A major celebration of George Michael’s early solo career is set to arrive in 2026, offering fans a chance to relive one of the most defining moments in pop history. George Michael: The Faith Tour is a newly restored concert film paired with an 18-track live album, both drawn from the singer’s iconic 1988 performances in Paris.
A landmark moment in pop history
The project captures George Michael at the height of his breakthrough as a solo artist, following the massive success of his debut album Faith (1987). Filmed during two nights at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy on 30 and 31 May 1988, the concert represents a pivotal point in his transition from Wham! frontman to global solo superstar.
Originally recorded using a 14-camera 35mm setup, the footage has now been fully restored and remastered for modern cinematic release. The result aims to present the shows in their most vivid and immersive form yet, highlighting both the scale of the production and Michael’s commanding stage presence.
A collaboration of longtime creative partners
The film is directed by Andy Morahan and David Austin, both long-time collaborators of George Michael. Their involvement adds an intimate layer to the project, drawing on their history of working closely with the artist during his peak creative years.
Adding to the experience, the cinematic release will open with a short film titled Finding Faith, created by Mary McCartney. This segment blends previously unheard interview audio from George Michael with rare photographs by Herb Ritts and behind-the-scenes footage from the original Faith music video era.
A setlist spanning an era
The concert film is expected to showcase a full setlist that spans George Michael’s early solo hits alongside reimagined Wham! classics. Songs such as “Faith,” “Father Figure,” and “One More Try” anchor the performance, reflecting the emotional depth and stylistic evolution that defined his early solo identity.
This period marked George Michael’s emergence not just as a pop star, but as a songwriter and performer capable of blending pop, R&B, and soul into a distinct and influential sound.
The live album: unheard recordings from 1988
Alongside the film, an 18-track live album titled The Faith Tour will be released globally. It includes previously unreleased recordings from the 1988 tour, offering fans a rare opportunity to hear alternate live interpretations of both solo and Wham!-era material.
These recordings capture the raw energy of the tour, preserving performances that were never officially released until now.
Revisiting a defining album and era
The original Faith album remains one of the most successful pop records of all time, selling over 25 million copies worldwide and producing multiple international number-one singles. Its success cemented George Michael’s status as a standalone global artist and reshaped expectations for pop and R&B crossover in the late 1980s.
The Faith Tour followed as a powerful statement of independence and artistic confidence, marking a moment when George Michael fully stepped into his identity as a solo performer.
Release plans
While an exact cinema release date has yet to be confirmed, George Michael: The Faith Tour is scheduled to arrive in cinemas worldwide later in 2026, followed by broader distribution. The live album is expected to launch in the same period, though final scheduling details are still pending.
Nearly a decade after George Michael’s passing in 2016, this release stands as a significant archival tribute—bringing one of his most celebrated eras back to the screen and stage for both longtime fans and new audiences discovering his legacy.