Original 'NeverEnding Story' Singer Reacts to That 'Stranger Things' Season 3 Scene

Stranger Things Season 3 featured a number of fun references to the pop culture of the 1980s, from a nod to George Romero’s Day of the Dead to the appearance of the infamous New Coke--but one bit of nostalgia was also rather heartwarming. In the final episode of the season, Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) serenades his girlfriend Suzie (Gabriella Pizzolo) with a rendition of the theme song from The NeverEnding Story--and this week, the original singer gave his reaction.

“My God! It’s been very exciting to hear about all the new interest in the song,” Limahl told Entertainment Weekly. “Thirty-five years later, it’s reaching a whole new audience — it’s fantastic.”

Limahl added that while he had not seen the show, he learned of the song’s inclusion after his nephews told him, prompting him to watch the scene in question. “I have seen the clip when the two characters perform the song and I was very touched,” he said. “This song seems to have gotten everybody really excited. I’m so happy that 35 years later, I’m still around to be able to enjoy this.”

The artist said that he is not involved with the licensing on his music, so the inclusion of the song in Stranger Things was a surprise, as was the inclusion of the song “Too Shy,” recorded during his tenure in Kajagoogoo. However, he said that the upshot in the song’s popularity--its plays on YouTube and Spotify increased over 800 percent following the premiere of Stranger Things--has stirred his enthusiasm for the show.

“Hey Duffers, if you want me next season you can count me in,” Limahl proposed. “It’s my sole duty to catch up on the show. I promise I’ll be ready!"

We’re glad to see that Limahl is as excited about the song’s popularity as everybody else--to celebrate, we think we’ll give it a few dozen listens.