Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer known for her iconic hit 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' has died at the age of 75. A statement on her official website announced: 'Bonnie's family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in hospital in Portugal as a result of the illness that she was being treated for. We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy.'
Health Struggles Before Death
In May, Tyler was placed into an induced coma after emergency intestinal surgery in Portugal. Her spokesperson later confirmed in June that she had come out of the coma but remained 'very unwell and in intensive care.' The beloved performer hailed from Skewen in south Wales.
Meat Loaf Feud Over 'Total Eclipse of the Heart'
Three years before her death, Tyler spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk about her relationship with Meat Loaf, who died in 2022. She revealed that the rock icon was 'p****d off' that she had secured 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' which became her greatest hit. The song was written by Jim Steinman, who had originally intended it for Meat Loaf.
During the interview, Tyler laughed as she recalled how Meat Loaf would remind her that the song was meant for him. 'Meat Loaf was a bit p****d off about it. He was fine. He used to say, "Bonnie that song should've been for me!"' She responded, 'Well he didn't give it to you, he gave it to me, so... tough.' She added that it was 'always friendly banter.'
Clarifying the Song's Origin
Previous reports suggested Steinman offered the track to Meat Loaf, who rejected it. Tyler clarified that she received the song after Meat Loaf lost his voice in the 1980s. Speaking on 2GB Sydney in 2021, she said: 'He also fell out with Jim Steinman at that time - they got back together in the end, but at that time they fell out. But Jim Steinman started writing that song for a musical and then he didn't do anything else about it.'
Heartfelt Tribute to Meat Loaf
Despite the past friction, Tyler showed no hard feelings when Meat Loaf died. She told People! Magazine: 'It was hearing his Bat Out Of Hell album, an all-time classic, that inspired me to want to work with the late Jim Steinman. I was privileged to later have an album with Meat Loaf and Jim, Heaven and Hell. He was, as you might imagine, a larger-than-life character with a voice and stage presence to match and is one of those rare people who truly was a one off talent and personality. I will miss him as will his millions of fans all over the world. Rest In Peace.'
