George Michael: Still Wham-tastic

Oh, ye of little faith. Just when did you give up on 1980s pop idol George Michael?

When he got arrested for lewd conduct in a public restroom in 1996? When he was busted for being asleep at the wheel? When Wham broke up? When he came out of the closet? Or when Michael decided to charge as much as $175 a ticket for his first U.S. tour in 17 years?

Only 7,504 faithful fans turned out at the half-full Xcel Energy Center on Monday for Michael's first Twin Cities appearance since 1988 when his "Faith" won the Grammy for album of the year. It's too bad there weren't more people this time because this comeback -- and possible farewell -- tour was highly entertaining and crowd thrilling -- even if some of the choices in the 23-song, 130-minute set were questionable.

With his trademark stubble, perfectly coiffed hair and expensive sunglasses, the 45-year-old British star still looked like his iconic 1980s self. His dancing was more animated and spirited than 20 years ago, but his vocal range has diminished and his voice was not especially assertive in the first of two sets. But the man knows how to throw a party. He lived up to his reputation as the male Madonna (minus her discipline and drive) -- an unabashed lover of both pop and dance music who has a way with soul-baring lyrics.

Michael performed on a long curved screen that served as the backdrop and the floor of his stage. Colorful patterns, photos and videos were projected on the screen, adding energy and excitement while the star's band was stashed away on three levels of scaffolding next to the screen. Six backup singers often joined him onstage.

To no one's surprise, Michael leaned heavily on dated dance music. Heck, all his stuff is dated; his last hit was in 1996, though he has released one album of new music since then. After making his entrance to "Waiting (Reprise)," he actually opened with "Fastlove," that dance-happy 1996 hit. Then he electrified the Xcel audience with "I'm Your Man," which was a Wham-tastic flashback. Another Wham favorite, "Everything She Wants," had the crowd singing along like giddy high-schoolers.

Michael showed his soul chops on the gospel-like "One More Try" and the jittery Prince-like "Star People." In the second set, he stretched out vocally with a jazzy reading of the Police's "Roxanne" (from his 1999 covers CD) and a rote rendition of Roberta Flack's "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," both of which probably could have been eschewed in favor of, say, "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go," "I Knew You Were Waiting" or "I Want Your Sex."

Nonetheless, the unexpectedly triumphant show proved that sometimes, as Michael's song says, you gotta have faith -- and you will be rewarded.

Jon Bream • 612-673-1719