Geraldine Estelle "Geri" Horner née Halliwell is returning to the music scene — for a very special reason.

The Artist Formerly Known As Geri Halliwell, now Geri Horner, and forever Ginger Spice, is making her grand return to the UK music scene with a new single called "Angels in Chains," her first global release in 12 years. (Yes, there was technically "Half of Me" released exclusively in Australia in 2013, but the less we speak of it, the better.)

The "Love Never Loved Me" singer's first solo song in over a decade is a "heartfelt ballad," penned in loving memory of late friend George Michael, and will be released via East West Records (Warner) on June 23, two days before what would have been George's 54th birthday.

The track was produced by Chris Porter, one of George's constant collaborators, who has worked with everyone from David Bowie to Sir Elton John to the Pet Shop Boys. Not only that, but George’s "music family" also appears on the record, including his music director Chris Cameron, guitarist Phil Palmer, backing singer Shirley Lewis, and Lucy Jules and Jay Henry, who performed with George since his 2006 European tour, 25 Live.

All proceeds from the sale of "Angel in Chains" will go to Child Line, a 24-hour counseling service for children, and one of George's favorite charities.

Geri Halliwell Angel in Chains
Photo: Matt Crockett
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From Geri, via the official press release:

“When I first heard the sad news of his passing, I was nine-months pregnant with my son Monty and I was full of emotions. I didn’t know quite what to do with my feelings so I put it in a song, which became ‘Angels in Chains’. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to work on this record with Chris Porter and the same team George had hand picked for his own projects. I am first and foremost a George Michael fan, so to be in the same studio with these amazingly gifted artists who have put their stamp of so many of my favourite records was a real privilege for me. In the process I found how healing making this record had been not only for me but also for everyone involved. This is our way of saying goodbye to our friend and music idol, and I hope George’s fans enjoy this as much as we have making it.”

The song is said to be filled with lyrical references to George Michael's music "which will not go unnoticed by his biggest fans," and "shows a more vulnerable and soulful side to Geri’s pop songwriting repertoire, carrying a beautiful, healing message for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one."

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