Streams of space-themed songs recorded a dramatic surge during the solar eclipse, led by Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse Of The Heart, according to new listening data.
Spotify saw a 94 per cent rise in UK streams and a 14 per cent boost worldwide for the classic track on 12 August, coming five weeks after the singer’s death on 8 July.
Other celestial tracks also gained substantial momentum, with rock group Evolfo’s Moon Eclipsed The Sun jumping by 12,817 per cent in the UK and 1,251 per cent globally.
Chris Staples’ Dark Side Of The Moon experienced an increase of 2,805 per cent among British listeners and 405 per cent internationally.
Pink Floyd’s Eclipse climbed 594 per cent in the UK alongside a 144 per cent global rise, while Delta Goodrem’s Eurovision entry, also named Eclipse, grew 104 per cent domestically and 40 per cent worldwide.
Meanwhile, Bill Withers’ 1971 release Ain’t No Sunshine saw a 17 per cent British uptick and a 3 per cent global increase during the celestial event.
open image in galleryData compared streams on eclipse day, 12 August, against the 1-11 August daily average.
Shannon Carragher, senior editor at Spotify, said: “It is always fascinating to see how major cultural events instantly reflect in what the UK is listening to.
“Cultural phenomena like the solar eclipse naturally bring people together, and we instinctively look for the perfect soundtrack to share that moment.
“Whether it’s collectively returning to iconic anthems like Total Eclipse of the Heart or seeking out more hidden celestial gems, these massive spikes in streaming show just how deeply we rely on music to elevate and connect us in the real world during shared human experiences.”
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open image in galleryMore than 90 per cent of the sun was obscured by the Moon between about 6pm and 8.15pm on Wednesday, the most it has been blocked above UK skies since the total eclipse in 1999.
Millions turned their eyes to the skies for the best solar eclipse since the turn of the century, with many taking their special protective glasses to parks, beaches and landmarks across the continent.