December is here and people across County Durham are battling to NOT hear 'Last Christmas' by 'Wham'! Durham OnAir is working to ensure that listeners wont be hearing George until the big day, as it introduces it's new 'Whamageddon Policy'.
While Wham's "Last Christmas" (1984) has become a certified festive classic—landing in the UK Christmas Top Ten every year since 2016—Durham OnAir is taking the drastic step of banning the track entirely until the morning of December 25th.
Click play to hear the public service announcement announcing the decision:
The campaign is inspired by the popular online game "Wham-A-Geddon," which challenges players to avoid hearing the track between December 1st and Christmas Eve. Given the song's status as one of the most-played tracks on UK radio in December, Durham OnAir is making sure it's listeners stay in the game as long as possible!
Programming Manager Kris Tingle said:
"We know the debate. We know the challenge. Every station and shop starts playing 'Last Christmas' in November, and by the time December 25th rolls around, listeners are often fatigued. The good people of County Durham work hard all year. Many practice their Wham avoidance tactics through the heat of the summer and into the Autumn. We believe that listeners should be able to enjoy their local radio station anxiety-free this Christmas season."
Durham OnAir is committed to upholding its promise. The station will not play the original, George Michael-penned song throughout the lead-up to the big day. Listeners may still hear cover version of the song, which dont count towards the challenge.
When pressed on whether he thinks County Durham radio listeners are strong enough to last until Christmas Day, Kris responded:
"Our commitment is absolute. We are keeping the magic of 'Last Christmas' locked away until the big day. The feeling of hearing that opening synth riff, after weeks of avoidance, is going to be pure, unadulterated festive euphoria. It will truly feel like Christmas."
"We're determined that Durham OnAir listeners will be the Wham-A-Geddon champions in every office, shop, school, college, and household across the County!"
How NOT To Listen to Wham! on Durham OnAir:
Wham-A-Geddon Players can enjoy Durham OnAir 24 hours a day on DAB Radio across the North East. Listeners can also not listen to Wham! on the free Durham OnAir app, and by saying "Alexa, Enable The Durham On Air Skill."
For more information on how to not hear Wham this christmas, click here!
Bellway releases images to show street scenes planned at new developments on the edge of Durham
Durham care home shares their favourite carols and why singing is good for you
Gilesgate Primary PTFA Releases Single
Firefighters to hold Santa On Tour event in County Durham and Darlington
Vintage fairground ride returns to North East England for the first time since the 1960s
