Bonnie Tyler

Biography

Gaynor Sullivan (née Hopkins; 8 June 1951 – 8 July 2026), known professionally as Bonnie Tyler, was a Welsh singer. Known for her distinctive husky voice, she came to prominence with the release of her debut studio album The World Starts Tonight×The World Starts Tonight3 February 1977 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracksA1Got So Used to Loving You3:13A2Love of a Rolling Stone3:23A3Lost in France3:48A4Piece of My Heart3:42A5More Than a Lover4:10B1Give Me Your Love3:13B2The World Starts Tonight3:32B3Here’s Monday3:42B4Love Tangle3:10B5Let the Show Begin4:32 (1977) and its singles "Lost in France×Lost in France1976 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksALost in France2:58BBaby I Remember You3:18" and "More Than a Lover×More Than a Lover1977 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAMore Than a Lover4:11BLove Tangle3:11". Her 1977 single "It's a Heartache×It's a Heartache1977 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAIt’s a Heartache3:28BI’ve Got So Used to Lovin’ You3:13" reached number four on the UK singles chart and number three on the US Billboard Hot 100.
In the 1980s, Tyler ventured into rock music with songwriter and producer Jim Steinman. He wrote Tyler's biggest hit, "Total Eclipse of the Heart×Total Eclipse of the Heart1983 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksATotal Eclipse of the Heart5:30BHave You Ever Seen the Rain4:03", which sold over 13 million copies worldwide and was released as the lead single from her UK chart-topping album Faster Than the Speed of Night×Faster Than the Speed of Night8 April 1983 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 9 tracks1Have You Ever Seen the Rain?4:102Faster Than the Speed of Night6:453Getting So Exciting3:324Total Eclipse of the Heart7:005It’s a Jungle Out There4:396Goin’ Through the Motions4:087Tears3:508Take Me Back5:219Straight From the Heart3:43 (1983). Steinman also wrote Tyler's other major 1980s hit, "Holding Out for a Hero×Holding Out for a Hero1984 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAHolding Out for a Hero4:29BFaster Than the Speed of Night4:40". Her other successful singles during this period included "Here She Comes×Here She ComesOctober 1984 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAHere She Comes3:21BTime3:37" from the 1984 soundtrack to Metropolis and "If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)×If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)1986 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAIf You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)4:00BUnder Suspicion4:20", written by Desmond Child and produced by Steinman. She had success in mainland Europe during the 1990s with Dieter Bohlen, who wrote and produced her hit "Bitterblue×Bitterblue11 November 1991 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1Bitterblue3:512Against the Wind3:403Careless Heart4:334Whenever You Need Me4:045Where Were You5:126Save Me4:107He’s Got a Hold on Me4:168Keep Your Love Alive4:259Tell Me the Truth3:4810Heaven Is Here4:4111Love Is in Love Again4:4112Till the End of Time4:0413Too Hot3:2814Why3:56". In 2003, Tyler re-recorded "Total Eclipse of the Heart" with singer Kareen Antonn; their bilingual duet, titled "Si demain... (Turn Around)", topping the French charts.
Tyler released Rocks and Honey in 2013, featuring the single "Believe in Me×Believe in Me11 March 2013 · SingleSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracks1Believe in Me3:582Believe in Me (Radio Edit)3:01", which she performed while representing the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Malmö, Sweden. After reuniting with the producer David Mackay, she released Between the Earth and the Stars (2019) and The Best Is Yet to Come (2021).
Tyler's work earned her three Grammy Award nominations and three Brit Award nominations (including twice for British Female Solo Artist), among other accolades. In 2022, she was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for her services to music. Her singles "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and "It's a Heartache" have estimated sales of over 6 million units each, and are among the best-selling singles of all time.

