George Michael's fire misery

04-01-2007 12:30

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.