When you think of Wham!, most people immediately picture George Michael, but Andrew Ridgeley played an equally crucial role in the duo’s explosive success. From catchy hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” to the timeless holiday favorite “Last Christmas”, Ridgeley helped craft a pop empire that still earns millions today.
Many fans wonder, “What is Andrew Ridgeley net worth in 2026?” With decades of Wham! songs royalties, co-writing credits including “Careless Whisper”, and ventures beyond music, Ridgeley has quietly built a fortune of $40 million. This article dives deep into his career, earnings, and the legacy behind his wealth.
Andrew Ridgeley Wiki
| Fact | Detail |
| Full Name | Andrew Ridgeley |
| Date of Birth | January 26, 1963 |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | Singer/Songwriter, Guitarist, Record Producer |
| Net Worth | $40 million |
| Earnings from “Careless Whisper” | $10 million |
| Music Group | Wham! |
| Childhood Friend / Bandmate | George Michael |
| Solo Album | Son of Albert |
| Major Hits | “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”, “Last Christmas”, “Club Tropicana”, “Wham Rap” |
| Albums | Make It Big (4x Platinum UK, 6x Platinum USA) |
| Records Sold | 35 million+ |
| Record Labels | Innervision Records, Epic Records/CBS |
| Other Ventures | Formula Three racing, Bar 92 restaurant, memoir Wham! George Michael & Me |
| Documentary Feature | Netflix Wham! (2023) |
| Awards | Multiple Brit Awards, best-selling singles recognitions |
| Roles in Wham! | Co-writer, Guitarist, Backup Vocals |
| Income Sources | Wham! songs royalties, music rights value, public appearances, memoirs |
| Family | Father: Alberto Ridgeley, Brother: Paul Ridgeley |
| Major Achievements | Co-writing “Careless Whisper”, multi-platinum albums, hit singles |
What is Andrew Ridgeley’s Net Worth?
As of 2026, Andrew Ridgeley net worth is estimated at $40 million. This figure comes from decades of earnings through Wham!, songwriting royalties, and business ventures. When the duo’s Make It Big album went multi-platinum, it significantly boosted Ridgeley’s financial standing.
Hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Club Tropicana” generated substantial income, both from record sales and ongoing royalties.Even years after Wham! disbanded, Ridgeley continues to earn from Wham! songs royalties, especially as streaming platforms and TV placements bring the music to new audiences.
His co-writing of “Careless Whisper”, which reportedly earned him $10 million, remains one of the most lucrative songwriting credits for any English singer/songwriter from that era. Beyond music, Ridgeley has dabbled in real estate and other ventures, but his core wealth comes from his work with Epic Records/CBS and Innervision Records during the 1980s.
| Source of Income | Contribution to Net Worth |
| Wham! hits royalties | High |
| Songwriting credits (e.g., “Careless Whisper”) | $10 million+ |
| Solo music (album Son of Albert) | Moderate |
| Other ventures (restaurants, memoir) | Moderate |
| Public appearances and media | Low but steady |
Early Life
Andrew Ridgeley was born on January 26, 1963, in Surrey, England, to Alberto Ridgeley and his family, including his brother Paul Ridgeley. From a young age, Andrew was drawn to music and developed a talent for guitar and songwriting. He met George Michael, his future bandmate and childhood friend, during school, and the two quickly bonded over shared musical interests.
Ridgeley’s early years were filled with experimentation, from playing in local bands to honing his skills as a guitarist and occasional backup vocals. His upbringing provided him with a mix of support and freedom, which allowed him to pursue music professionally. By the time he reached his teens, Ridgeley’s focus on music and performance was clear, laying the foundation for the incredible financial and creative success he would later achieve.
Wham
In 1981, Ridgeley and Michael formed Wham!, quickly signing to Innervision Records. The duo’s first singles, including “Wham Rap”, showcased their catchy sound and youthful energy. Ridgeley’s role as a co-writer, guitarist, and sometimes backup vocals helped the group stand out.
By 1984, the band’s Make It Big album catapulted them to worldwide fame. The album achieved 4x Platinum status in the UK and 6x Platinum in the USA, selling over 35 million records collectively. Hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Club Tropicana” became cultural phenomena, and Ridgeley’s share of profits and Wham! songs royalties laid the foundation for his enduring wealth. Their energetic live performances and stylish music videos also reinforced their image, making Wham! a global brand that continues to generate revenue decades later.
Royalties
- One of the most significant aspects of Andrew Ridgeley net worth comes from ongoing royalties.
- Songs he co-wrote or performed on generate income from radio play, streaming, TV placements, and commercials.
- “Careless Whisper”, co-written by Ridgeley, remains a top-earning track from the 1980s, adding an estimated $10 million to his wealth.
- He also earns royalties from other hits like “Last Christmas”, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”, and “Club Tropicana”.
