With the mass panic and chaos surrounding the novel coronavirus outbreak, a variety of older songs that now seem relevant again in the midst of the global pandemic have seen a noticeable spike in sales and streams, including the iconic Down with the Sickness.
The smash-hit nu metal single from Disturbed’s debut studio album, The Sickness, made its way to Billboard last week after seeing a 31 per cent increase in digital sales between March 12 and 19.
Though 1,000 sales may not sound impressive, the song was released two decades ago. The sales were accompanied by a three per cent increase in streams, bringing its numbers to 2.6 million in the U.S. alone.
Following the release of the Chicago-based quartet’s first record, Down with the Sickness was released on its own as a single on Oct. 31, 2000.
It made it to the No. 8 slot on Billboard’s ‘Alternative Songs,’ as well as No. 5 on the ‘Mainstream Rock’ charts in 2000-01.
Overall, the now-Platinum single certified spent 64 weeks on the ‘Active Rock’ chart. It peaked at No. 2 on Nov. 10, 2001.
On March 23, Disturbed was forced to cancel two upcoming U.S. festival appearances as a result of COVID-19.
Currently, the David Draiman-led band is promoting its latest album, Evolution (2018).
Also climbing its way up Billboard’s charts last week was R.E.M.‘s 1987 radio single It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine).
In an attempt to keep his fans informed, Michael Stipe, the band’s former frontman shared a public service announcement to the band’s social media channels last week, highlighting not only the importance of social distancing and self-quarantining, but in staying positive during the height of the dreary outbreak.
The video hear Stipe, 60, singing the chorus to his viewers, correlating with the recent spike of the alternative rock anthem.
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.
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