ワム! = Wham!
ラスト・クリスマス = Last Christmas
Last Christmas is a Christmas single by the English duo Wham!, released on December 3, 1984. Written and produced by George Michael, it was recorded in August 1984 at Advision Studios in London; though it initially stalled at number two, it has become a perennial festive favorite and reached Christmas Number One in 2023.
Recording History
- Recording studio and location: Advision Studios, London.
- Producer and engineer: George Michael produced the track; engineer Chris Porter assisted.
- Recording date: August 1984.
- Techniques and equipment: Michael programmed a LinnDrum, played a Roland Juno-60, and added sleigh bells; he performed most parts himself. A subsequent 1985 “Pudding Mix” re-recorded parts.
Chart Performance & Recognition
- UK chart performance: on its initial release, it peaked at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
- Sales and certifications: by 2020 it had sold around 1.9 million copies in the UK; as of January 2026 it was certified nine-times platinum.
- Awards and recent chart feats: in 2021 it reached No. 1 in the UK for the first time, and it again topped the festive chart in 2023.
Cultural Impact & Legacy
- Influence and covers: the song has been covered by artists including Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande, among others.
- Enduring legacy: it has remained a staple of Christmas playlists and UK charts for decades, often breaking records for festive releases.
- Notable trivia: its long journey to Christmas No. 1 in the UK is a defining aspect of its lore.
This timeless Christmas classic endures as a defining track of 1980s pop and holiday culture.