The Darkness’s song “Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)” has become a festive classic since its release. Yet, the royalties it generates may not be as high as many might think. Originally released in December 2003, the track quickly climbed to number two on the UK singles chart, just missing the top spot to the cover of “Mad World” by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules.
The Initial Success of “Christmas Time”
- Initial sales: The song earned an estimated £1 million in its first month.
- Sales during the 2003 festive season: 385,000 copies sold in the UK.
- Streaming impact: Over 46 million streams on Spotify as of 2023.
Despite its success at the time, lead singer Justin Hawkins has noted that the financial gains from streaming are significantly less than anticipated. In an interview in 2018, he discussed how modern streaming changes the economics of music royalties.
Impact of Streaming on Royalties
Hawkins explained that old methods of earning from music have shifted. Instead of relying mostly on sales, royalties are now influenced heavily by publishing agreements and sync fees. These royalties arise when a song is used in films or advertisements rather than from radio play or streaming numbers alone.
He emphasized that with fewer physical sales today, the actual earnings are minimal. For example, while there are tens of millions of streams, the payout per stream is quite low.
Continued Celebrations and Legacy
In 2023, The Darkness recorded a new version of their classic song to celebrate its 20th anniversary, showcasing its ongoing relevance. Hawkins expressed his delight at hearing the song played in stores during the holiday season and acknowledged its lasting impact.
He highlighted that while the financial returns may not match initial expectations, the song remains an iconic part of The Darkness’s story. Even after two decades, its appeal has not diminished, securing its place in annual festive playlists.
Comparative Earnings of Christmas Songs
Here are the top five highest-earning Christmas songs and their annual royalties:
| Song Title | Artist | Annual Royalties | Total Earnings since Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merry Christmas Everybody | Slade | £1 million | £50 million |
| Fairytale of New York | The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl | £400,000 | £14.4 million |
| All I Want for Christmas is You | Mariah Carey | £400,000 | £11.6 million |
| I Wish it Could be Christmas Every Day | Wizzard | £180,000 | £9 million |
| Driving Home for Christmas | Chris Rea | £200,000 | £7 million |
In conclusion, “Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)” may not yield the financial windfall one might expect, yet it remains a beloved holiday anthem, cementing The Darkness’s legacy in the music industry.
