Djo’s ‘End Of Beginnings’ Hits Number One in UK After Stranger Things Finale

Joe Keery’s music career soars as ‘End Of Beginnings’ climbs UK charts post-Stranger Things finale.

A Surprise Chart-Topper Two Years in the Making

If you’ve been following Joe Keery’s journey from the eerie halls of Hawkins to the vibrant stages of indie music, you know this moment feels like magic. Djo—Joe Keery’s musical alter ego—has finally snagged the Number One spot on the UK Singles Chart with his viral track “End Of Beginnings.” What’s incredible about this achievement is the timing: the song first dropped in 2022 but only just ascended to the pinnacle two years later, propelled by the buzz around the climactic finale of Stranger Things—Keery’s blockbuster Netflix show.

Djo lighting up the Glastonbury stage in 2025, photo by Derek Bremner

From TikTok Trend to UK Chart Glory

The track “End Of Beginnings” first flirted with UK chart success back in early 2024, peaking at Number Four after going viral on TikTok. Travel enthusiasts and dreamers latched onto the song’s reflective lyrics—“And when I’m back in Chicago, I feel it, Another version of me, I was in it, I wave goodbye to the end of beginning”—turning it into a soundtrack for wanderlust and nostalgia. The song lingered in the Top 100 for 28 weeks, gaining steady traction before the recent Stranger Things finale gave it the final push to Number One—even though the track wasn’t officially featured in the episode.

It’s a fascinating example of how a song’s life can evolve, gaining layers of meaning and momentum well after its initial release.

The UK Singles Chart Top 5 Breakdown

Here’s a snapshot of what Djo’s competition looked like as he snagged the crown:

1. Djo – ‘End Of Beginnings’
2. Taylor Swift – ‘The Fate Of Ophelia’
3. RAYE – ‘Where The Hell Is My Husband?’
4. Dave and Tems – ‘Raindance’
5. Olivia Dean – ‘So Easy (To Fall In Love)’

Djo’s Number One dethroned RAYE’s catchy “Where The Hell Is My Husband?”, sending it down to Number Three. This shift highlights just how powerful the Stranger Things finale was in influencing music charts far beyond its screen time.

Joe Keery Reflects on ‘End Of Beginnings’ and Personal Growth

In a candid conversation last year, Keery shared his perspective on the song and what it means to him now. Unlike the youthful nostalgia many tend to cling to, Joe’s focus is on the present and the future:

“I’m not trying to live in the past. I have new memories that I’m linking to [Chicago]. I’m not 27 anymore. That’s a part of me, maybe, but not the whole part.”
— Joe Keery

His words resonate deeply—it’s not about being stuck in who you once were, but acknowledging growth and change while still cherishing fragments of your past.

Listen to ‘End Of Beginnings’ by Djo

Watch Official Audio on YouTube

The Stranger Things Effect on the Charts

The impact of the Stranger Things finale rippled through the UK music scene beyond just Djo’s success. Classic and iconic tracks made a comeback, riding the wave of nostalgia stirred by the show’s soundtrack.

Here are some notable chart re-entries:

• Prince – ‘Purple Rain’ at Number 12, the dramatic soundtrack to the show’s final battle.
• Kate Bush – ‘Running Up That Hill’ at Number 14, continuing its long-lasting affinity with fans and the series.
• The Police – ‘Every Breath You Take’ hits Number 17, marking its highest chart position in 43 years.
• Fleetwood Mac – ‘Landslide’, making its debut on the UK charts after 41 years, at Number 20.
• Diana Ross – ‘Upside Down’ at 26.
• Tiffany – ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ at 27.
• David Bowie – ‘Heroes’ at 34, used poignantly in the show’s final credits and coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Bowie’s passing.
• The Clash – ‘Should I Stay Or Should I Go’ at Number 40.

This resurgence of classic tracks is proof that Stranger Things is not just a TV show—it’s a cultural time machine that connects generations through music.

The UK Albums Chart: Olivia Dean Holds Strong

While singles from the Stranger Things soundtrack and Djo’s rising star dominate the singles chart, Olivia Dean continues to reign at the top of the UK Albums Chart with her soulful release The Art of Loving. It’s her fourth week in the upper echelon, with a solid hold on the top spot.

UK Albums Chart Top 5:

1. Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving
2. Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
3. Fleetwood Mac – 50 Years – Don’t Stop
4. Taylor Swift – The Life Of A Showgirl
5. The Weeknd – The Highlights

Joe Keery’s Voice Beyond Music

Beyond music and acting, Joe Keery has used his platform for social commentary. Recently, he spoke out against former President Donald Trump’s defense of ICE after a tragic incident involving the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen.

Keery shared a powerful message on Instagram Stories, overlaying a Truth Social post from Trump, which labeled the victim Renee Nicole Good as “a professional agitator,” with the words:

“Zero human decency. Stop this man.”

It’s a reminder that Keery’s voice extends beyond entertainment—he’s tuned in to social issues and uses his influence thoughtfully.

Wrapping It Up: A Star on the Rise

Joe Keery’s journey as Djo is a captivating blend of serendipity, talent, and cultural timing. “End Of Beginnings” isn’t just a song climbing charts—it’s a soundtrack to moments, memories, and transitions for many listeners. Whether you caught it on TikTok, felt it in Stranger Things, or danced to it at Glastonbury, its rise to No. 1 is a testament to how music can ebb and flow with time and context.

What’s next for Djo? If the past is any indication, it’s bound to be an adventure worth following.

FAQ

• How did ‘End Of Beginnings’ become popular two years after its release?
  The song gained new life through a viral TikTok trend and was further propelled by the buzz around the Stranger Things season finale.
• Was ‘End Of Beginnings’ featured in the Stranger Things finale?
  Interestingly, no. The song wasn’t in the episode but still benefitted from the finale’s cultural impact.
• What other classic songs recharted due to Stranger Things?
  Prince’s “Purple Rain,” Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” The Police’s “Every Breath You Take,” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” all saw chart resurgences.
• Where has Joe Keery used his platform beyond music?
  He has spoken out on social issues, notably criticizing Donald Trump’s defense of ICE after a fatal shooting incident.
• Which album is currently topping the UK Albums chart?
  Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving holds the Number One spot for several weeks now.

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