George Michael is
a most happy fellow these days: He's kicking off his
first North American tour in 17 years, and same-sex marriage
has just been legalized in California.
"It's way
overdue," the 44-year-old English pop star told the
Associated Press. "It's something that happened...almost
without a whisper in England, but it was basically
because we weren't that concerned about the word
'marriage.' "
Michael, who is
openly gay, said, "Because this is a much more
religious society, there are a huge number of people who
want [their] unions to be part of something that they
can place in their religion, so [marriage is] much
more important here. I think that's why it's so long
in arriving here, but I think it's fantastic, obviously."
Hundreds of gay
and lesbian couples rushed to county clerks' offices
throughout California this week to obtain marriage licenses
and exchange vows as same-sex marriage became legal
Monday afternoon.
The next day
Michael kicked off the multicity 25 Live tour at the San
Diego Sports Arena.
Why so long
between concerts here?
"The '90s were a
bit of a disaster for me in so many ways. On a
personal level, I don't think I could have toured. Also, I
had some physical problems with my back that are now
sorted, and I just wasn't in the right state of mind,"
he told the AP.
Michael, who
recently released his greatest hits album, Twenty
Five, in the United States, has said this will be
his last arena tour because he wants to lead a quieter life.
"I have got other
interests than just making music. I would like to
follow those interests through. You never know, in five
years I might be back here begging you all to forgive
me," he said. "But I really think I can do much more
constructive work as an artist if I step out of this
again."
Michael sang in
the 1980s pop group Wham! before stepping out for a
successful solo career. His hits include "Faith," ''Father
Figure," and "One More Try."
He has had
several run-ins with the law, on charges ranging from drug
possession to lewd conduct. (AP)
