As the world mourns the heartbreaking death of one of Wales' most-loved singers, Bonnie Tyler, at age 75, her passing has saddened me personally, as in the months before her death I interviewed her and then met Bonnie at her last ever live show at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire on 19 March. It was an evening I will always treasure.
Bonnie was one of those rare performers – both a living icon for all-time classic power ballads Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out for a Hero, and an incredibly down-to-earth person with a wonderful sense of humour.
© Sophie HamiltonIn February, I phoned Bonnie for an interview to chat about her 2026 tour for HELLO!. We hit it off immediately.
Bonnie was talking to me from her home in the charming seaside town of Mumbles, Swansea, coincidentally where my aunt lives and where I spent many happy times as a child. We chatted about the beautiful beaches, the famous ice cream parlour Joe's that we both loved to visit, and how she adored being with her huge family in her hometown.
Bonnie lit up as she talked about performing and touring, which she enjoyed as much as ever. She told me she did Pilates every day at home to stay in shape and was raring to get on stage. She mentioned her long-time voice coach, James Windsor and how she would consult him before a show.
We laughed about the social media videos where people play Total Eclipse of the Heart and at the 'turn around' part, their dogs spin around. Bonnie had seen them and thought they were funny.
© Suzie Gibbons/RedfernsIt was amazing when, at the end of the interview, Bonnie invited me to her London show the following month and even said, "Come to the bar backstage afterwards for a drink and say 'hello'." It was a remarkably kind gesture from such a big star. Of course, I said yes. She said I could bring a plus one, so my fellow Bonnie fan friend Gemma joined me.
Arriving at the concert, Bonnie's name was up in lights above the entrance and fans excitedly took their seats, with several Welsh flags flying in the audience. I was heartened to discover that Bonnie's voice coach, James, was sitting next to me, who spoke so warmly of the star and how they had worked together for years.
Bonnie truly shone that evening. She had told me she never got tired of singing her biggest hits – she loved it – and we could tell. Her trademark raspy voice was still powerful, and we knew we were watching history.
After the show, we joined Bonnie's friends and family in a private get-together in the venue's upstairs bar. It was such a friendly atmosphere, everyone was chatting and waiting for Bonnie to arrive after her concert. When the singer entered the bar, everyone cheered and congratulated her on a brilliant show.
I chatted to Bonnie and she was all smiles and thanked me for coming. She was just as glamorous as you'd expect - that gorgeous, voluminous blonde hair, and she definitely had a starry aura. I wondered how many famous singers would invite a journalist they'd chatted to once to such an intimate soirée, but I think that was Bonnie. She was such a grounded and friendly person. She was both this huge international star and a normal Welsh girl.
In May, when I learned of Bonnie's health condition, I was shocked and saddened. She was so vivacious and on top of the world when we met. I prayed she would recover, as did many, but sadly she died on 8 July. Her passing is such a loss.
© AlamyI may have only met Bonnie a couple of times, but her kindness touched me, as I'm sure it did many others over the years.
Bonnie was a spiritual person. In our interview, she told me of her pre-show good luck ritual. She shared: "I always put my little angels out in my dressing room and my cross and chain. I ask the Lord to help us do a great show for the people."
Forever our angel, Bonnie.
