Earlier today, former Wham! member and iconic pop star George Michael passed away at the age of 53. TMZ claims the singer died peacefully in his sleep from heart failure.
A notable number of rock and metal musicians took to social media today to pay tribute to the man who sang such songs as "Careless Whisper," "Faith," and "Freedom." Here's what social media had to say:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOdZGbNjMK4/
George Michael has died. An amazing talent and a lovely man. Condolences to family. So sad. https://t.co/QRYZdEZx3q
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) December 26, 2016
Fuck.
FUCK.
— Corey Taylor (@CoreyTaylorRock) December 25, 2016
Goddammit, 2016 Now George Michaels? Fuck. You. https://t.co/sWclbRn1qv
— PUSCIFER (@puscifer) December 26, 2016
Hate 2 break Xmas spirit, but sad news re George Michael. After Wham! he took chances, sat in w Queen even liked G'n'R (Axl quote below) RIP pic.twitter.com/uk8H8E4Gk3
— Alex Skolnick (@AlexSkolnick) December 25, 2016
May God Bless George Michael. A very talented guy and a musical icon. Too young to die. RIP #georgemichael
— MichaelSweet Stryper (@michaelhsweet) December 25, 2016
RIP George Michael. #ListenWithoutPrejudice
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) December 26, 2016
RIP George https://t.co/K5kncHBIuf
— Mark Holcomb (@MarkPeriphery) December 25, 2016
2016 still working overtime…#RIPGeorgeMichael
Only one week left…enough is enough already #Fuck2016— Mike Portnoy ? (@MikePortnoy) December 25, 2016
Who can stand it?! This bloody year.
⚡️ “George Michael dies aged 53”
Effing UnREAL.
Rest In Peace Pop Star ⭐️?.https://t.co/0hg00IUtw5— Vernon Reid (@vurnt22) December 26, 2016
RIP #GeorgeMichael https://t.co/Gp0JfqsLiO too many great artists have already passed this year…
— Living Colour (@LivingColour) December 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/benjaminbruce/status/813180722970300420
Long live the "Jitterbug" #ripgeorgemichaels
— ᗰiᑕᕼᗩEᒪ ᔕTᗩᖇᖇ (@MichaelStarrr) December 25, 2016
Fuck. 2016 fucking sucks. Rest in power, George Michael. https://t.co/mgnjc2P649
— Nighted Throne (@NightedThrone) December 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/hughmyrone/status/813161054972755968
Wow, 2016 isn't done with music fans yet. Stunningly sad news to hear @GeorgeMichael has passed away at 53. #RIPGeorgeMichael
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) December 25, 2016
Doesn't matter what kind of music you are into, 2016 has taken its toll on all genres. @GeorgeMichael the latest. 53, crazy. Bring on 2017..
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) December 25, 2016
George Michael RIP. Shittiest year ever. #fuck2016 https://t.co/Om2dNHLYCs pic.twitter.com/kF0dCJOUmd
— Steven Wilson (@StevenWilsonHQ) December 25, 2016
https://twitter.com/butchwalker/status/813177147552468992
GEORGE MICHAEL YOU ARE THE REAL LEGEND GOD BLESS YOU AND REST IN PEACE
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) December 25, 2016