George Michael offers free songs on Internet

Wake me up before you download

George Michael has declared that he is going to give his music away for free on the Internet.

Speaking yesterday on the Jo Whiley show on BBC Radio 1, the pop star also announced that he will never make another album. He says he doesn't like the fame, and certainly doesn't need the cash.

Fans will be given the option to donate money to selected charities in exchange for downloading the tracks.

He explained that by shunning the traditional recording industry, he would be under less pressure to deliver songs to a schedule.

He also said he hoped it would make him happier because he would be doing something positive with his music.

Although the former Wham! singer is not planning to sell his songs, both the record industry and download enthusiasts will surely take a keen interest in the results of this experiment.

He said: "I'm sure it's unprecedented; it's definitely unprecedented for someone who still sells records." ®

Related stories

Music fans beg to buy music
WH Smith bins CD singles
Legal Net music romps ahead of DVD, vinyl, tape