THIS YEAR’S MODEL: Remember all the publicity...

THIS YEAR’S MODEL: Remember all the publicity George Michael got when he announced he wouldn’t be doing any videos for his new album (because he wanted us to focus on his song lyrics)? Let’s say that was . . . half-true. Michael isn’t appearing in any videos, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t making any videos. In fact, hot-shot director David Fincher (who’s scheduled to shoot “Aliens III”) has just finished a five-day shoot in London of Michael’s upcoming single, “Freedom 90.” Instead of spotlighting George, the clip showcases a quintet of world-class fashion models, including Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington and Tatiana, who lip-sync the song (you could say it’s like Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love” clip, except without Palmer). . . . And from our Wish We’d Been There Dept.: When Tom Petty celebrated his 40th birthday at his San Fernando Valley home last weekend, the music room got quite a workout. Celebrants included Bruce Springsteen, Roger McGuinn, Jeff Lynne and most of the Heartbreakers, who launched into a spontaneous jam, featuring such favorites as “Little Red Rooster,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Great Balls of Fire.” Spectators included Elvis Costello, Gary Shandling, Carlene Carter and Howie Epstein (who are a couple these days) and Kathy Valentine.