Early life

Gaynor Hopkins was born on 8 June 1951, in Skewen, Neath, Wales. Her father, Glyndwr Hopkins, was a coal miner and World War II serviceman, and her mother, Elsie Hopkins (née Lewis), was a housewife. She grew up in a four-bedroom council house with three sisters and two brothers (one of her sisters sang backing vocals on a song Tyler wrote with her manager and other writers). She was exposed to a variety of singers and genres through her siblings including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and the Beatles. Frankie Miller was the first live act that Tyler saw, and she later recorded duets with him. Hopkins attended Rhydhir Comprehensive School in Neath, leaving at 16 with no qualifications, and began working in a grocery shop. She and her family were deeply religious Protestant Christians. Her first public performance was in a chapel as a child, singing the Anglican hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful".
In April 1969, Hopkins was entered into a local talent competition by her aunt and came second to an accordionist. Inspired to pursue a singing career, she worked as a backing singer for Bobby Wayne & the Dixies before forming her own band, Imagination. Around that time, she changed her name to Sherene Davis to avoid confusion with Welsh folk singer Mary Hopkin.

1975–1978: The World Starts Tonight and Natural Force

In 1975, Davis was spotted singing with her band in the Townsman Club in Swansea, Wales, by talent scout Roger Bell, who invited her to London to record a demo track. After several months, she received a phone call from RCA Records offering her a recording contract. They recommended that she change her name again. After compiling a list of surnames and first names from a newspaper, Davis chose the name "Bonnie Tyler".

Ronnie Scott and Steve Wolfe became her managers, songwriters, and producers. "My! My! Honeycomb×My! My! Honeycomb30 April 1976 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAMy! My! Honeycomb3:04BI've Got So Used to Loving You, Baby2:57" was released as her debut single in April 1976 but did not chart. In September 1976, as part of a promotional campaign for Tyler's next single, "Lost in France×Lost in France1976 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksALost in France2:58BBaby I Remember You3:18", RCA allocated £4,000 for a strategic initiative that involved sending 30 music journalists and radio DJs to Le Touquet, France where they met Tyler over a four-course meal. "Lost in France" peaked at No. 9 in the UK and led to Tyler's first appearance on Top of the Pops. "More Than a Lover×More Than a Lover1977 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAMore Than a Lover4:11BLove Tangle3:11" followed in January 1977. Due to the perceived sexual nature of its lyrics, it was banned from the new British children's TV series, Get It Together. Though surprised, Tyler said she was grateful for the "extra publicity". It peaked at No. 27 in the UK.
Tyler's debut album, The World Starts Tonight×The World Starts Tonight3 February 1977 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracksA1Got So Used to Loving You3:13A2Love of a Rolling Stone3:23A3Lost in France3:48A4Piece of My Heart3:42A5More Than a Lover4:10B1Give Me Your Love3:13B2The World Starts Tonight3:32B3Here’s Monday3:42B4Love Tangle3:10B5Let the Show Begin4:32, was released in February 1977. To promote it, she embarked on her first UK tour as a guest artist with Gene Pitney. The album failed to chart in the UK, but reached No. 2 in Sweden. In spring 1977, Tyler underwent surgery to remove vocal-cord nodules and was advised by her doctor to rest her voice for six weeks. She screamed in frustration one day, resulting in a permanent raspy tone.
In July 1977, Tyler released her fourth single, "Heaven×Heaven1977 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAHeaven3:07BHere's Monday3:42", which peaked at no. 24 in Germany. She attributed its underwhelming performance elsewhere to the death of Elvis Presley in August 1977, after which RCA redirected its focus to reissuing Presley's back catalogue. "It's a Heartache×It's a Heartache1977 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAIt’s a Heartache3:28BI’ve Got So Used to Lovin’ You3:13" followed in November 1977 and became one of Tyler's most successful singles, peaking at No. 4 in the UK and No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Here Am I×Here Am I1978 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAHere Am I3:50BDon't Stop the Music3:40" was released in April 1978 and peaked at No. 4 in Norway. David Mackay parted ways with Ronnie Scott and Steve Wolfe in 1978, and Gordon Mills briefly took over as her manager. Mills organised her first tour of the United States in July 1978, including several nights at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles supporting Tom Jones. Tyler's second studio album, Natural Force×Natural Force19 May 1978 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracksA1It’s a Heartache3:28A2Blame Me4:02A3Living for the City3:40A4If I Sing You a Love Song4:45A5Heaven3:04B1Yesterday Dreams4:08B2Hey Love (It’s a Feelin’)3:55B3Natural Woman3:02B4Here Am I3:47B5Baby Goodnight4:27, was released in May 1978. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), with sales of over half a million copies.

