And still they keep coming.

I’ve just walked past George Michael’s house in Highgate and, several weeks after his death, people are still arriving with flowers. His magnificence as a singer was never in doubt but his munificence as a human being has only recently come to light. He gave millions to charity on the strict proviso that his donations were anonymous. Since he died, countless beneficiaries have lifted that proviso. When David Bowie died, the country went into Diana-style mourning because Bowie was an icon of cool. George didn’t get quite the same posthumous adulation but he’s starting to get it now. His generosity contrasts interestingly with the Sotheby’s exhibition last year of Bowie’s personal art collection. There was no mention of the proceeds going to charity there. Here’s George Michael rehearsing anddisplaying that raw, rare natural talent. Towards the end, you’ll see David Bowie watching in awe. As well he might.