George Michael News

The '80s icon-turned-dramedy plot point has announced plans for his first tour of the U.S. and Canada in more than 17 years, kicking off June 17 in San Diego.

Michael's 25 Live tour, so named for the impressive span of his musical career, will hit 22 cities before wrapping up in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Aug. 3.

The tour is in support of his new double album, Twenty-Five, set for release April 1.

The album, already a hit in the U.K., includes 29 tracks that are a mix of classic Michael songs and six new tunes, including duets with Paul McCartney, Mary J. Blige and a song recorded for ABC's Eli Stone, in which Michael plays a guardian angel for a beleaguered attorney, and in which he makes his noncameo guest star debut this Thursday.

The tour itself is a continuation of his 25 Live European tour, which kicked off nearly two years ago, in September 2006, and included 80 shows.

Prior to the return of his road show, the 44-year-old former Wham! cohort had not gone on tour in either the U.S. or abroad since 1991. Since his last round of performing gigs stateside, plenty has transpired, including his infamous bust in a Beverly Hills public restroom, which led to his coming out, and several drug-induced asleep-at-the-wheel arrests in London.

There appears to be no lasting hard feelings on the former indiscretion, however: Michael plays in Los Angeles June 25.

Tickets for the seven-week trek go on sale April 6.