Deon Estus, Wham! and George Michael bass player, dies aged 65

12 October 2021, 09:58 | Updated: 6 October 2023, 14:54

Deon Estus became friends with George Michael and joined Wham! early on.

Deon Estus, the bass player for Wham! and George Michael's early solo work, has died at the age of 65.

Estus, who was born in Detroit, met Michael while he was living in Ireland and the two hit it off.

Michael invited Estus to join the group, and he played on their two albums Fantastic and Make it Big, as well as performing live with the duo.

"It is with real sadness I post that Deon Estus passed away This Morning," read a post on Deon's official Twitter feed yesterday (October 11)

"Deon was mostly known as the third member of Wham! Deon was passionate about music and loved interacting with his loyal fans."

When George Michael went solo, Estus stayed with him, playing bass on his tours and as a session player on the albums Faith and Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1.

Read more: George Michael to be honoured with huge public mural in London

Estus continued to work as a session player for everyone from Elton John to Tina Turner, and released the solo album Spell in 1989.

His single 'Heaven Help Me' was co-written with George Michael, who also sang backing vocals on the track, which reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100.