1979–1981: Diamond Cut and Goodbye to the Island

Scott and Wolfe produced Tyler's third album, Diamond Cut×Diamond CutFebruary 1979 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracksA1If You Ever Need Me Again3:29A2Too Good to Last3:42A3What a Way to Treat My Heart3:33A4The Eyes of a Fool3:16A5Bye Bye Now My Sweet Love3:00B1Louisiana Rain4:22B2Baby I Just Love You3:01B3Words Can Change Your Life3:40B4My Guns Are Loaded3:41B5I’m a Fool3:16, with Robin Geoffrey Cable. Released in February 1979, it was a Top 20 record in Finland, Norway, and Sweden, but only reached No. 145 in the US. Tyler felt that RCA was pushing her to record more country-oriented music, which frustrated her. The album yielded one major hit, "My Guns Are Loaded×My Guns Are Loaded1979 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAMy Guns Are Loaded3:45BBaby I Just Love You3:01", which peaked at No. 10 on the Canadian AC chart.
In the summer of 1979, Tyler had another UK Top 40 hit with "(The World Is Full of) Married Men". She recorded it for a film adaptation of Jackie Collins' novel of the same name, and she performed the song during the film's closing titles. In November 1979, Tyler represented the UK at the Yamaha World Popular Song Festival in Japan. She won the Grand Prix International award for her performance of "Sitting on the Edge of the Ocean×Sitting on the Edge of the Ocean1979 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksASitting on the Edge of the Ocean2:52BCome on Give Me Loving3:22", written by Scott and Wolfe. They co-produced her fourth album, Goodbye to the Island×Goodbye to the Island28 January 1981 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1I’m Just a Woman5:082We Danced on the Ceiling4:583Wild Love4:374The Closer You Get3:505Sometimes When We Touch4:196Goodbye to the Island3:137Wild Side of Life3:468Whiter Shade of Pale4:299Sitting on the Edge of the Ocean3:1910I Believe in Your Sweet Love4:22, with Hugh Murphy. Released in 1981, it only charted in Norway. RCA invited her to extend her contract for another five years, but she declined, expressing disillusionment with her artistic image and noting a scarcity of performance opportunities in the aftermath of several unsuccessful singles.

