There are singers, and then there are voices you recognize instantly.
Tyler was behind Total Eclipse of the Heart, Holding Out for a Hero, and It’s a Heartache, and sadly, she passed away on Wednesday, July 8, at the age of 75 following complications from a prolonged medical ordeal in Portugal.
For many of us who grew up in the 1980s, Bonnie Tyler’s music felt larger than life. Whether it was blasting through a car stereo, about to drop from an MTV countdown, or playing during the unforgettable tractor race in Footloose, her unmistakable raspy voice was undeniably iconic.
One of the most fascinating things about Bonnie Tyler is that the voice that made her famous almost never happened. Early in her career, she underwent surgery to remove vocal cord nodules. During her recovery, she accidentally strained her healing voice, leaving her with the gravelly, emotional sound that would become one of the most recognizable voices in rock and pop history. Sometimes life’s setbacks become the very thing that defines us.
Even after her chart topping years, Tyler never stopped performing. She remained a beloved live performer across Europe and continued recording music well into her early seventies.
In recent months, Tyler faced serious health challenges after being hospitalized in Portugal with severe abdominal complications. She underwent emergency intestinal surgery and spent time in a medically induced coma. Although there were hopeful signs of recovery, complications ultimately claimed her life.
Bonnie Tyler leaves behind more than hit records. She leaves behind songs that still give people goosebumps decades later, and a voice that refused to sound like anyone else’s.
Our thoughts are with her husband, family, friends, and the millions of fans around the world who will forever associate her music with some of life’s biggest moments.
Rest in peace, Bonnie Tyler. Thanks for giving us songs that we’ll never stop singing.
Fuck, man. Sorry for swearing, but this deserved it, and I'll tell you why: Roller skating, And of course the song "Total Eclipse of the Heart". Gosh, I owe Bonnie Tyler!
Man, I loved roller skating when I was a kid. I may have been an average ankle-biter in grade school… but at the skating rink? If my mom knew what went on there, I would have been sent away to military school. :) Even though we couldn't afford it.
I don't want to date myself here, but I remember being a very bold 4th grader. I walked right up to a girl that I knew was in high school and asked her to couple's skate with me. Come on, man. I was a kid. But she said yes. And it was to that freaking song.
Now granted… again, I was a kid. She knew it. I knew it. But I didn't care. It clearly meant more to me than it did to her, but that's all I needed. I used that exact same play for the next 80 Saturdays (I'm talking years!). I skated with so many girls. I loved it. Do you know why? Most 4th-grade boys weren't interested yet, so I was doing pretty alright.
One of these days I'll tell you about Stacy's mom. Yep I had one of those.
This song rolled through the rotation for a few more couple's skates... but yeah, man, that was awesome.
Rest in peace, Bonnie Tyler.
Rest in peace Bonnie and thank you for the memories…