Amazing enough to forgive him calling us 'Sydney'.

Three times.

Michael's well-documented recreational activities may have robbed him of his short-term and geographical memory, but it certainly hasn't hurt his performance.

George Michael hasn't played live in Melbourne since 1988.

He made up for lost time as 47,000 fans had their patience rewarded with a spectacular sold out show at Etihad Stadium.

It constantly reminded you that beyond the headlines George Michael is a true superstar and one of the finest songwriters and performers of our generation.

To think the poxy NAB Cup almost caused this tour to bypass Melbourne is now ludicrous.

Especially considering Melbourne is the last stop on his four-year greatest hits world tour.

"Melbourne you are definitely the last show,'' Michael said, correcting his earlier glitch.

"114 shows and you have the last show. I can't think of a better place to have done this show.''

The singer - who had a teleprompter with lyrics to jog his memory if needed - also joked about his media reputation as a stoner.

"I'm doing well for a drug addict,'' Michael said. "If I'm a functioning drug addict I'm the best functioning drug addict you'll ever meet.''

Back on his last visit 22 years ago, George Michael was a sex symbol wooing women and enjoying the peak of his fame with the million-selling Faith album.

In 2010 the women realise they're no longer in with a chance.

So does Michael - in the Wham! classic Everything She Wants (one of the few tracks from his hetero period) the superstar laughs "yeah right'' after singing "I guess I must have loved you because I said you were the perfect girl for me.''

Michael's songs have endured - and endeared - for over 25 years.

This lengthy concert saw Michael move from classy ballads (Father Figure, One More Try) to the dance anthems Flawless, Too Funky and Outside and even Wham!'s pop gem I'm Your Man.

The man sweats classic songs (Careless Whisper, Fastlove, Freedom 90, Faith, Amazing)  and even joked about the weather that left Etihad's roof open: "For an Englishman this is hot.''

The star even finds time for other people's songs - a jazzy take on the Police's Roxanne and the vocal showcase of Nina Simone's Feeling Good - when fans could instantly name 15 of his own songs he could have played instead.

If the rumours are true and Michael will no longer tour at stadium level, Melbourne was left with an example of how it should be done.