1982–1989: The CBS years

After her contract with RCA expired, Tyler signed with CBS/Columbia. A&R executive Muff Winwood asked her to scout a new producer. She considered Phil Collins, Jeff Lynne and Alan Tarney, but Jim Steinman was her first choice. "I'm a huge fan of his records, especially his solo album, and when my manager and I were discussing my comeback, we both agreed that I had to sound the best or nobody would take me seriously." Steinman initially declined, but reconsidered after Tyler sent him demos of the rock material she hoped to record.
After their initial meeting, Tyler returned to Steinman's New York apartment a few weeks later, where she performed "Total Eclipse of the Heart×Total Eclipse of the Heart1983 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksATotal Eclipse of the Heart5:30BHave You Ever Seen the Rain4:03" with Rory Dodd, a rock singer from Ontario, Canada. Steinman said that the song is "a Wagnerian-like onslaught of sound and emotion", and a "showpiece" for Tyler's voice. Her fifth album was partially recorded at the Power Station in New York, with members of the E Street Band, Rick Derringer on guitar, Dodd and Eric Troyer on backing vocals, and Steinman as producer.
"Total Eclipse of the Heart" was released in the UK on 11 February 1983. It became one of the best-selling singles of all time with over 13 million copies sold worldwide. Her fifth studio album, Faster Than the Speed of Night×Faster Than the Speed of Night8 April 1983 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 9 tracks1Have You Ever Seen the Rain?4:102Faster Than the Speed of Night6:453Getting So Exciting3:324Total Eclipse of the Heart7:005It’s a Jungle Out There4:396Goin’ Through the Motions4:087Tears3:508Take Me Back5:219Straight From the Heart3:43, debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and reached No. 3 on the US Cashbox chart and No. 4 on the Billboard 200, selling over one million copies in the United States. Tyler's commercial success led to several award nominations, including two Grammys, two AMAs and a BRIT Award. She was named Best Recording Artist at the Variety Club of Great Britain Awards, and she received a Goldene Europa.
Tyler also found success with several soundtrack recordings in the mid-80s. In 1984, she released "Holding Out for a Hero×Holding Out for a Hero1984 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAHolding Out for a Hero4:29BFaster Than the Speed of Night4:40" from the Footloose soundtrack. In 1985, her recording of "Here She Comes×Here She ComesOctober 1984 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAHere She Comes3:21BTime3:37" for Giorgio Moroder's restoration of the 1927 film Metropolis earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. Tyler also declined an offer to record the theme for the James Bond spin-off Never Say Never Again.
In 1986, Tyler released her sixth studio album, Secret Dreams and Forbidden Fire×Secret Dreams and Forbidden Fire21 April 1986 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 9 tracks1Ravishing6:262If You Were a Woman (and I Was a Man)5:173Loving You's a Dirty Job but Somebody's Gotta Do It7:484No Way to Treat a Lady5:185Band of Gold5:516Rebel Without a Clue8:377Lovers Again4:338Before This Night Is Through5:239Holding Out for a Hero5:50. In another collaboration with Steinman, the album also featured songs written by Desmond Child and Bryan Adams, as well as a cover of Freda Payne's "Band of Gold×Band of Gold1986 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksABand of GoldBIt's Not Enough". "If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)×If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)1986 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAIf You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)4:00BUnder Suspicion4:20" became the album's most successful single, selling over 250,000 units in France. The music video, directed by Steinman and Stuart Orme, received six nominations at the Billboard Video Music Conference. She also collaborated with Brazilian singer Fábio Júnior on the bilingual album Sem Límites pra Sonhar, including the lead single Sem Limites pra Sonhar (Reaching for the Infinite Heart).
In 1987, Tyler collaborated with Mike Oldfield on the title track to his album Islands×Islands7 September 1987 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 3 tracks1Islands (extended version)5:352When the Nights on Fire6:403The Wind Chimes, Part One2:24. In 1988, she played Polly Garter on George Martin's album Under Milk Wood, a radio drama by Dylan Thomas. The music was composed by Elton John and featured vocal contributions from Tom Jones, Anthony Hopkins and Mary Hopkin.
Tyler asked Desmond Child to produce her seventh album, Hide Your Heart×Hide Your Heart9 May 1988 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracksA1Notes From America4:55A2Hide Your Heart4:25A3Don’t Turn Around4:18A4Save Up All Your Tears4:24A5To Love Somebody5:49B1Take Another Look at My Heart3:47B2The Best4:16B3Shy With You3:40B4Streets of Little Italy4:39B5Turtle Blues4:14, which was released on 9 May 1988. The album featured collaborations with Michael Bolton, Albert Hammond, and Diane Warren. Its singles, "Hide Your Heart", "Save Up All Your Tears×Save Up All Your Tears1988 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksASave Up All Your Tears (London mix)BIt's Not Enough" and "The Best×The Best1988 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 3 tracks1The Best4:162The Fire Below5:103Under Suspicion4:24" became major hits for other artists. Tina Turner had a global hit with "The Best" and Tyler conceded “I have to be honest, she did it much better than I did.”

