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What Is Andrew Ridgeley’s Net Worth?
Andrew Ridgeley, the English singer/songwriter, guitarist, and record producer best known as one half of the iconic 1980s duo Wham!, alongside George Michael, has accumulated a substantial net worth. As of 2025, Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million. This wealth is primarily attributed to his successful music career, particularly his involvement in Wham!, which sold over 35 million records globally.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Andrew John Ridgeley on January 26, 1963, in Windlesham, Surrey, England, Andrew’s journey to musical stardom began in his school days. His mother, Jennifer, a teacher at Bushey Heath Primary School, and his father, Alberto, who worked for Canon, provided a supportive environment. At Bushey Meads School in Bushey, Hertfordshire, Andrew met George Michael, a transfer student. On George’s first day, Andrew volunteered to show him around, forging a lifelong friendship and musical partnership. This early connection led to them playing in various bands, including The Executive, before forming Wham! in 1981. While specific details about their early performances and income from these bands are unavailable, these experiences laid the foundation for their future success.
Wham!’s Rise to Fame and Financial Success
Wham!’s breakthrough came with their debut album, “Fantastic,” released on July 9, 1983. This album soared to #1 in the UK charts and achieved 3x Platinum certification. It featured hit singles like “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do),” “Young Guns (Go for It!),” “Bad Boys,” and “Club Tropicana,” all contributing significantly to the band’s initial earnings. Their follow-up album, “Make It Big,” released in October 1984, propelled them to international fame. This album topped charts in numerous countries and included iconic tracks like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Careless Whisper,” and “Freedom.” “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Everything She Wants” reached #1 in the U.S., further boosting their income. “Make It Big” went 4x Platinum in the U.K. and 6x Platinum in the United States.
One of Wham!’s most enduring hits, “Careless Whisper,” sold approximately six million copies globally and reached #1 in over 20 countries. It is estimated that Andrew Ridgeley has earned over $10 million in royalties from “Careless Whisper” alone. Ridgeley co-wrote ‘Wham Rap’ and ‘Club Tropicana’, his role in these songs continues to generate significant royalties. “Last Christmas” also went 2x Platinum in the U.K. and U.S. and 4x Platinum in Australia, contributing to the duo’s substantial earnings. In 1985, Wham! made history as the first Western pop group to perform in China, marking a significant cultural and financial milestone. The last Wham! show took place at Wembley Stadium on June 28, 1986, attended by 72,000 fans, marking the end of an era. The financial details of this concert are unknown.
Post-Wham! Career and Ventures
After Wham! disbanded, Andrew Ridgeley explored various avenues, including Formula Three motor racing in Monaco, and acting pursuits in Los Angeles before returning to Britain in 1990. On May 7, 1990, he released his solo album, “Son of Albert,” featuring his brother, Paul, on drums. The album, which Ridgeley produced himself, included the singles “Shake” and “Red Dress” and peaked at #130 on the “Billboard” 200 chart. Despite not achieving the same level of success as Wham!, the album contributed to his overall income. In January 1991, Ridgeley performed with George Michael at the Rock in Rio festival.
After retiring from the music industry, Ridgeley opened a restaurant called Bar 92 in England. While the specific details of his earnings from this venture are not publicly available, it added to his diverse income streams. In 2019, he published his memoir, “Wham! George Michael & Me,” and in 2023, he starred in the Netflix documentary “Wham!,” adding to his professional engagements and income. In 1994, Andrew appeared on the BBC’s “Fantasy Football League.” Andrew also appeared in the “George Michael” episode of “Power Vision – Pop Galerie” (1999) and the documentary “George Michael: A Different Story” (2005). In 2019, he served as a guest judge in two episodes of “The Great British Menu” and had a cameo in the film “Last Christmas,” which features several Wham! and solo George Michael songs. These appearances and projects further contributed to his income, although the exact figures remain undisclosed.
Royalties and Enduring Income Streams
As a co-writer of several Wham! songs, including “Wham Rap” and “Club Tropicana,” Andrew Ridgeley continues to earn significant royalties. Most notably, he co-wrote “Careless Whisper,” which has generated substantial income over the years. While the exact annual royalty figures are not publicly available, it has been reported that Ridgeley has earned well over $10 million from this song alone since its release. These ongoing royalties form a significant portion of his net worth, providing a steady income stream. Although precise figures are not available, the intellectual property value associated with his songwriting credits is likely in the tens of millions.
Personal Life and Charity Involvement
Andrew Ridgeley’s personal life has also been a subject of public interest. He dated Bananarama member Keren Woodward from 1990 to 2017, living with her son, Thomas, in a converted 15th-century barn in Wadebridge, Cornwall. While the details of their living arrangements do not directly impact his net worth, they offer insight into his lifestyle. Ridgeley has also been involved in the Dallaglio Cycle Slam charity bike ride, benefiting Dallaglio Rugby Works. His participation demonstrates his commitment to charitable causes, though it does not directly contribute to his financial status. Ridgeley spoke about George Michael’s death a year after his passing, stating: “When I received the news of my oldest friend’s death on the afternoon of Christmas Day last year, I had, only five minutes beforehand, sent him a message wishing him a wonderful Christmas.”
Awards and Recognition
Wham! received two Grammy nominations, including Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” in 1985. In 1986, they were named Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group Video Artist at the American Music Awards. Additionally, they won British Group at the 1985 Brit Awards and Outstanding Contribution to Music in 1986. At the 1985 Ivor Novello Awards, “Careless Whisper” won the award for Most Performed Work. These accolades reflect the band’s widespread popularity and success, contributing to their financial achievements. While these awards themselves do not have a direct monetary value, they enhance the band’s reputation and marketability, indirectly increasing their earnings.
