George Michael didn’t think he could lead a "full gay life" and be dedicated to his music.
The ‘Freedom’ singer – who tragically passed away last December aged 53 – admitted in an interview recorded shortly before his death that he had always put his career before his personal life.
He said: "I had a feeling that I couldn’t have both. I felt that I couldn’t come out and live a full gay life, and still have my devotion to what I did."
But when George did find love for the first time, with Anselmo Feleppa – who died of an AIDS-related illness in 1993 – he was never happier and realised their relationship meant more to him than his success.
He said: "I was happier than I’d ever been in my entire life. Fame, money… everything else just kind of, paled by comparison to finally at 27 years old, waking up in bed with someone who loves you."
The ‘Spinning the Wheel’ hitmaker was looking forward to the future and hoped he could create some "spectacular" music.
He said: "Even when I’ve lost control, even when I’ve really hit rock bottom, I believe, that the red line is still there. And that this period of down time will result in something spectacular."
In the wide ranging interview with Kirsty Young – which was supposed to be for George’s Channel 4 film ‘Freedom’, which broadcast earlier this week – George bemoaned the fact artists don’t look out for one another any more.
Discussing losing his long-running court case against Sony Music, he said: "I feel I took three years out of my career, I spent $7 million and I got nothing for artists. Nothing.
"And then 10 years later it’s a different generation… that never looks at what they’re doing to their fellow man you know. Let alone fellow artists."
The sit-down interview was supposed to cover a few topics, but lasted over two hours and as the pair said goodbye, George told the presenter: "You should turn this into a radio programme."
And when the ‘Praying for Time’ singer suddenly passed away a few weeks later, Radio 2 said it "began to feel like something that should happen."
Lewis Carnie, head of Radio 2, said: "The Radio 2 listeners continue to love and remember George Michael and his music, and I’m glad that they will be able to hear his final, very special interview on the station."
‘George Michael: The Red Line’ will be broadcast on Radio 2 – split across two 60 minute programmes on November 1 and November 8 at 10pm.
George Michael put career before music
