George Michael Reveals He Was Close To Death In Austrian Hospital

(Photo by Neil Mockford/Getty Images)

George Michael was apparently much more ill than he or his doctors at an Austrian hospital wanted to admit publicly. In his first press conference since he was released, the singer admitted he had played down the gravity of his pneumonia to avoid alarming his fans. Michael calls his recent battle against the illness “touch and go” and “by far the worst month of my life”.

The former Wham! singer arrived home before Christmas in London to recuperate and told reporters he felt,”very weak but amazing”. UK’s The Guardian reports “a thin, emotional and frail-looking Michael said he was not supposed to speak for long as he was recovering from a tracheotomy.” During the press conference Michael was “fighting back tears,” getting out his side of the story. George said he had “woken up” in the hospital 10 days ago and had played down the gravity of his illness to avoid alarming his fans…”

George Michael told The Guardian “his family, fans and ‘the fact that I still have plenty to live for’ had helped him pull through the illness. “I have an amazing, amazing life and if I wasn’t spiritual enough before the last four or five weeks then I certainly am now.” Michael will make up the cancelled dates of the Symphonica tour saying,”The plan is to play to every single person who had a ticket. And I would like to play one show for the doctors in the hospital in Austria who saved my life.”

Here’s footage of George’s first press conference after being released from the hospital:

George will be recuperating for a while longer, so until then, enjoy these classic clips: