Bonnie Tyler: About her desire to work with Bob Geldof
Bonnie Tyler (67) can look back on an impressive career: her hits "Total Eclipse of the Heart" or "I Need a Hero" are unforgettable. With her 17th studio album "Between The Earth And The Stars" she wants to prove once again that her voice is as powerful as ever. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Tyler reveals where she gets her energy from, why her brother gets strange Instagram requests, and why she could hold a concert for her entire family.
You are celebrating your 50th stage anniversary this year. Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
Bonnie Tyler: I did not think I'd last that long. I was spotted "accidentally" at a club in Wales when I was 17 years old. Because actually Roger Bell, the talent scout from London, was for a band in this club, but then heard me sing in the other room and spoke to me. Then one thing came to another, and now, after 40 years, I'm working with David Mackay, the same producer I worked with for "It's a Heartache." I feel fantastic: my voice is stronger than ever.
What do you think has changed the most in the music industry over these years?
Tyler: The record business. At that time I sold at least 36,000 single or album copies daily. Sometimes even over 50,000 a day. Now we have all the streaming platforms and you do not earn your money anymore with records sold. But that does not bother me, because I did not want to become famous, but just to be a singer in a band. And I can not believe people still want to see me, this old rock'n'roll lady, on stage.
You mentioned streaming platforms. Do you use them or what about social media?
Tyler: I have a website and an official fan club, but I do not manage it personally. I use Instagram privately, but have no official account. My brother sometimes gets inquiries from alleged "Bonnie Tylers" on Instagram and asks me, "Why are you sending me friend requests, are you my sister?" I think talking to a family or friends should be more personal than communicating through social media.
Back to music: Does it actually bother you when people just connect you to hits like "Total Eclipse of the Heart" or "I Need a Hero"?
Tyler: The songs are my calling card, which is why great artists ask me if they can work with me. I am very grateful for it and proud. Total Eclipse of the Heart has over 570 million views on YouTube. That's crazy, right? My wish would still be to work with Bob Geldof.
On your new album you are already singing together with some big stars. Which song means the most to you?
Tyler: I am particularly proud of the duets with Rod Stewart (74, "Maggie May"), whom I unfortunately could not personally meet to sing, or Cliff Richard (78, "Living Doll") and Francis Rossi (69, "Quo "). Maybe I'll meet Rod on tour in May! The song "Older" was written by songwriter Amy Wadge, who wrote the mega hit "Thinking Out Loud" with Ed Sheeran (28). He suits me very well, because of course: I got older and that's a good thing.
Your tour will start at the end of April. Does your family accompany you on trips?
Tyler: My husband is always there and a lot of my family will see my show in Pembroke, UK. My nephew and boyfriend will be there when I perform in Paris. I have a huge family: three sisters, two brothers, 16 nephews and nieces and 14 grandnephews and grandnies. So I could do a whole concert just for my family.
And is not it exhausting to travel so much for the tour?
Tyler: Not that, it's rather the interviews, which are sometimes a bit tiresome. But that's my job. Many people ask me, "Bonnie, where do you get all your energy from?" I dont know. But I have the feeling that I am stronger than ever.
