Rock icon Suzi Quatro delivered a heartfelt farewell to her “fellow Gemini” Bonnie Tyler on BBC Breakfast this morning (August 15), sharing intimate memories of a friendship that stretched decades.
A Friendship Built on Parallel Paths
Suzi, who first burst onto the music scene in 1973 with her band The Pleasure Seekers before launching a hugely successful solo career, became one of the defining female voices of glam rock. Known for hits including Can the Can, 48 Crash and Devil Gate Drive, the Detroit-born bassist and singer broke significant ground as one of the first women to front a major rock band, paving the way for a generation of female artists.
She struck up a close friendship with fellow star Bonnie, beloved for her chart-topping anthems like Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero. The Welsh songstress passed away at the age of 75 in July this year, with her funeral set to take place in Swansea city centre on Monday (August 17), followed by a procession to Bonnie's birthplace of Skewen.
Emotional Tribute on Air
Before then, her coffin will journey through the streets of her hometown of Mumbles in South Wales today, with hundreds anticipated to line the route in tribute. To mark the occasion, BBC Breakfast host Charlie Stayt sat down with Suzi Quatro, one of rock's most trailblazing figures and a woman who knew Bonnie intimately, reports the Mirror.
The interview featured a particular emotional farewell message from Suzi to her long-time friend, in which she expressed her deep respect for the star. “And so it's time to finally say goodbye to my fellow rock singer, my fellow Gemini. Boy, oh boy,” she said, her voice full of emotion. “And, my friend, you have left your voice in this world big time. Now you are singing with angels. Rest in peace, love, and - the most important thing - respect.”
Cherished Memories
Reflecting on her long bond with Bonnie, Suzi described a friendship built on shared stages and parallel paths. “I've known her a very, very long time. I started in '73 and she started in '76, so just a few years after me, but we ran along a tandem path,” she said. “Our careers are very parallel... We were always meeting up at gigs around the world and we always talked.”
It was one particular backstage moment that Suzi said she would treasure forever. “We did so many gigs together, of course I'm a musician as well,” she told Charlie. “And I came off stage and I'll never forget it, Bonnie went 'What did you do to those people?' and that made me laugh. Aw, that's a nice memory to have of her.”
Viewers watching at home were moved by the tribute. One wrote: “Suzi Quatro talking about Bonnie Tyler! Bless her, one legend talking about another legend! #bbcbreakfast,” while another simply noted: “Suzi Quatro paying tribute to Bonnie Tyler on BBC Breakfast this morning.”
BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One and iPlayer from 6am.
