Sir Rod Stewart, Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley, and Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies are among the stars who have paid tribute to Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, who has died aged 75.
Stars Remember Bonnie Tyler's Unique Voice
Wednesday actress Catherine Zeta-Jones said her “heart is broken” after learning of the singer’s death, while Sir Cliff Richard said the news was “shocking to wake up to”.
Pop star Sir Rod referenced his live cover of one of Tyler’s hits in a post on Instagram: “We shared similar styles of vocalizing. She was a good pal, a true soul stirrer. I sing It’s A Heartache every night on tour. I’ll miss you darling Bonnie.”
Tony Hadley and Russell T Davies Share Memories
Hadley said of Tyler on Instagram: “She was an incredible woman, so kind and friendly to me as a young artist. Over the years, we met several times and she was always the same Bonnie. Her voice was truly amazing and standing next to her you really got to feel her power. A beautiful legend.”
Meanwhile, Doctor Who showrunner Davies praised the “fabulous” singer whom he had “loved” since his teens. The Welshman wrote on Instagram: “I never met her, though I must’ve lived a mile or so from her house – and that house was the stuff of legend. She was adored. I loved her from the age of 13; that’s when Lost In France came out and, somehow, for a closeted gay teenager, all the sadness and longing of that song told my camp little heart: that’s what life is like. Plus, French men. I was hooked!”
He added: “I think it’s quite a Welsh thing to lose your accent when you leave home. But NOT BONNIE! My God, that magnificent Skewen rasp never buckled, and I think that says a lot about how strong she was. What a gorgeous girl. Night, cariad (darling). Thank you for the music.”
Fellow Musicians Pay Tribute
Rock singer Suzi Quatro said she has been tearful all day, while speaking to Matt Allwright on Channel 5. She described Bonnie as “a big talent, a great voice and one that will be very well missed” and praised her for using her raspy voice “very cleverly to her advantage”. Quatro said: “She knew what she was doing up there. We did many, many gigs together, many TV shows. We’ve known each other a long time. Very long time.”
Liz Mitchell, the original lead singer of Boney M, said: “She burst onto the scene at exactly the same time as Boney M in the second half of the 1970s, and our paths crossed often, in TV studios and theatres across Europe. We became very good friends, and regularly met up for dinner over the following decades. She was a lovely person with a fantastic voice, and I’ll miss her very much.”
Welsh Figures Mourn a Legend
Welsh broadcaster Carol Vorderman remembered the “extraordinary” singer, whose real name was Gaynor Hopkins, in a video on Instagram and said she was regarded as a “legend”, particularly amongst women. Vorderman said: “It’s difficult to explain if you don’t live in Wales that Bonnie represented something to us, and she will be very, very sorely missed.”
Canadian rocker Bryan Adams, known for hits including (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, remembered “dear Bonnie Tyler” in a post on X. He wrote: “She had such a great voice and I’ll always be grateful of her beautiful version of Straight From The Heart. Thanks Bonnie. RIP.”
Tyler’s long-time guitarist Matt Prior called her a “kind and caring lady”, and said the opportunity to work with her “changed the course of my life”. Prior wrote a lengthy message on Instagram recounting his experiences with Tyler, calling her “a force of nature with an incredible voice responsible for worldwide iconic songs”.
Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth also paid tribute on X, saying he was “deeply saddened” by Tyler’s death, adding that Wales “lost a true icon whose music brought joy to so many”.
Eurovision and Legacy
Tyler represented the UK in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Believe In Me, and the BBC Eurovision team posted: “Bonnie was a music legend and we were truly honoured that such an iconic performer represented the UK. Behind the scenes she was humble, huge fun and very kind. She brought energy to the contest and was a joy to spend time with. We all have such fond memories.”
