A long-lost 1988 concert film capturing George Michael at the height of his Faith era has been restored for cinema release alongside a previously unreleased live album, according to parade.com.
Directed by Michael’s longtime collaborators Andy Morahan and David Austin, George Michael: The Faith Tour features remastered footage from two shows at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy on May 30 and 31, 1988.
The film debuted in UK and Irish cinemas on November 6 ahead of a US theatrical release on December 11, which includes early IMAX access on December 9.
The 1988 tour marked Michael’s transition from Wham! frontman to global solo superstar. His 1987 debut solo album, Faith, established him as the only British male solo artist to secure four US Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles from a single record—a landmark that remains unbroken. The Paris performances pair signature solo tracks, including “Father Figure,” “One More Try,” and “I Want Your Sex,” with Wham! hits such as “Careless Whisper” and “I’m Your Man.”
Shot across 14 cameras on 35mm film, the production features choreography by Paula Abdul, who worked on the tour shortly before releasing her own debut album, Forever Your Girl. The Paris dates formed part of an extensive world tour spanning more than 100 shows across 16 countries.
Cinema screenings open with Finding Faith, a documentary short directed by Mary McCartney. The piece incorporates an unheard archival interview alongside behind-the-scenes video and photographs by Herb Ritts. Reflecting on the album’s name in the interview, Michael noted, “I suppose what ‘faith’ meant to me was that life was still gonna deliver.”
Early critical response has highlighted the strength of Michael’s vocal performance and stage presence across the full show. The release coincides with the 10th anniversary year of Michael’s death in 2016 at age 53, marking the first time the full concert footage has been made accessible to the public since filming took place 38 years ago.
The release fills a major historical gap in Michael’s archival legacy, serving as the definitive document of his peak solo tour. Beyond its archival value, the project highlights early creative contributions from key figures in 1980s pop culture, notably Paula Abdul’s stage choreography prior to her breakout solo career.
•Featured image: George Michael’s 1988 Faith Tour concert film, drawn from two Paris shows, is in UK cinemas now and reaches US theatres December 11/Michael Putland/Getty Images