A new documentary titled "Wham! 10 Days in China" is scheduled for worldwide cinema release on July 28. The film uses restored footage and interviews to chronicle the British pop duo's April 1985 visit to Beijing and Guangzhou. The trip made Wham! the first Western pop act to perform in China, which at the time maintained strict regulations on foreign music.
Andrew Ridgeley, one half of the duo alongside the late George Michael, stated in an interview that the 1985 tour was a strategic career move designed by manager Simon Napier-Bell. According to Ridgeley, the trip was intended to generate global publicity after vocal issues prevented Michael from conducting a standard 90-day tour of the United States. The documentary explores the diplomatic nature of the visit, which included official banquets and interactions at the British ambassador's residence.
The film also examines the long-term impact of the concerts on the local music scene. Ridgeley highlighted the presence of Cui Jian at the Beijing performance; Cui later became a prominent figure in Chinese rock music. Ridgeley noted that the documentary serves as a record of the band's history and Michael's vocal performances during a period of heavy international media scrutiny.