George Michael demands $2.2 million for private gigs

19 March 2009 

GEORGE MICHAEL can demand a whopping $2'2 million (£1'6million) pay cheque for private party performances, according to newly published accounts.
 
The Careless Whisper hitmaker fuelled speculation he had quit the music industry after performing at London's Earl Court in a set of final concerts dubbed The Final Two August (08).
 
But the reclusive star needn't worry about his retirement - after the accounts from touring company Twentyfive Live reveal he could make a fortune performing private gigs for the super-rich.
 
The accounts show the star made a staggering $2.2 million (£1.6 million) for a 13-song set at the New Years Eve party of Russian nickel magnate Vladimir Potanin in 2006.
 
He also banked a $2.1 million (£1.52million) pay packet for singing his classics at the 55th birthday bash of British retail tycoon Sir Philip Green.
 
And it's not only monetary demands Michael can afford to make - he reportedly insists on being flown to the lucrative gigs on a private plane with a huge entourage before jetting off as soon as he hangs up his mic.
 
The accounts, obtained by Britain's Daily Mail website, also show the star garnered a huge $67.2 million (£48.4 million) from touring between April 2006 and March 2008.