lyrics, the record company was initially reluctant to issue it, but it was finally released as a single after two other singles from the album had poor sales. "Spirit in the Sky" became a worldwide hit, and was at the time the best-selling single ever for the Reprise label. There is a music video with Greenbaum singing the song. About the song, Greenbaum has been quoted as saying, "It sounds as fresh today as when it was recorded. I've gotten letters from funeral directors telling me that it's their second-most-requested song to play at memorial services, next to 'Danny Boy'." The song was featured in the soundtrack to the 2013 film This is the End and was included in the soundtrack for the 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy, and the 1995 film Apollo 13. Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications Doctor and the Medics version In June 1986, Doctor and the Medics reached No. 1 in the UK singles chart with their version of the song, where it spent three weeks at the top. In New Zealand, the song reached No. 2 on the RIANZ Singles Chart, while in Canada, it peaked at No. 1 for a week and was the fifth-highest-selling single of 1986. The song has been certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and platinum by the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA). Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications Gareth Gates (with the Kumars) version "Spirit in the Sky" served as the first single from Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates's second studio album, Go Your Own Way. The single was released on March 14, 2003, and was the official Comic Relief charity single for 2003. The song features guest vocals from the Kumars. The song peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Gates' fourth number-one single. Gates' version has been certified platinum by BPI in the UK. Track listing UK CD1 "Spirit in the Sky" (with the Kumars) "Dance Again" "Spirit in the Sky" "Spirit in the Sky" (video) UK CD2 "Spirit in the Sky" (with the Kumars) "Will You Wait for Me?" Interview with Gareth Gates UK cassette single "Spirit in the Sky" (with the Kumars) "Dance Again" "Will You Wait for Me?" UK DVD single "Spirit in the Sky" (video) Making of "Spirit in the Sky" (video) "Dance Again" (video) Interview with the Kumars (video) Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications