George Michael's homeless songs

Aug 24, 2007, 11:04 GMT

Britrish pop singer George Michael performs on stage during a concert at the Athens Olympic Stadium, Greece, 26 July 2007. EPA/SIMELA PANTZARTZI

George Michael helped homeless people write songs about poverty while serving his community service.

The 'Careless Whisper singer - who was sentenced to 100 hours service in June for being unfit for driving through tiredness and taking prescription drugs - gave residents a masterclass in songwriting during his time at London's St Mungo's homeless hostel last Monday (13.08.07).

One resident at the Euston shelter, Andrew Gilmour, told Britain's Daily Express newspaper: "When he arrived, nobody knew who he was. He was in a baseball cap, shirt and trainers and spoke to anyone and everyone and didn't act special.

"He was dressed down more than me. But then he helped people write songs, some about poverty, some about people in hostels."

Andrew believes the 44-year-old star's visit had a positive effect on all the residents.

He said: "I thought it was a really good thing because he's keeping drug addicts and alcoholics off the street. They're going to him rather than going down to the off-licence and doing a deal for gear.

"He was a down to earth, good man."

Michael was found slumped over the wheel of his Mercedes car at a set of traffic lights on a busy London road last October.

Tests showed a therapeutic amount of an anti-depressant in the singer's system along with illegal dance club drug GHB.

(C) BANG Media International