The song peaked at number two in the UK charts in September 1997, being kept from the top spot by the record-breaking Elton John single "Candle in the Wind 1997", which was re-recorded and released in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, who had died three weeks before the release of "Stand by Me". The song would eventually reach Platinum-sales status in 2019. It was ranked number 46 on the year-end chart of the United Kingdom for 1997. The song also reached number two in Ireland and reached the top 10 in Finland, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Spain and Sweden.