Thousands of Fans Line Streets as Bonnie Tyler's Coffin Returns to Swansea
In Mumbles, Swansea, thousands gathered to honor the iconic singer Bonnie Tyler, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 75 on 8 July in Portugal. Mourners tossed flowers onto the hearse, which was adorned with the Welsh flag and a photograph of Tyler, born Gaynor Sullivan. As "Total Eclipse of the Heart" played, fans applauded in remembrance. Angela Powell described Tyler as "lovely," with others sharing their personal stories. Sabine Neumann made the journey from Berlin to pay her respects. A service at St Mary's Church in Swansea will follow, leading to a procession and a private family gathering. Tyler, discovered by Roger Bell, released her debut single in 1977 and achieved her first US number one in 1983.
Key facts
- Bonnie Tyler died unexpectedly on 8 July at a hospital in Portugal, aged 75.
- Her coffin was driven through Mumbles, Swansea, with thousands of fans lining the streets.
- The coffin was draped in the Welsh flag and accompanied by a framed photograph.
- Fans threw flowers on the hearse as it drove down Newton Road.
- Angela Powell described Tyler as 'like a friend you'd known all of your life'.
- Sabine Neumann and her son Enrico traveled from Berlin to attend the tribute.
- The funeral service will be held at St Mary's Church in Swansea on Monday.
- Tyler was the first Welsh person to score a number one hit in the US with 'Total Eclipse of the Heart'.
- She was born Gaynor Hopkins and grew up in Neath.
- She was discovered by talent scout Roger Bell in a Swansea club.
Entities
Artists
- Bonnie Tyler
- Gaynor Sullivan
- Gaynor Hopkins
- Catherine Zeta-Jones
- Bryan Adams
- Rod Stewart
- Robert Sullivan
- Roger Bell
Institutions
- William Pressdee Funeralcare
- St Mary's Church
- Marks and Spencer
- Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales
- Cerebral Palsy Cymru
Locations
- Swansea
- Mumbles
- Portugal
- Wales
- Neath Port Talbot
- Bryncoch
- Gorseinon
- Skewen
- Berlin
- Germany
- Basingstoke
- Newton Road
- The Townsend
- St Mary's Church, Swansea