http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7449964.stm

Pop singer George Michael has said his age is a factor in his decision to give up touring, saying that he is seeking "a quieter life" out of the public eye.

"Mainly the reason is because I'm 45 and I think pop music should be about youth culture," he told the BBC. "It shouldn't be an endurance test."

Michael will stage two major concerts at Earls Court, London in August, labelled "The Final Two".

The dates will mark the end of his 25 Live Tour, which began in 2006. The tour, which Michael launched to celebrate his 25th year in showbusiness, has so far played to more than 1.3 million fans across Europe.

Speaking to the BBC's Rajesh Mirchandani in Los Angeles, Michael said there were "lots of other things" he wanted to do outside of music. But he denied he was retiring, saying he was merely seeking a life out of the limelight.

"If I can just live further from the spotlight I think that'll be better for all really," he said.

In a veiled reference to his recent personal problems, the singer said he wanted to "stay away from my own idiocy" and "try and behave".

Last year he admitted he was trying to limit his recreational drug use following his 2006 caution for possession of cannabis. Michael will perform a series of dates in the US and Canada ahead of his two London concerts.

Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in 1963, the former Wham! star has sold more than 100 million records worldwide.

oh yea George, 45 is so fucking old :rolleyes:

you can be Mick Jagger's son, his ass isn't giving up anytime soon

What a crock of contrived shit. He'll probably pull a Cher in the next 6 months to a year or so and go on an ENDLESS "farewell" tour.

It's not like 45 is OCTOGENARIAN anyway :manson:

I wish he stopped a few decades ago, I absolutely *loathe* George Michael. :vomit:

He has very *few* good songs, and he seems like a completely obnoxious queen as a person.

GOOD RIDDANCE

He'll probably have a "comeback" show 2 years later

now, u HAVE to be kidding.

george michael is one of the pioneers of modern pop. whether one likes him or not, it's undeniable that he has crafted some beautiful music over the years. listen without prejudice is almost as good as like a prayer, faith and older are also fine albums. up to the late 90s his commercial power was equal to madonna's, at least in the european market.

I do love a lot of George's music, he's a great singer, had a good way with a one liner, and is absolutely one of the best pop stars the UK has produced.

However, it's been obvious for years that he spends way, way too much time thinking about himself.

that's very true and probably the reason why his career has nosedived. he made the mistake to let himself become more of a tabloid attraction, when in fact the general public never really cared about his personal life and were only interested in the music. claiming he should retire cause he's 45 is such a lame excuse for not admitting he's no longer interested in being a full time pop star.

I'm sorry Fuckeh, I just can't really get into a lot of his stuff. I do love Amazing, Flawless (Go to the City), Faith, and Freedom '90, but the buck pretty much stops there.

His personality has put me off digging deeper into his catalogue.