Andrew Ridgeley won't get "closure" from George Michael's death until after his funeral takes place.

Andrew Ridgeley

Andrew Ridgeley

The 'Praying for Time' hitmaker was found dead at his home on Christmas Day (25.12.16) after suffering heart failure, but he can't be laid to rest until a coroner investigating his death gets toxicology results, and George's former Wham! bandmate admits the delay has been "difficult" for all his loved ones.

Speaking backstage at the BRIT Awards after his tribute to his late friend, Andrew told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "We've not had closure. It's ­difficult for me. It's difficult for everyone.

"It's a limbo period and we need to be able to move on."

During his tribute at the BRITs this week, Andrew, 54, was joined by former backing singers Pepsi and Shirlie for a moving speech in honour of their late friend.

Andrew called him "the greatest singer songwriter" and added, "A supernova in a firmament of falling stars has been extinguished and it felt as if the sky had fallen in."

Speaking about their friendship, he said: "We were two boys who shared a love of life-affirming music and a sense that we understood it.

"'Careless Whisper' was the song that got us signed, showed his extraordinary talent and the song which launched his solo career."

And Andrew praised his friend's music, saying: "He understood love, loss and grief and in his music, he helped to heal the wounds life left on us."

Shirlie shared her memories of joining the pair, saying: "The three of us hung out together, listening to music and making up dance routines. These innocent moments became the seed from his amazing and enthralling showmanship was conceived.

Pepsi became tearful as she said: "We always knew that George was destined to become a star in his own right. George, Andrew and Shirlie changed my life by choosing me to join Wham!. These three amazing friends took me into their fold and there was so much laughter, fun and kindness. They were truly wonderful times and I will always cherish them. George wrote from the heart and from his own experience and his fans have shared how his music changed their lives."

And Shirlie could not stop the tears, when she said: "The side of George that was unknown was the help he gave to charities. He gave so many people the chance to change their lives and anyone who asked for help, invariably got it.

"George was like a brother to me and I will always be so proud of his achievements. His wonderful way with words spoke to everyone and his beautiful voice will live on forever as a gift to us all."

Andrew then said: "His is a legacy of unquestionable brilliance which will resonate years to come. I loved him and in turn, we, you have been loved.

"And so, to give voice to that which stands as George's eulogy, one of the finest singer/songwriters of his generation, Chris Martin."

Coldplay frontman Chris then took to the stage to sing 'A Different Corner'. A video of George singing the song was played during the song, as their voices mixed for an unforgettable duet.

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