George Michael's fire misery

George Michael's New Year's Eve show ended in disaster after a large quantity of music equipment was destroyed by fire.The singer - who is believed to have pocketed a staggering £1.7 million to perform at Russian billionaire Vladimir Potanin's private party - lost thousands of pounds worth of equipment when the blaze began at Potanin's Moscow estate.A source told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Loads of his gear was melted and some of his band's instruments were wrecked when they were covered in ash."Other kit was damaged by water from fire crews. But I reckon George's pay cheque should just about cover it if Mr Potanin doesn't cough up."Equipment destroyed by fire included a 42in plasma teleprompt and a variety of musical instruments. It has been reported the fire was started by a crew member experimenting with unused pyrotechnics from the show. Michael, 43, was already on a private jet back to the UK when the blaze began.

The 'Careless Whisper' singer - accompanied by his lover Kenny Goss and a 40-strong entourage - was flown to Moscow by private jet to perform in front of 250 guests at Potanin's 20 acre estate.

Potanin, who is the ninth richest man in Russia, is said to have personally asked Michael to perform and paid him in cash.

The huge fee works out at £23,823 a minute - the most ever paid for a single performance in Russia.