Sales for George Michael's 'A Different Corner' have risen by 500% after the touching tribute at the BRIT Awards.
George Michael in 2007
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin took to the stage at the glitzy award ceremony last week (22.02.17) to perform a heartfelt rendition of the late singer's 1986 hit single. Midway through the performance a recording of George - who passed away on Christmas Day (25.12.16) - singing the same track was broadcast on a giant video screen and the pair sang in perfect harmony.
According to Official Charts data for the week since the ceremony - which also included a warming tribute from his former Wham! band mates Andrew Ridgeley, Pepsi DeMacque and Shirlie Holliman - there has been a significant rise in demand for the work of the 'Careless Whisper' hitmaker.
His definitive 'Best Of' compilation album 'Ladies & Gentleman' received a whopping 83% rise in purchases on CD, vinyl, and downloads, as well as via audio streams, pushing it to number eight in this week's Official Albums Chart.
George's album's 'Faith', 'Older', 'Symphonica', and 'Twenty Five', also received a lift in sales.
Geoff Taylor, chief executive of the BRIT Awards, said: "It's no surprise there's been a marked rise in demand for George Michael's music. The heart-felt tribute from his fellow Wham! band members and Chris Martin's wonderfully touching performance of 'A Different Corner' reminded us just how brilliantly crafted his classic songs are."
And it's not just George Michael who saw a rise in sales either, as the likes of The 1975, Little Mix, Emeli Sande, Skepta and Ed Sheeran have all seen a positive change in their record sales after performing at the ceremony.
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