Stunning George Michael tribute by artist who met his hero 14 years ago

Mashable
Rachel Thompson
Dec 29th 2016 9:42AM

LONDON — A George Michael fan has painted a moving tribute to the music legend following his death on Christmas Day.

SEE ALSO: Details emerge of George Michael's many quiet acts of kindness

As fans around the world mourn the star's death, artist Pegasus took to the streets of Hackney in London, to paint a mural to his hero.

"I created this tribute yesterday using multilayered stencils which I drew and cut myself. It took me just over four hours in the freezing cold," Pegasus told Mashable.

"George Michael's music has always been a huge influence in my life. From a young age he made me feel like it was acceptable to be different in this world," the artist continued.

See George Michael throughout his career:

16 PHOTOS
George Michael through the years
See Gallery
George Michael through the years
UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 01: LYCEUM Photo of George MICHAEL and WHAM!, George Michael (Photo by Pete Cronin/Redferns)
Wham 1985 George Michael and Andrew Ridgely (Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage)
Wham Concert In London, Britain - 1985, George Michael And Andrew Ridgeley (Photo by Brian Rasic/Getty Images)
CHINA - 1985/04/07: Young children sporting 'Mao' jackets and caps gape at George Michael (left) and Andrew Ridgeley, of the pop group Wham who are visiting the Great Wall as they promote the first-ever gig by a Western pop band in communist China. Wham played a concert at Beijing's People's Stadium, thereby becoming a milestone not only in pop but also in Chinese history, even if most Chinese hadn't a clue who they were and even fewer actually got to see them in action.. (Photo by Peter Charlesworth/LightRocket via Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 27: George Michael of Wham! performs on stage at the National Exhibition Centre, on February 27th, 1985 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Peter Still/Redferns)
Pop star George Michael attends the British Record Industry Awards, aka the BRIT Awards, at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on February 11, 1985. (Photo by Georges De Keerle/Getty Images)
British singer-songwriter George Michael of Wham!, during the pop duo's 1985 world tour, January 1985.'The Big Tour' took in the UK, Japan, Australia, China and the US. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
George Michael of Wham!, portrait, Sydney, Australia, January 1985. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
UNSPECIFIED - JANUARY 01: Photo of George MICHAEL (Photo by Mick Hutson/Redferns)
Michael Lipman, Tommy Mottola, George Michael and Rob Kahane (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)
UNSPECIFIED - JANUARY 01: Photo of George MICHAEL (Photo by Mick Hutson/Redferns)
George Michael Attends A Gianni Versace Book Launch Party At His Store In London'S Bond Street. . (Photo by Antony Jones/Julian Parker/UK Press via Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FL - AUGUST 03: Singer George Michael performs at the Bank Atlantic Center on August 3, 2008 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Logan Fazio/Getty Images)
British singer George Michael performs on stage during a charity gala for the benefit of Sidaction, at the Opera Garnier in Paris, on September 9, 2012. Sidaction is a charity event which aims to collect money for the struggle against AIDS virus. AFP PHOTO MIGUEL MEDINA (Photo credit should read MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/GettyImages)
British singer George Michael performs during the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in London on August 12, 2012. Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympic Games. AFP PHOTO/LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/GettyImages)
FILE PHOTO British singer George Michael poses for photographers before a news conference at the Royal Opera House in central London May 11, 2011. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth/File Photo
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Pegasus says he got to meet the singer while working in a store in Mayfair, in London's West End.

"I was lucky enough to meet George Michael 14 years ago when I was working at a clothing store in Berkeley Square," said Pegasus.

"I was floored when he walked in and asked me to take his measurements! My hands were shaking as I measured his neck and I remember mumbling: "You are my hero".

Pegasus said he spent around 20 minutes with George Michael helping him with his selections.

"He smiled and said he was no hero."

