Thousands gather in Swansea for Bonnie Tyler's emotional funeral
In Swansea, Wales, a massive crowd came together to honor the beloved singer Bonnie Tyler, who sadly passed away on July 8 at 75. A special service celebrating her life was held at Swansea Minster, followed by a private funeral for her family in Skewen, Neath Port Talbot. Known as Gaynor Hopkins, Tyler was praised by talent scout Roger Bell and received touching tributes from the Houses of Parliament, as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales, and famous musicians like Sir Cliff Richard and Sir Rod Stewart. Her manager, Matthew Davies, spoke about her down-to-earth personality. Tyler became a star in the 1980s with hits like 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart', and her coffin was beautifully adorned with flowers as it made its way to Skewen.
Key facts
- Bonnie Tyler died unexpectedly on 8 July at age 75.
- Celebration of life service held at Swansea Minster.
- Private family funeral in Skewen, Neath Port Talbot.
- Tyler's real name was Gaynor Hopkins.
- Talent scout Roger Bell discovered her.
- Tributes from Houses of Parliament, Prince and Princess of Wales, Portuguese government, Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Rod Stewart, Suzi Quatro.
- Her hit 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart' topped UK and US charts in the 1980s.
- Album 'Faster Than The Speed Of Night' was her only UK number one.
- Coffin designed with microphone, treble clef, cross by Spencer Morgan, and wings.
- Mary Hopkin's 'Those Were The Days' played at her request.
- Coffin draped in Welsh flag driven through Mumbles at weekend.
- Pamela Florance had Tyler as bridesmaid at her 1961 wedding.
Entities
Artists
- Bonnie Tyler
- Gaynor Hopkins
- Roger Bell
- Matthew Davies
- Sir Cliff Richard
- Sir Rod Stewart
- Suzi Quatro
- Mary Hopkin
- Robert Sullivan
- Hilary Burgum
- Pamela Florance
- Reverend Canon Justin Davies
- Spencer Morgan
- Gaynor Sullivan
- Catherine Zeta-Jones
- Bryan Adams
- Rod Stewart
- Tom Jones
- Shirley Bassey
- Cliff Richard
Institutions
- Swansea Minster
- Houses of Parliament
- Portuguese government
- PA Media
- EPA/Shutterstock
- William Pressdee Funeralcare
- St Mary's Church
- Marks and Spencer
- St Mary's church
- Only Men Aloud
- Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales
- Cerebral Palsy Cymru
Locations
- Swansea
- Wales
- Skewen
- Neath Port Talbot
- Mumbles
- Portugal
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Bryncoch
- Gorseinon
- Berlin
- Germany
- Basingstoke
- Newton Road
- The Townsend
- St Mary's Church, Swansea
Sources
- BBC Culture —
- BBC Culture —
- BBC Culture —
- BBC Culture —