Andy Kershaw slammed for 'highly insensitive and disrespectful' post about George Michael

Andy Kershaw

Littleborough born DJ Andy Kershaw has set social media alight with a highly controversial post about the death of George Michael.

Mr Kershaw, who put on his one man show at this year’s Rochdale Literature and Ideas Festival, referred to the "now routine hysterical over-reaction" and "predictable onion-from-pocket outpourings", and described George Michael as a "very successful, yet frivolous, glib, and fleeting pop star".

The criticism came thick and fast, and not just from the late singer's fans, but also from those who whilst not being fans per se considered the post highly insensitive and disrespectful.

John Farrington said: 'Over the top and pretty insensitive, Andy. Maybe he wasn't great to you in the likes of Hank Williams, but to many he was great - you're in no position to take that away from anybody."

'Bit harsh...the man's just died at the age of 53. Not a great fan but there was millions that were and loved his music", said Neil Singleton

Sara Anne Lambert said: 'He is still someone's brother and son, Andy. Think about how you would feel reading your status about one of your loved ones. Not necessary!'

Lenny Lovett added: 'A particularly unpleasant post. I've no opinion on the chap either way but to demean his death in such sad circumstances is just nasty and unnecessary. There but for the grace.'

Peter Bradley summed up the feelings of many, he said: "Out of order Andy. The death of anyone, famous, infamous or normal is never worthy of a nasty post."

Others reminded Mr Kershaw of the failings in his own life, which have included being given a three month suspended sentence for harassing his former partner in 2007:

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/2064/suspended-sentence-for-dj-andy-kershaw

And a suspended six month prison sentence after he breached a restraining order in 2008. He was also ordered to attend anger management classes and drug and alcohol awareness courses:

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/17703/rochdale-born-dj-gets-suspended-sentence

George Michael died on Christmas Day at the age of 53. He launched his career with Wham! in the 1980s, continued his success as a solo performer and sold more than 100 million albums throughout a career spanning almost four decades.