Documentary, Wham! 10 Days in China, set for July release

A defining moment in pop history is heading back to the big screen - and it’s one Wham! fans won’t want to miss.

A brand-new documentary, Wham! 10 Days in China, is set to arrive in cinemas this July, shining a spotlight on the legendary duo’s unforgettable 1985 trip that saw them become the first Western pop act to perform in China.

Over 40 years on, the film brings that moment back to life with digitally restored footage and rare archival clips that haven’t been seen before. Alongside the visuals, viewers will hear fresh reflections from those who were there, including Andrew Ridgeley and members of the original touring team.

Directed by Mike Christie, the documentary dives into what really happened during those ten extraordinary day, a journey that helped take Wham!’s global success to another level.

At the time, the visit marked the final chapter of their massive “Big Tour”, which ran between late 1984 and early 1985. While in China, Wham! performed two now-iconic shows, one in Beijing and another in Guangzhou, introducing their high-energy pop sound to audiences experiencing Western music in a live setting for the very first time.

Getting there was no small feat. It reportedly took around 18 months of behind-the-scenes negotiations to secure approval, with management working closely with Chinese officials to make the historic concerts happen.

Once they hit the stage, it was a completely different kind of crowd than the band was used to. Known for electric fan reactions around the world, Wham! instead found themselves performing in front of audiences who were far more reserved, due in part to strict expectations at the time around behaviour, including limits on dancing and applause.

George Michael later reflected on just how unusual the atmosphere felt, describing it as one of the most challenging performances of his career.

Despite the cultural differences, the concerts became a landmark moment, sparking excitement and opening the door for more global music exchanges in the years that followed.

While their visit was first documented back in the 1986 film Foreign Skies, this new documentary promises a far deeper and more personal look at what really unfolded behind the scenes.

Wham! 10 Days in China lands in cinemas worldwide on July 28, with tickets going on sale from June 24.