Creedence Clearwater Revival’s iconic track “Bad Moon Rising” has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing one billion streams on Spotify. This accomplishment places the 1969 classic into Spotify’s exclusive “Billions Club,” a testament to its enduring appeal across generations.
John Fogerty, the band’s lead vocalist and songwriter, expressed his gratitude in a recent social media message. He stated, “I have some incredible news… my song ‘Bad Moon Rising’ has now passed 1 billion streams on Spotify.” Fogerty also highlighted that this is the third Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) song to reach this milestone, following “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” and “Fortunate Son.”
Released in April 1969 as the lead single from their album “Green River,” “Bad Moon Rising” quickly became a significant hit. It peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in June 1969 and reached number one on the UK Singles Chart for three weeks in September of the same year.
The song’s inspiration came from the 1941 film “The Devil and Daniel Webster.” Fogerty was moved by a scene where a hurricane devastates a town, sparing only the protagonist’s farm. This imagery led to the song’s apocalyptic lyrics, juxtaposed with its upbeat melody. Fogerty once noted the contrast, saying, “Here you’ve got this song with all these hurricanes and blowing and raging ruin and all that, but it’s ‘I see a bad moon rising.’ It’s a happy-sounding tune, right?”
Over the years, “Bad Moon Rising” has maintained its popularity, especially during Halloween seasons, leading to resurgences on various music charts. Its catchy tune and evocative lyrics have ensured its place as a staple in rock music playlists.
This latest streaming achievement underscores the timelessness of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s music and its continued resonance with audiences worldwide.