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George Michael's family halt plans for a tribute concert to the star

It has been reported that plans for a George Michael tribute concert have been driven to a halt after the star’s family refused to approve the show.

The iconic singer tragically passed away on Christmas day and his close friend, Dame Esther Rantzen, had hoped to organise a musical performance in his honour, with proceeds going to charity.

The tribute concert might not go ahead.
The tribute concert might not go ahead.

However, the star’s family have not agreed to the show and Esther is hoping to meet with George’s loved ones later this week in a bid to convince them to give the tribute concert their blessing.

Speaking to The Mirror, a source explained: “The most important thing about organising this is that the family approve of everything.

“Esther and the organisers didn’t want to jump the gun and start making arrangements before they had spoken with them.

“At the moment there is a big possibility it won’t happen because the family aren’t on board. The meeting will either make or break plans.”

George’s staggering generosity was only revealed after his death.
George’s staggering generosity was only revealed after his death.

Esther, the founder of Childline, wanted to have the concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall in October, tying in with Childline’s 30th anniversary and honouring George’s multitude of anonymous charitable donations over the years.

George also previously gave £2million in royalties to Childline from his single ‘Jesus To A Child’, leaving Esther determined to honour the star in some way.

Speaking about her tribute plans, Esther previously shared: “It is still on the cards and we are still hoping it will happen, but we haven’t approached his family yet – we don’t want to be insensitive and we have been waiting for the right time.

“He was so extraordinary in his generosity to Childline – he absolutely got our vision – and we would love to be able to pay tribute to him in our 30th year.

The star tragically passed away on Christmas day.
The star tragically passed away on Christmas day.

“The idea we have at the moment is for the group of charities he supported to join together for the concert. That’s our hope. It would be a tremendous way of fundraising in his memory.”

A spokesperson for George confirmed that they are yet to decide on whether or not they’ll approve the concert, saying: “We have been approached but nothing’s been decided.”

Read more:

[ Petition launched for George Michael tribute bench in Hampstead Heath ]

[ George Michael left his £10million mansion to his sister ]

[ Coroner confirms George Michael died of natural causes ]