British singer George Michael arrives on stage before his concert in Prague
British singer George Michael arrives on stage before his concert at Czech State Opera House as a part of "Symphonica: The Orchestral Tour" in Prague August 22, 2011. Reuters

British singer George Michael told fans Tuesday that he has split with longtime partner Kenny Goss. The couple went their separate ways more than two years ago but kept the news under wraps.

Michael, 48, announced the news at the opening show of his 195-date Symphonica tour at the State Opera House in the Czech capital, Prague.

'In truth, Kenny and I haven't been together for two and a half years. I love him very much. This man has brought me a lot of joy and pain. My love life has been a lot more turbulent than I've ever let on, and I'm so sad about my relationship with Kenny. I'm sorry for any pain, said Michael.

Michael and Goss had been together since 1996. Both have consistently denied reports of a split during their relationship. Goss was there at Michael's side when the singer was sentenced to eight months in Highpoint prison for driving under the influence of drugs last September.

Michael was overwhelmed with emotions as he performed a new track called Where I Hope You Are, which he says is the first breakup song he has ever written.

Michael told fans at the Opera House that the split was the result of his former partner's alcoholism.

My battles with substances are well-documented, and my partner went through similar problems with drink, he said.

Goss is an art dealer and owns a gallery in Dallas. He and the singer run the Goss-Michael Foundation together, helping bring British contemporary art to the masses. It is unclear whether that partnership will continue, reports the Miami Herald.

Alcoholism