Kicking off his “Symphonica” tour in Prague on Monday night, George Michael paid tribute to Amy Winehouse by covering the late singer’s “Love Is A Losing Game.”

No stranger to struggles with substance abuse, George introduced the song by saying, “In 30 years of making music, I was never actually in awe of anybody new that came along in the British scene until this lady arrived. The thought that we won’t be hearing any more music from her is just too sad for words.”

As it turns out, the resignation at the heart of “Love Is A Losing Game” rings close to home for George, having begun the concert by disclosing that he and longtime partner Kenny Goss hadn’t been together in over two years.

On Sunday, the MTV VMAs will take a break from celebrating Britney Spears’ achievements to pay respects to Amy Winehouse. Tony Bennett, with whom Winehouse shared her final recording session, will introduce the segment featuring footage from their duet, “Body And Soul.” The track is featured on his upcoming Duets II album, out September 20.