British pop duo Wham! undertook a groundbreaking tour of mainland China in 1985, a move that played a crucial role in launching their subsequent stadium shows in the United States. The tour, documented in the film *Wham! 10 Days in China* directed by Mike Christie, chronicles the challenges and significance of the band’s visit to Beijing and Guangzhou.

Wham!, consisting of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, were well known in the 1980s for their mix of upbeat hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and emotive ballads such as “Careless Whisper.” Their manager, Simon Napier-Bell, pursued the China tour as part of a broader strategy to break into the American market by capitalizing on the publicity generated by performing in the world’s most populous country.

Securing the concerts required months of negotiations with Chinese authorities, reflecting the political and cultural sensitivities involved. Napier-Bell played a key role in navigating these complexities. The tour included appearances in Beijing and Guangzhou and was accompanied by members of the British press, though relations were often tense. Archival footage shows George Michael occasionally reacting coldly to journalists, including Rick Sky, a British tabloid reporter who later acknowledged his portrayal as a disruptive presence.

One notable challenge during the concerts was the Chinese government’s instruction for audiences to moderate their enthusiasm. This directive posed difficulties for Michael, who was known for his dynamic interaction with fans and ability to energize crowds, making the restrained response unusual for him.

The documentary features much of the footage initially captured by the team of director Lindsay Anderson, who was originally engaged to film the trip. Concert scenes in the film highlight Michael’s remarkable vocal talent and commanding stage presence, offering insights into the factors behind Wham!’s rapid rise to global fame.

The China tour marked a historic moment for Western pop music, as Wham! became one of the first foreign pop acts to perform extensively in mainland China, helping pave the way for future international artists. The subsequent U.S. tour occurred shortly after, underscoring the success of Napier-Bell’s calculated approach to expanding the band’s reach.