George Michael: ‘Faith’ Tour Film & Unheard Album to Be Released

George Michael fans are in for a treat: footage from his iconic 1988 Faith tour is being restored and remastered for a worldwide theatrical release this year, accompanied by an 18-track live album of previously unheard performances. The project, a deep dive into a pivotal moment in the pop star’s career, promises a fresh gaze at a concert experience that defined a generation.

The film draws from a remarkable archive – footage shot over two nights at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy in Paris, France, using a 14-camera setup and 35mm film. Directed by longtime collaborators Andy Morahan and David Austin, the project was, for a long time, considered lost. The release comes nearly a decade after Michael’s death in 2016, and taps into a renewed interest in his work, evidenced by recent covers and interpolations by artists like Kae Tempest and Taylor Swift.

A Paris Moment, Captured in Time

The choice of the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy as the focal point for this film isn’t accidental. The European leg of the Faith tour, launched after initial dates in Japan’s Budokan arena in Tokyo, was a defining period for Michael. The Paris concerts, in particular, were captured with an ambition rarely seen at the time. The 35mm film and 14-camera setup weren’t just about recording a concert. they were about creating a cinematic experience. As The Playlist notes, the footage was painstakingly pieced together, a testament to the dedication of the filmmakers.

Beyond the Concert: Contextualizing the Cultural Impact

The film won’t simply be a concert recording. It will open with an original short film, Finding Faith, by photographer Mary McCartney. This segment aims to contextualize the tour’s cultural significance, offering a broader understanding of the moment in time and Michael’s place within it. Adding another layer of intimacy, the film will include a voiceover from a previously unheard interview with Michael, alongside unseen images from American photographer Herb Ritts and behind-the-scenes footage from the “Faith” music video. This curated collection of materials suggests a deliberate effort to present a multifaceted portrait of the artist.

The Faith Album: A Legacy Revisited

The Faith album, released in 1987, was a monumental success, selling over 25 million copies worldwide and topping charts in both the UK and the US. It remained in the Billboard 200 top 10 for an impressive 51 weeks and achieved Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America in 1996. The tour, naturally, supported this blockbuster album, and the accompanying live album, The Faith Tour, will feature 18 previously unreleased recordings spanning both Michael’s work with Wham! and his solo career. This is a significant offering for dedicated fans, promising a new perspective on familiar songs and potentially unearthing rare gems.

A Wave of Renewed Interest

The announcement of this film and album arrives amidst a surge of renewed interest in George Michael’s music. In November 2025, Kae Tempest released a cover of “Freedom! ’90” as “Freedom! 25,” and Poppy offered a fresh seize on Wham!’s “Last Christmas” in October 2025. Perhaps most notably, Taylor Swift interpolated parts of Michael’s “Father Figure” into her own song of the same name on her album, The Life Of A Showgirl, a move that was reportedly approved by Michael’s estate. NME reported that the estate expressed delight at Swift’s respectful use of the iconic melody.

Production Details and Release Strategy

The film is a collaboration between George Michael Entertainment and Mercury Studios, with Sony Music Entertainment handling the release of the live album. While specific release dates and distribution plans remain under wraps, the intention is for a wide theatrical release. The meticulous restoration and remastering process suggests a commitment to quality, and the inclusion of supplemental materials like the Mary McCartney short film indicates a desire to offer more than just a simple concert film. The project’s scale and ambition suggest a carefully considered rollout strategy, aiming to capitalize on the existing fanbase and attract new audiences.

What’s on the Horizon

For now, details regarding the film’s distributor and precise release dates are being kept confidential. However, industry observers will be watching closely to spot which studio secures the rights and how they position the film within the competitive landscape of concert films and documentaries. The timing of the release, later in 2026, suggests a strategic alignment with potential awards season considerations. Fans can expect further announcements in the coming months, detailing the theatrical rollout and the availability of the The Faith Tour album. The project represents a significant opportunity to celebrate the legacy of a beloved artist and introduce his music to a new generation.

You can revisit George Michael’s official music video for “Faith” here.