See how stars reacted to George Michael's death:

40 PHOTOS
Stars react to George Michael's death
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Stars react to George Michael's death
I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. RIP… https://t.co/Pyeu7gb2QI
Paul on George Michael: https://t.co/t7vu2Hyjey https://t.co/ZBq0VsTatB
I would not be the artist I am if it wasn't for you. @GeorgeMichael
I've loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time.
Before I sleep I wanted to send out my love to @GeorgeMichael and his family and friends. What a wonderful gift to the world he was. 🙏🏼💙
George Michael - Extras Xmas Special https://t.co/dmuLC88xcR via @DailymotionUK
I would not be the artist I am if it wasn't for you. @GeorgeMichael
George Michael was a kind and gentle soul. #Wham
So sad to hear of George Michael's passing, huge sympathy to friends and family. Particularly difficult time to lose someone. RIP.
George Michael RIP. Your music lifted our spirits. Your heart was pure. Sad. You will be missed.
A beautiful Christmas with my boys but so saddened by the passing of George Michael -and extraordinary talent - So missed RIP X
Finished the prime rib... now onto blasting George Michael and doing the dishes
George Michael Read: https://t.co/z669xGdjwM
I'm very sad about the news of my good friend George Michael. God bless you and may you rest in peace.
#Heartbroken Here's how George Michael impacted my life... https://t.co/C6oY6ekJ91 https://t.co/yFpJiuh4ed
So sorry to hear about George Michael's passing. Brilliant icon. "Kissing a Fool" one of my all time favs. Strength & light to his family.
"I have never and will never apologize for my sex life. Gay sex is natural, gay sex is good!" - George Michael
mine & mari's song of the day: JESUS TO A CHILD - GEORGE MICHAEL (R.I.P. GEORGIOS) https://t.co/A1UBaUjA4L
Song of the day...."Kissing A Fool" by George Michael. RIP George. Amazing singer and songwriter!!! https://t.co/0cgzPFcu7N
So Sad to hear of George Michael passing. I met him after his Earls Court Gig and he hosted us at his wonderful home in Highgate RIP❤️
So sad about George Michael. Truly one of the greatest songwriters.
Another fine musical talent gone--RIP, George Michael. Spent Christmas evening dancing around to "Before You Go-Go." Damn you, 2016.
Waking up to the sad news of George Michael's passing. An incredible talent taken far too soon. https://t.co/MuTlPxEDSk
Rip George Michael - What a singer, just watched him with queen "somebody to love " Vocals for days
When a baby first breathes When night sees sunrise When the whale hunts in the sea When man recognizes Freedom https://t.co/zSTUgCmXo7
Frank Sinatra's amazing letter to George Michael after the latter complained about fame. One for all stars to ponde… https://t.co/soQOiDkeQT
So sad to hear my Cypriot brother @GeorgeMichael has passed away. Will miss him & pray God will have mercy on him.… https://t.co/L2P4maiCSC
Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of George Michael. What an amazing artist we've lost... rest in peace.
" @maryjblige and @georgemichael ~ their remake of #steviewonder's AS says it all to me.." #georgemichael "ALWAYS!!… https://t.co/n6BIbQvxSs
If you're ever feeling pretty good about a piece of art you've just made, remember this. George Michael wrote careless whisper at 17. 17!!!
Farewell My Friend! 🙏🏻 Another Great Artist leaves us. 💔Can 2016 Fuck Off NOW? https://t.co/aEGIUNSJbt
This is insanely cool. George Michael & Queen rehearsing 'Somebody To Love' as Bowie looks on. Wow. https://t.co/4okLGWWpBc
I'm never gonna dance again Guilty feet have got no rhythm Though it's easy to pretend I know you're not a fool ~ George Michael
George Michael. Rest In Peace. Such heartbreaking news yet on a celebratory day. We are blasting your songs all night!
Rest in peace George Michael. Thanks for sharing your soul and talent with all of us, traveling… https://t.co/oTVB1IB3tk
So sad @GeorgeMichael What a talent & significant part of my generation's musical journey. May he find his "freedom." #ripfreedom
Gone too soon. Brilliant George Michael. RIP. https://t.co/9SNg6HT0ac
I've only witnessed true genius a few times in my life. One of those was watching George Michael lay down Feeling Good for #Elistone 1/2
Everything I know about singing I learned from listening to George Michael's perfect voice. My absolute favorite. RIP sweet man.
GEORGE MICHAEL FOREVER https://t.co/QcjKvpCpjw
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