He created the band's image. As George's best friend, he gave George the confidence to lose the puppy fat and spots, and market his songs to a perfect degree. It's true that Wham! would never have existed without George Michael, but George is always keen to remind everyone that without Andrew's input, he would still be singing songs in his bedroom at his parents' home.
It's very easy to **** him off, but as DOB says, is he so much different from the "stars" of today. Probably yes because at least he had some influence over Wham, which is more of a significant part than many!
sometimes bands have members that dont have any input but they do have a 'presence' that undeniably adds to the band eg bez - happy mondays & paul rutherford -fgth
also for reference the wham song 'wake me up before you go go' was inspired by a note containing those words being left on georges bedside table - so he did have some input no matter how small !
Doesn't he spend all his time surfing in Cornwall nowadays? He must have made a lot of money. I think he tried his hand at songwriting for a while too, but was crap.
Also, the "Wake me up before you go-go" note was left on Andrew's hotel bedroom door, not on George's table (I saw a documentary and this was the explanation).
Also, you need more than one person for a boy band.