A decade after his passing, David Bowie has achieved a new career milestone that eluded him during his lifetime: his song “Heroes” has entered the Billboard Hot Alternative Songs chart inside the Top 10, marking Bowie’s first appearance on that specific ranking. The resurgence — driven largely by renewed attention from the final season of Stranger Things — underscores how Bowie’s music continues to find fresh audiences long after his death.
“Heroes” Debuts at No. 9 on Hot Alternative Songs
“Heroes” — one of Bowie’s most iconic and enduring singles — reemerged in the U.S. charts this week, debuting at No. 9 on the Hot Alternative Songs chart, which tracks the most consumed alternative tracks across sales, streaming and airplay. This ranking represents a first for Bowie on this particular Billboard list despite the song’s legendary status and decades of popularity.
The renewed interest in “Heroes” has been attributed largely to its prominent placement in Stranger Things, Netflix’s globally popular sci-fi series, whose soundtrack has a track record of sending classic songs back onto today’s charts.
In addition to its Hot Alternative Songs success, “Heroes” reached a new peak at No. 7 on the Alternative Digital Song Sales chart — the highest position the song has ever logged on that tally. On this list, “Heroes” now stands among Bowie’s most successful digital sellers in the alternative category.
Alongside that, “Heroes” also re-entered the Rock Digital Song Sales, Hot Rock Songs and Hot Rock & Alternative Songs charts at positions just outside the Top 10, reflecting a broader surge in streams and downloads.
Bowie’s collaboration with Queen, “Under Pressure,” also benefited from the renewed interest in his catalog. The hard-rock classic reappeared on the Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart at No. 7 and climbed to No. 22 on Hard Rock Streaming Songs, though notably did not place on the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart.
The chart performance of “Heroes” and “Under Pressure” illustrates how Bowie’s music remains relevant in today’s streaming era, where sync placements on hit shows can dramatically revive legacy tracks. Bowie’s work has influenced generations of musicians and continues to spark cultural conversation — and now, even posthumous chart milestones.
This latest statistic follows other post-death successes for Bowie’s catalog, including multiple re-entries into global charts around key anniversaries and high-profile releases.
