#WhatsHappening for December 26, 2106

Happy Boxing Day, kids. 

Unless, of course, you're a music fan. In that case, you've got yet another case of the "are you fucking kidding me?"s after hearing the news that George Michael died yesterday.

The 53 year old Michael was born in London and met his Wham! band mate Andrew Ridgely at school in Hertfordshire when both were teenagers.

The group split in 1986 and Michael embarked on a solo career that racked up nearly 100 million in sales- beginning with his debut single as a solo artist (though it was actually a duet with Aretha Franklin), "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" and his debut solo disc, "Faith" bowed to critical acclaim and monster sales that included six top 20 singles. The album also won the Album of the Year Grammy.

The follow up, "Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. I"- a much more "adult" sounding record, led to a protracted legal battle with Sony, Michael's label at the time, who the singer contended didn't properly support or promote the disc and, after the release of his album "Older", most of Michael's musical output consisted of live recordings of covers.

His 2004 disc, "Patience," was the first to feature all new material since 1996, and led to another successful world tour, though Michael himself continued to battle substance abuse problems and depression, not to mention legal troubles.

Michael's family issued a statement through his publicist on Sunday, saying "It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period."

"The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage."

Officials say Michael's death was "unexplained but not suspicious" and that a "post-mortem will be undertaken in due course."

How many times do we have to say this? Fuck you, 2016.

In some more promising news, Debbie Reynolds says her daughter, Carrie Fisher, is "in stable condition. If there is a change, we will share it. For all her fans & friends. I thank you for your prayers & good wishes."

The message, posted by Reynolds on Facebook yesterday, was the first update on Fisher's condition since Friday night.

All I can say is, hurry the fuck up, 2017.

Birthdays today include:  J. Yuenger of White Zombie; Lars Ulrich of Metallica; Henning Schmitz of Kraftwerk; producer/murderer Phil Spector; Abdul Fakir of The Four Tops.