Encounters with George Michael – 'His publicist thought I was tabloid scum'

… but George himself was perfectly happy with Simon Hattenstone, who produced two memorable, soul-baring interviews with the star. He remembers a man who was generous, brilliant, honest – and who made you want to parent himThere was something wonderful about George Michael. Great singer (when he hadn’t smoked too much), great looking (though he didn’t like one side), great songwriter (before he got creative block), great personality (when not too stoned), and of course a