleanin’ Out My Closet.

This led Nelson to sue him for defamation, seeking $11 million but receiving just $1,600 after legal fees. Despite their strained bond, Nelson expressed hopes for reconciliation in a 2008 interview. In 2013, Eminem’s song Headlights was interpreted as an apology.

Nelson celebrated Eminem’s achievements from afar, including his 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, where she praised his success in a since-deleted video. Nelson’s estranged husband died in 2019, and she is survived by Eminem and her younger son, Nathan Mathers.

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Marilena Gauci Appointed As New VP Of MEIA  

Dec 3 2024

The Malta Entertainment Industry Association (MEIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Marilena Gauci as Vice President.

In this vital role, Marilena will provide essential support to the President, Maria Galea, and contribute to the association’s lobbying and advocacy efforts.

Her selection follows a comprehensive open call for candidates, underscoring MEIA’s commitment to meritocracy, experience, dedication and passion for the creative sectors, as core values that merit this appointment.

Having previously served on MEIA’s executive committee as the head of Pr and Communications, Marilena is well versed within the association’s mission and ongoing efforts.

Her background and long standing in theatre, music, entertainment, and television has equipped her with a solid understanding of the creative sectors. Having engaged with these industries from an early age, she is committed to addressing their challenges while advocating for stronger and more resilient creative sectors.

Marilena holds an Honours Degree in Economics and has further pursued a Master’s Degree in Behavioural Economics. She has made signicant contributions to both enterprise and academia through her work on policy at the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, as well as her involvement in national and European funding initiatives at the University of Malta.

Over the past year, she has focused on establishing her own business, emphasising transparency, humanity, and environmental sustainability.

As Vice President, Marilena looks forward to continuing working hand in hand with the members of the Executive Committee with whom she shares a common vision of fostering a better space, one that offers fairer and greater opportunities for all artists and creatives.

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Robert Irwin Holds Back Tears After Seeing Father’s Steve Wax Figure

Dec 3 2024

Steve Irwin’s son and fellow conservationist, Robert Irwin, had to hold back tears when coming across his father’s Madame Tussauds wax figure for the first time.

The 20-year-old has followed in his late father’s path as a conservationist and zookeeper and was visibly moved upon seeing his father’s likeness in the same room.

Steve, an Australian wildlife expert and television personality, tragically passed away at the age of 44 on September 4, 2006. He was struck in the chest by a stingray’s barbed tail while filming the documentary Ocean’s Deadliest, whilst Robert was only 2-years old.

Speaking in interviews, Robert stated “That is amazing. It’s the first time in a long time that he’s not just a picture,”

The TV personality attended the unveiling of his own wax figure, which will be displayed alongside his father’s at Madame Tussauds Sydney. According to Sunrise, he is the youngest Australian celebrity to receive this honor.

“It was my first time seeing my dad’s wax figure in person. I’d only ever seen pictures of it before,” he shared with the channel.

“I was overwhelmed with emotion. I didn’t expect it, but seeing it in real life was actually quite emotional for me.”

#MaltaDaily