1990–2000: Success in continental Europe

In 1990, Tyler signed to Hansa/BMG Ariola and began working with various producers for her eighth studio album. She collaborated with Dieter Bohlen, Giorgio Moroder, Nik Kershaw and Roy Bittan. "We used so many producers in efforts to capture many different moods for many different territories, because we believed in the international crossover potential of Tyler," said David Brunner, A&R manager for Hansa.
Bitterblue was released on 11 November 1991. In a retrospective review, AllMusic's Tomas Mureika noted that the album marked a "much more mainstream and less bombastic" direction in Tyler's career. The title track was issued a month before the album and became a top-40 hit in several European countries. It was named 'Catchy Song of the Year' at the RSH-Gold Awards. In 1992, "Bitterblue×Bitterblue11 November 1991 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1Bitterblue3:512Against the Wind3:403Careless Heart4:334Whenever You Need Me4:045Where Were You5:126Save Me4:107He’s Got a Hold on Me4:168Keep Your Love Alive4:259Tell Me the Truth3:4810Heaven Is Here4:4111Love Is in Love Again4:4112Till the End of Time4:0413Too Hot3:2814Why3:56" was released as a promotional single in the US, where it was met with criticism. Billboard wrote that "bombastic production, with a rush of bagpipes and a choir of chirping children at the forefront, overpower Tyler's distinctive raspy voice." Although Bitterblue was never released in the UK or US, the album was a commercial success in mainland Europe. It topped the charts in Austria and Norway, achieving 4× Platinum status in the latter country with 11 weeks at No. 1.

Tyler's subsequent albums, Angel Heart×Angel Heart5 October 1992 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1Fools Lullaby3:522Take a Chance3:393Race to the Fire3:524Sending Me Angels5:275Call Me4:006Angel Heart3:497Daytime Friends4:198God Gave Love to You4:319All We Have Is Tonight3:3710I’m Only a Lonely Child3:0811Born to Be a Winner4:1312Save Your Love5:1613You’re the Greatest Love3:5214I Cry Myself to Sleep at Night4:24 (1992) and Silhouette in Red×Silhouette in Red11 October 1993 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 15 tracks1Sally Comes Around3:412Fire in My Soul4:403Stay4:044Send Me the Pillow3:345From the Bottom of My Lonely Heart3:346Silhouette in Red4:007I Climb Every Mountain3:378Bad Dreams3:499James Dean3:1410Clouds in My Coffee3:2311Years May Come3:5112Cryin’ a Little3:3813You Are So Beautiful2:2114Before We Get Any Closer4:1115You Won’t See Me Cry2:47 (1993), were also successful in mainland Europe. Both albums featured a greater share of songs written and produced by Dieter Bohlen. Tyler was named Best International Singer at the Goldene Europa Awards in 1993, and Best Pop/Rock Singer at the ECHO Awards in 1994. In 1995, Tyler moved to EastWest Records and released Free Spirit. The album featured collaborations with several producers, including Humberto Gatica, David Foster and Steinman. The lead single, a cover of Air Supply's "Making Love (Out of Nothing At All)×Making Love (Out of Nothing at All)1995 · SingleSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Making Love (Out of Nothing at All) (radio version)4:18", reached No. 45 on the UK Singles Chart in January 1996. The album was re-released in March 1996 featuring a cover of "Limelight×Limelight1996 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 3 tracks1Limelight (radio version)4:062Limelight (ouverture mix)5:123Georgia on My Mind3:04" by the Alan Parsons Project; the track was used as a theme for the German team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
Tyler's 12th studio album, All in One Voice×All in One Voice9 November 1998 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1Heaven3:242Like an Ocean4:093Soon Will Be Too Late3:534You Always Saw the Blue Skies3:525We Can Start Here4:036Angel of the Morning3:447The Reason Why3:508Return to Blue3:269You’re Breaking My Heart Again3:3710I Put a Spell on You4:3811I’ll Never Let You Down3:5212The Rose3:2513He’s the King4:4814Silent Night2:26, was released in 1998. Much of the album was recorded with Jimmy Smyth in Dublin and Harold Faltermeyer in Hamburg, Germany. She appeared on Rick Wakeman's progressive rock album Return to the Centre of the Earth (1999) performing on the song "Is Anybody There?". The album also included narration from Star Trek actor Patrick Stewart and vocals from Ozzy Osbourne, Katrina Leskanich and Justin Hayward.

