Today's Birthday, June 25: British musician George Michael (1963-2016).
An Australian mural of late singer George Michael, who rose to fame with chart-topping hits Last Christmas, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Faith and Freedom, was defaced in the wake of the nation's same-sex marriage vote.
The Sydney artwork, depicting the deceased gay rights activist as a saint draped in a rainbow flag, was painted over by 23-year-old Ben Gittany in November.
Gittany claimed he was defending his religion, but fronted court in December on property damage and vandalism charges, almost 12 months after 52-year-old Michael's death on Christmas Day 2016 at his Goring-on-Thames home.
The former Wham! frontman's die-hard supporters braved the cold to leave flowers and hand-written notes outside the home to mark the first anniversary of his death.
Earlier in the year, a post-mortem revealed Michael died from heart disease and a build-up of fat in his liver, which can be linked to drug and alcohol abuse.
With strong Greek-Cypriot roots, Michael was born as Georgios Panayiotou in Bushey, England.
He and schoolmate Andrew Ridgeley founded ska band The Executive at age 16 before forming Wham! in 1981.
On why he joined the music industry, Michael admitted he "wanted to be loved" and it was an "ego satisfaction thing".
After the band broke up in 1986, Michael went solo with 1987 album Faith and his debut single I Want Your Sex was banned on daytime radio.
His personal life was often discussed in the media, particularly his sexuality, drug use and troubles with the law.
In 1998, Michael was arrested for "engaging in lewd acts" in a Beverly Hills public bathroom.
Michael was an active philanthropist and dedicated time and money to combat AIDS.
The renowned performer in 2006 pleaded guilty to driving while unfit and received a two-year ban.
In 2008, the gay icon was cautioned for possession of cocaine among other drugs.
Michael hit rock bottom in 2010, weeping as he was sentenced to eight weeks in prison for crashing his car into a London shop.
He sold over 100 million albums worldwide and won numerous Grammys over his career.
Australian Associated Press
