SUNSHINE Festival has paid tribute to music ‘icon’ Bonnie Tyler, revealing they had been trying to book her for the main stage for half a decade.
The 75-year-old singer, best known for Total Eclipse of the Heart, died in Portugal on Wednesday (July 8).
Tyler was set to perform at the festival in Upton-upon-Severn on Saturday, August 29, after organisers were finally able to secure her appearance.
Steve Cass, Sunshine festival director, said: “It took us five years to book Bonnie.
“It is a very sad day for the music world and the word icon is all you can say about Bonnie.
“All of us at Sunshine Festival send our condolences and respect to Bonnie’s family and management team.
Tyler rose to fame in the late 70s when her breakout single It’s a Heartache topped the Australian and Canadian charts, while reaching third in the US and fourth in the UK charts.
Her most famous song, Total Eclipse of the Heart, cemented her stardom in 1983 becoming a worldwide hit and has been recognised as one the best songs of the decade.
AWARD: Bonnie Tyler received her MBE in 2024 (Image: PA)
Tyler was admitted to hospital in May and placed in an induced coma following an emergency operation.
The 75-year-old awoke from her coma in June, but her death was announced earlier today.
A statement published on her website said: “Bonnie’s family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in hospital in Portugal as a result of the illness that she was being treated for.
“We will issue a further statement shortly but for now ask for privacy to deal with this tragedy.”
Stars from across the entertainment industry have made tributes to her, including Sir Cliff Richard, who described her as a ‘good friend to all’ and Sir Rod Stewart who called her a ‘a good pal, a true soul stirrer.
Even Sir Keir Starmer shared his sadness, praising Tyler as being ‘one of Britain’s greatest recording artists’.
