UNITED KINGDOM: GEORGE MICHAEL CONDUCTS ON LINE CHAT WITH HIS FANS ON THE INTERNET

Record ID: 191301

  • Title: UNITED KINGDOM: GEORGE MICHAEL CONDUCTS ON LINE CHAT WITH HIS FANS ON THE INTERNET
  • Date: 14th July 1998
  • Summary: STILL OF WEBSITE: WWW.AEGEAN.NET.
  • Embargoed: 29th July 1998 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: LONDON, HERTFORDSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM AND FILE LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES / CANNES, FRANCE
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVAE589YHZQ7LWOG1WNH2A4AEDSP
  • Story Text: International popstar George Michael plans to reveal it all...this time on the internet.On Thursday (July 16) Michael will conduct two-hours of on line chat with his fans and he promises frank answers and maybe even some "Careless Whispers".

    George Michael, who launched a web site for his record company, Aegean Records earlier this year, is now getting intimate on-line.

    Michael has never exposed himself to such a public grilling.But on Thursday, for two hours, from 20.00 GMT to 22.00 GMT, he will answer questions from music lovers all over the world on his website: WWW.AEGEAN.NET.

    Michael's cousin and confidante, who runs the record label, came up with the idea.He thinks it will be a huge success.

    Andreas Georgiou says the internet chat gives fans the first opportunity to speak directly to Michael since he was arrested and charged in May for lewd conduct.

    Michael, who made his name as half of '80s pop duo 'Wham', continues to thrill fans with such hits as "Fast Love", released two years ago on the album "Older".

    He promises to be as honest and frank during the question and answer session.

    Devoted Michael fans say they can't wait to get on-line with their pop hero.

    Internet experts say that going it's an ideal way for stars, shy of publicity but under the spotlight, to communicate directly with their fans.But they worry thatquestions could be censored.

    But Microsoft Network, which is setting up the techno chat that's on line to be one of the biggest of its kind, denies questions will be screened.

    Michael, who fervently protects his privacy, was hounded by the media after his arrest.

    The star, known for his shyness, hates interviews.But now the internet offers him the chance to cut out the media middle man and chat with his fans "One On One".
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