- These classic tracks have an enduring presence in holiday playlists, advertisements, and online streaming platforms, ensuring steady earnings.
- Ridgeley’s music rights value continues to grow as new generations discover Wham!’s catalog, making royalties a core and reliable component of his earnings.
After Wham
Following Wham!’s split in 1986, Ridgeley pursued a solo career, releasing the album “Son of Albert”, which saw moderate commercial success. While he did not replicate Wham!’s massive popularity, Ridgeley explored other ventures, including Formula Three racing and owning the Bar 92 restaurant.
He also published his memoir, “Wham! George Michael & Me” in 2019, giving fans an inside look at the band’s history and his personal journey. Such projects, while not as lucrative as his Wham! royalties, contributed modestly to his net worth. Ridgeley’s cautious approach to fame allowed him to avoid financial pitfalls while maintaining a steady income from his music legacy.
Personal Life
Ridgeley has kept his personal life relatively private, but he is known to have maintained close ties with family, including his brother Paul Ridgeley. He enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle, reflected in his homes, hobbies, and travels, supported largely by his Wham! songs royalties.
He has also dabbled in philanthropy and charity events, often participating in causes related to music and the arts. Ridgeley’s relationships and personal choices have helped him maintain a positive public image while keeping a healthy balance between fame and privacy.
Awards and Nominations
During his time with Wham!, Ridgeley earned recognition for the band’s incredible success. The duo won numerous awards, including multiple Brit Awards and accolades for best-selling singles. The Make It Big album achieved 4x Platinum in the UK and 6x Platinum in the USA, cementing Wham!’s legacy in pop culture.
Although Ridgeley did not receive as many individual awards as George Michael, his role as co-writer, guitarist, and public figure contributed significantly to the band’s achievements. Awards, while symbolic, also indirectly boosted Andrew Ridgeley net worth, increasing demand for public appearances, media features, and continued royalty payments.
Conclusion
Andrew Ridgeley net worth, estimated at $40 million, reflects decades of success as a musician, songwriter, and entrepreneur. From his childhood with George Michael to the global phenomenon of Wham!, Ridgeley has leveraged talent, creativity, and smart financial decisions to build lasting wealth. With ongoing Wham! songs royalties, ventures like his memoir and media appearances, and a lifestyle rooted in thoughtful choices, Ridgeley remains a shining example of how a pop icon from the 1980s can secure long-term financial stability. His story proves that enduring fame, coupled with strategic planning, can create a legacy worth millions.
FAQs
What is Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth?
Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth is approximately $40 million, earned primarily through Wham! songs royalties, songwriting credits like “Careless Whisper”, and other ventures including memoirs and media appearances.
How did Andrew Ridgeley earn his fortune?
He earned his fortune through success with Wham!, co-writing hits, collecting ongoing royalties, solo projects like “Son of Albert”, and ventures such as Formula Three racing and his memoir.
Did Andrew Ridgeley earn money from “Careless Whisper”?
Yes, as a co-writer of “Careless Whisper”, Ridgeley earned around $10 million, which remains one of his most lucrative sources of income through royalties and licensing.
How much did Wham! contribute to his net worth?
Wham! significantly boosted Ridgeley’s wealth through multi-platinum albums, worldwide tours, and hit singles like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Last Christmas”, creating a lasting income stream.
Did Andrew Ridgeley release a solo album?
Yes, he released the solo album “Son of Albert” after Wham!, which contributed moderately to his net worth but did not match the financial success of his band career.
What are Andrew Ridgeley’s main sources of income?
His main income sources are Wham! songs royalties, music rights value, co-writing credits like “Careless Whisper”, public appearances, memoirs, and occasional business ventures like Formula Three and restaurants.
Has Andrew Ridgeley appeared in documentaries?
Yes, Andrew Ridgeley features in the 2023 Netflix documentary “Wham!”, which explores the band’s history and continues to generate attention and opportunities that indirectly support his net worth.
What awards has Andrew Ridgeley won?
As part of Wham!, he received multiple awards, including Brit Awards, for best-selling singles and multi-platinum albums like Make It Big, boosting both his reputation and financial standing.
Did Andrew Ridgeley invest outside music?
Yes, he explored other ventures including Formula Three racing, owning Bar 92 restaurant, and publishing his memoir “Wham! George Michael & Me”, which all contributed modestly to his net worth.
How much does Andrew Ridgeley earn from royalties today?
He continues to earn significant income from Wham! songs royalties, streaming, and TV placements, with classic tracks like “Last Christmas” and “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” generating steady revenue.
Clara Ella writer is known for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and love for spreading encouragement through words. With a passion for faith, positivity, and helping others, she creates uplifting reflections that inspire warmth, hope, and emotional healing. Rooted in real-life experiences and compassionate insight, Clara’s writing connects deeply with readers seeking comfort, light, and meaningful moments in everyday life.