TikTok, Warner Chappell Music and Sony Music celebrate 40 years of WHAM!'s ‘Last Christmas’

December 13, 2024: Christmas 2024 marks 40 years since the release of Last Christmas, WHAM!'s much-loved Christmas hit, which is finding a whole new generation of fans thanks to its popularity on TikTok.

Last Christmas is deservedly one of the most popular festive tracks in the world, having inspired over 18m video creations and generated over 38bn video views on TikTok, and with over 1.6bn streams on Spotify. Last Christmas was The Official Charts Company Christmas #1, and is once again storming up the UK Top Ten as we get closer to Christmas 2024.

On TikTok, the track is widely used in its original version as a soundtrack to festive Christmas videos, but also as sped up and slowed down versions, and it has even inspired a dance trend, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the songwriting.

In celebration of this timeless classic, Warner Chappell Music, Sony Music and TikTok partnered to create a Last Christmas-themed in-person experience in London's Coal Drops Yard.

The Last Christmas experience - which took place yesterday, December 12th - saw a very festive House Gospel Choir surprise festive shoppers with a new gospel arrangement of Last Christmas, in front of WHAM!'s Andrew Ridgeley, Pepsi and Shirlie, who together led a singalong of the world famous hit, to the delight of the crowds.

"We're delighted to collaborate with TikTok on this milestone celebration. Even 40 years later, 'Last Christmas' remains a beloved classic. We've partnered with TikTok to turn this fleeting, intimate moment in London into a global experience for fans everywhere this holiday season. It's a testament to the incredible songwriting of George that 40 years later here we are, celebrating the legacy of a song that has touched so many people during the intervening decades. Warner Chappell remains committed to continuing the legacy of 'Last Christmas', ensuring that it endures as a festive favourite for generations to come." Laura Willoughby, Director of Global Creative Services & Kirsten Sharp, Snr Director Creative Services UK, Warner Chappell

"In the 40 years since its original release, Last Christmas has truly become intertwined with the festive season. The genius of George Michael's songwriting and performance continue to resonate globally as generations of new fans discover the iconic track. Sony Music is proud to play a part in maintaining WHAM!'S important legacy." Joanna Kalli, Managing Director, Sony Music Commercial Group

WHAM!'s Last Christmas has been the subject of TikTok's #behindthesong series, in which George Michael shares some of the secrets behind the song and its groundbreaking video.