George Michael will release new music in 2013.

The 'Careless Whisper' hitmaker - who battled a bout of potentially-fatal pneumonia last year - took to Twitter yesterday (26.12.12) after fans expressed concern that the normally-prolific user hadn't posted since mid-October and reassured them he was feeling very well and is excited for the coming year.

The 49-year-old star took a break from celebrating with partner Fadi Fawaz to write: ''Hey everyone. Belated Happy Xmas. Sorry you haven't heard from your favourite singing greek for so long.

''You needn't worry, I'm doing great. Feeling so much better than I was.

''Must get back to my party, but looking forward to a great 2013, I promise it will be full of great new music, huge Xmas hug to you all. (sic)''

In September, George announced he was axing a string of Australian tour dates scheduled for November in order to receive treatment for ''major anxiety'' following his traumatic battle with pneumonia late last year.

In a statement, he said: ''I have today announced the cancellation of the shows in Australia which breaks my heart.

''By way of explanation all I can say at this time is that since last year's illness I have tried in vain to work my way through the trauma that the doctors who saved my life warned me I would experience.

''They recommended complete rest and the type of post traumatic counselling which is available in cases like mine but I'm afraid I believed (wrongly) that making music and getting out there to perform for the audiences that bring me such joy would be therapy enough in itself.

''Unfortunately I seriously underestimated how difficult this year would be... I was wrong to think I could work my way through the major anxiety that has plagued me since I left Austria last December.''