Key Highlights
- The Darkness’ “Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)” generated £1 million in its first month of sales in 2003.
- Despite being a seasonal staple, the song’s earnings have transformed due to the rise of streaming.
- Frontman Justin Hawkins admitted that royalties from the song are less than fans might expect.
The Christmas Phenomenon: A Rocker’s Reflection on Earnings
In 2003, The Darkness released their catchy rock anthem “Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End),” which quickly became a holiday favorite. However, the band’s frontman Justin Hawkins revealed that the song’s earnings don’t match the hype.
The Song’s Success and Its Unexpected Earnings
Recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, “Christmas Time” peaked at number two in the UK singles chart, narrowly missing out on the Christmas number one spot. The single sold 385,000 copies during its first month of sales that year, generating an estimated £1 million for the band.
Despite this initial success and continued popularity, Hawkins explained to The Sun in 2018: “You don’t make as much from that as you might imagine.” He further elaborated on how streaming has reshaped the economics of holiday royalties. “The way the royalties work is you have a deal with a publisher and they give you a portal where you see where the money comes from,” Hawkins said.
Modern Royalties: A Shift to Streaming
Hawkins pointed out that physical CD sales are now minimal, making streaming plays crucial. “There really are so few hard copy sales these days that royalties from that are extremely small.” He went on to share his personal experience: “When you can hear our Christmas song from mid-November I do hear the sound of a small pound coin entering a piggy bank in my head. Then I think, ‘Ah yes, I will buy the Tesco Finest range instead of economy.’” This admission offers insight into the modest but consistent income artists like The Darkness receive from their seasonal hits.
Streaming’s Impact and Future Outlook
The song has amassed tens of millions of views and streams worldwide. On Spotify alone, it has over 46 million plays. However, the earnings per stream are minimal: “Modern artists earn only fractions of a pence per stream.” This shift in revenue structure reflects a broader industry trend where digital platforms have significantly altered how musicians make money.
While “Christmas Time (Don’t Let the Bells End)” remains a defining moment for The Darkness, its earnings story is emblematic of changes in the music industry. As we move into an increasingly digital era, artists like Justin Hawkins must navigate these new realities to maintain their livelihoods and continue making music that resonates with audiences.
For more stories on music royalties, streaming impact, and other entertainment trends, stay tuned for our latest updates.
