White Light " is a song by English singer George Michael . It was released to radio on 29 June 2012 , in order to commemorate the 30-year anniversary since his first single ( co-written by Andrew Ridgeley ) entered the British charts in 1982 . The song was inspired by Michael 's illness in late 2011 with pneumonia and the resulting near-death experiences . The song received its debut live performance ( alongside " Freedom ! ' 90 " ) at the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony on 12 August 2012 and subsequently entered the UK Singles Chart at number 15 . This was his final original song released before his death in December 2016 . On 19 August 2012 , the song entered the UK Singles Chart at number 15 , becoming his last top 40 hit in his lifetime , following his death on 25 December 2016 . The song has also charted in Belgium , Germany , the Netherlands , and Switzerland
2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony
2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony
White Light (George Michael song)