Andrew Ridgeleys Net Worth in 2025? A Deep Dive into His Wealth, Career, and Legacy

Andrew Ridgeley, the celebrated co-founder of the iconic pop duo Wham!, remains a prominent figure in the music world, even decades after the band’s peak in the 1980s. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be $40 million, a testament to his enduring success in the industry.

While his time with Wham! undoubtedly formed the backbone of his financial success, Ridgeley’s career has spanned a variety of ventures, including solo efforts, philanthropic endeavors, and even a brief exploration into motorsport. His continued relevance in the entertainment world has ensured that his wealth continues to grow yearly. This article explores how Andrew Ridgeley accumulated wealth and the diverse factors contributing to his financial success.

Andrew Ridgeley’s wealth primarily stems from his musical career, particularly his contributions to Wham!’s success. Songs like “Careless Whisper” and “Last Christmas” continue to generate significant royalties, even decades after their release. The Wham! royalties from these tracks are some of the highest-grossing in pop history, thanks to their evergreen popularity and global appeal.

Ridgeley’s legacy as a musician is bolstered by his ongoing income from Wham! global hits, which provide him with a steady stream of revenue from streaming, licensing, and live performances. His wealth is also fueled by his public appearances, book royalties from his memoir “Wham! George & Me,” and various other ventures outside of music.

Table of Contents

Andrew Ridgeley Bio

Key Fact | Details

Full Name	Andrew John Ridgeley
Date of Birth	January 26, 1963
Place of Birth	Windlesham, United Kingdom
Age	62 years
Height	6 feet
Andrew Ridgeley’s Net Worth (2025)	$40 million
Source of Wealth	Music, Songwriting, Royalties
Marital Status	Unmarried
Education	Bushey Meads School
Ethnicity	English, Scottish, Italian, Egyptian
Nationality	British

Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth of $40 million reflects his time in Wham!, his solo career, and his continued engagement in various entertainment and business ventures. His financial journey has not only been shaped by his musical endeavors but also by his public image and his entrepreneurial spirit.

Salary and Financial Overview

Andrew Ridgeley’s financial growth is primarily attributed to his success with Wham! The duo’s massive hits in the 1980s, particularly “Careless Whisper” and “Last Christmas,” continue to earn royalties and streaming income.

Despite his solo career not reaching the same heights, Ridgeley’s earnings from these iconic songs are substantial. His financial portfolio also includes earnings from his book Wham! George & Me, which offered fans an intimate look at his career and relationship with his late bandmate, George Michael.

Breakdown of Ridgeley’s Wealth

Wham! Royalties

Andrew Ridgeley still benefits from the Wham! royalties, with major hits like “Careless Whisper” and “Last Christmas” continuing to generate revenue. These songs have earned millions of dollars in royalties, which Ridgeley continues to receive as a co-writer and performer. Their financial success is further boosted by their regular use in films, television, and advertisements.

Careless Whisper royalties alone have earned Ridgeley over $10 million.
Last Christmas song income continues to grow with each holiday season, maintaining its status as one of the most popular Christmas songs worldwide.

Ventures Outside of Music

Although Ridgeley’s time with Wham! was the most financially lucrative period of his career, he has also ventured outside of music to diversify his income. He briefly explored the world of Formula Three motor racing, though his involvement didn’t yield significant financial returns.

Ridgeley also co-founded a restaurant called Bar 92 in the 1990s, which, although not a major success, reflects his entrepreneurial drive. Additionally, his philanthropic efforts have further enhanced his public image and legacy.

Brief Involvement in Formula Three Motor Racing: A short-lived career in motorsport did not bring the financial gains Ridgeley had hoped for.
Bar 92: A restaurant venture that allowed Ridgeley to step into the world of business, although it did not significantly impact his wealth.

How Andrew Ridgeley Built His Wealth Through Music and Songwriting

Andrew Ridgeley’s wealth is firmly rooted in his career with Wham!. As the guitarist and co-songwriter alongside George Michael, Ridgeley contributed to some of the biggest pop anthems of the 1980s. Their work together revolutionized pop music, with their distinctive sound and memorable hits.

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Wham! Career Milestones

Wham! hit global success in the early 1980s, with albums like Fantastic and Make It Big catapulting them to international fame. The duo’s global impact on pop music remains undeniable, and their legacy endures to this day. Their music continues to be loved by fans across generations, providing lasting royalties for Ridgeley.

Wham! concert at Wembley: The duo’s final performance at Wembley Stadium in 1986 was a defining moment in their career, solidifying their status as one of the world’s greatest pop acts.

Songwriting and Royalties

The songwriting partnership between Ridgeley and George Michael produced some of the most enduring pop classics. As co-writer of Careless Whisper and Last Christmas, Ridgeley continues to receive royalties from music and long-term revenue streams. These songs remain fixtures in the pop culture landscape, ensuring continued earnings for Ridgeley.

Careless Whisper royalties: This iconic track alone continues to generate millions of dollars in royalties.
Long-term revenue streams: Streaming, licensing, and radio play contribute to Ridgeley’s ongoing income from these timeless hits.

FAQs

What is Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth in 2025?

As of 2025, Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth is estimated at $40 million, primarily from Wham! royalties, solo career earnings, and media appearances.

Does Andrew Ridgeley still get royalties from Wham?

Yes, Ridgeley continues to receive royalties from Wham!, particularly from popular songs like Careless Whisper and Last Christmas, which are still generating income.

What was Andrew Ridgeley’s role in Wham!?

Andrew Ridgeley played a significant role as the guitarist and co-songwriter in Wham!, contributing to the duo’s major hits and worldwide success.

Did Andrew Ridgeley have a successful solo career?

While Ridgeley’s solo career did not achieve the same level of fame as Wham!, his 1990 album Son of Albert still contributes to his wealth through ongoing royalties.

How did Andrew Ridgeley diversify his income?

In addition to his music career, Ridgeley explored ventures such as Formula Three motor racing and co-founded a restaurant, Bar 92, while also engaging in philanthropic work.

Conclusion

Andrew Ridgeley’s financial success and legacy remain deeply intertwined with his time in Wham! and his continued involvement in music and media. The royalties from the duo’s chart-topping hits like Careless Whisper and Last Christmas ensure that Ridgeley’s net worth continues to grow in 2025. His ability to adapt and diversify his career has allowed him to maintain a steady income, even as his time in the spotlight has waned. Ridgeley’s philanthropic efforts and ongoing contributions to the public sphere further enhance his reputation as a talented and well-rounded figure.

Despite the challenges of a solo career that didn’t match the heights of Wham!, Andrew Ridgeley’s legacy is firmly secured in music history. His partnership with George Michael and their collective contributions to pop music has left an indelible mark on the industry. In 2025, Ridgeley continues to benefit from the enduring success of Wham!, ensuring his place in both pop culture and financial history.