Andrew Ridgeley Net Worth

Andrew Ridgeley, one of the early 80s most famous entertainers, is an English singer, songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. Most known for his time as the guitarist and backup vocalist for the iconic 80s pop band, Wham!, which he formed with his childhood friend George Michael; Andrew Ridgeley is worth $40 million as of 2023.

The two came together and started the band in 1981, skyrocketing to stardom in the following 5 years. Sadly, Wham’s! final performance was on June 28, 1986, at Wembley studio, which was attended by 72,000 fans, marking the end of an unforgettable chapter in pop culture.

Having amassed most of his fortune from his time in the band, Ridgeley has made a couple of millions from other ventures, mostly rare television appearances like the 2023 Netflix documentary Wham!. He’s also earned some money from his deal with a surfing company, which he signed after picking up the hobby following Whams!’s disbandment in 1986.

Andrew Ridgeley Wham!

With over 30 million records sold from 1982 to 1986, the band saw unparalleled success during those years, raking in millions split among the duo. Their debut studio album Fantastic hit #1 on the charts in the U.K. and New Zealand, and would also receive a 3x Platinum certification in the U.K., garnering them international fame and popularity.

They would then capitalize on that success with their next album, Make It Big in 1984, which proved to be one of their most successful years. The album would feature multiple singles, Careless Whisper, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Freedom, and Everything She Wants which all reached #1 on U.K. and U.S. charts.

“Careless Whisper” alone sold more than six million copies and proved to be one of Andrew Ridgeley’s most successful income streams, as he’s made a total of $10 million alone from it in earnings and royalty fees to this day.

Wham! Earnings and Financial Data:

Andrew Ridgeley Career and Life After Wham!

After 5 years of stellar performance, Wham!'s time would come to an end due to creative differences between Ridgely and his costar George Michael. The latter thought it was time to go in a different direction and target a more mature audience as opposed to the teenage audience they were reaching back then.

The band’s split did not affect the duo’s friendship as the two remained close even after they went their separate ways. This was reflected by the small performances and reappearances the two made together over the years, as well as the heart-felt speech Ridgeley gave at the 2017 Brit Awards, following Michael’s death in 2016.

After Wham! came to an end, Ridgeley released a solo album titled “Son of Albert” in 1990 alongside his brother Paul taking on the drums. Unfortunately, the album received unfavorable reviews and would only reach #130 on the charts.

Following his solo album, he took on Formula 3 racing for a while and tried his luck at acting in L.A. before eventually moving back to the U.K. in the same year he released his solo.

Since then, Ridgeley has enjoyed a quiet life outside the public eye in Wadebridge, Cornwall, where he has been for the last 33 years. He’s formed close bonds with the community, and is described as a “normal bloke who goes about his business but always smiles and chats”.