Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse Of The Heart was thrust back into the charts five weeks on from her death as people got into the mood for the recent ‘cultural phenomena’ solar eclipse
Bonnie Tyler’s hit tune has seen a rise in plays(Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
As millions took to the streets to watch the solar eclipse, many also used the occasion to spark a huge increase in streams of celestial anthems. It meant that the late Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse Of The Heart was thrust back into the streaming charts five weeks on from her death.
The ballad saw a 94% increase in listenership in the UK and 14% globally on Spotify on August 12. This was the biggest overall jump for any tune.
Bonnie’s death was confirmed via a message on the Welsh star’s website last month. It read: “Bonnie’s family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in hospital in Portugal as a result of the illness that she was being treated for.”
Despite the Welsh star being forever associated with the song, she reportedly earned very little from it as she didn’t write it. Anything earned from the anthem is now likely to go to her husband, Robert Sullivan. Publishing royalties belong to its writer, legendary songwriter Jim Steinman, who died in 2021, with royalties for his songs now going to his estate.
Other songs receiving a huge boost on eclipse day included rock band Evolfo’s Moon Eclipsed The Sun. Chris Staples’ Dark Side Of The Moon also had a significant jump globally.
Eclipse by Pink Floyd enjoyed an increase in the UK and globally, while Delta Goodrem’s Eurovision song, also called Eclipse, increase among British listeners and worldwide.
Other hits being played by listeners included Bill Withers’ 1971 hit Ain’t No Sunshine. The track experienced a 17% increase in the UK and a 3% jump globally.
The data compared streams on eclipse day, August 12, against the August 1-11 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.”
More than 90% 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. Some lucky residents in the Isles of Scilly saw around 96% coverage.
Many celebs shared their experience after the rare event. Taking to Instagram, dad-of-three Paddy McGuinness revealed how he had been improvising before the spectacular scenes.
He posted snaps of a Kellogg’s cereal box which had been cut apart and covered in foil to create a pinhole projector. “Don’t worry kids, we don’t need those fancy glasses. Leave it to Dad! What you crying for? #solareclipse #2026,” he captioned his social media post.
Roman Kemp was live on BBC and presenting the One Show when the eclipse hit, and couldn’t help but proudly show off his snazzy glasses – while mocking co-host Alex Jones for having to shield her eyes with her hands. Alongside the photo, he teased: “Guess which one of us got the last pair of glasses?”
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