2001–2003: Greatest Hits and Heart Strings

On 14 September 2001, Tyler released Greatest Hits, a compilation album containing 17 tracks. It entered the UK Albums Chart at No. 18 and was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for sales of over 60,000 units. Greatest Hits also reached the Top 10 in five other European countries.
In 2002, she began working on her 13th studio album, Heart Strings×Heart Strings1 January 2002 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 13 tracks1Human Touch4:322Everybody Hurts5:533Amazed4:074Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)4:085And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going4:096Lean on Me4:377In My Life2:588Learning to Fly3:579Right Here Waiting4:1410I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For4:1411I Can’t Make You Love Me4:3612Need Your Love So Bad5:1613It’s Over4:14. EMI approached her with the idea of recording a covers album with an orchestra and Tyler's band. She selected 13 songs by artists including U2, the Beatles, and Bruce Springsteen. The arrangements were written by Nick Ingman and Karl Jenkins and performed by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. Heart Strings was released on 18 March 2003 and was followed by a tour in Germany. The album charted in three European countries.

2004–2005: Success in France

In 2003, vocalist Kareen Antonn invited Tyler to re-record "Total Eclipse of the Heart×Total Eclipse of the Heart1983 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksATotal Eclipse of the Heart5:30BHave You Ever Seen the Rain4:03" as a bilingual duet in French and English. The new version, re-titled "Si demain... (Turn Around)" was released in December 2003. It went to No. 1 in Belgium and France, where it remained at the top for 10 weeks and sold over 500,000 units. The success of the single was regarded as Tyler's comeback in France and received strongly positive reviews from music critics.
Tyler's 14th studio album, Simply Believe×Simply Believe13 April 2004 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 15 tracks1Si demain… (Turn Around)3:512Simply Believe4:393Si tout s'arrête (It’s a Heartache)3:264Holding Out for a Hero3:545Back in My Arms4:286Open Your Eyes4:197Here She Comes3:178Nobody Better4:069If You Were a Woman (and I Was a Man)4:0010When I Close My Eyes4:2611It’s in the Back of My Mind4:4412I Want You3:5713Darlin’3:2214All Night to Know You5:2015Driving Me Wild4:33, was released in April 2004. It featured seven new songs alongside various re-recordings and covers. Tyler and Antonn recorded "Si tout s'arrête (It's a Heartache)" as a second bilingual duet. It peaked at No. 12 in France. Tyler co-wrote the title track and two additional songs with producer Jean Lahcene. Simply Believe spent 23 weeks on the French Album Charts and peaked at No. 18.

Tyler released her 15th studio album, Wings×Wings14 April 2005 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 16 tracks1Louise (Original Version)3:452Celebrate2:553Driving Me Crazy3:204Hold Out Your Heart3:525Run Run Run3:266Wings4:027It's a Heartache3:198Stand Up3:329Crying in Berlin3:3410Total Eclipse of the Heart3:4911I'll Stand by You4:1712All I Need Is Love4:4613I Won't Look Back3:3514Streets of Stone3:2715Chante avec moi2:5516Louise (Il est mon homme)3:45, in spring 2005. Recorded in Paris, it featured 12 new songs, two of which were also recorded in French, as well as new versions of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and "It's a Heartache×It's a Heartache1977 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAIt’s a Heartache3:28BI’ve Got So Used to Lovin’ You3:13". She promoted the album with an extensive European tour, including a televised performance at the Sopot International Song Festival in Poland and recorded concerts at La Cigale in Paris and at the Fiestas del Pilar in Zaragoza, Spain. Footage from all three concerts appeared on Tyler's live DVD Bonnie on Tour, released in 2006. Wings came out in the UK in 2006 under the title Celebrate. Tyler also received the Lifetime Achievement Steiger Award in 2005.
In 2004, a version of "Holding Out for a Hero×Holding Out for a Hero1984 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAHolding Out for a Hero4:29BFaster Than the Speed of Night4:40" was recorded by Jennifer Saunders for the Shrek 2 soundtrack.

2006–2011: From the Heart: Greatest Hits and Best of 3 CD

In 2006, Tyler made her first appearance on US television in several years when she performed "Total Eclipse of the Heart×Total Eclipse of the Heart1983 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksATotal Eclipse of the Heart5:30BHave You Ever Seen the Rain4:03" with actress Lucy Lawless on Celebrity Duets. In January 2007, Tyler recorded a new version of the song with the punk band BabyPinkStar. It peaked at No. 40 on the UK Independent Singles chart. In March, she released From the Heart: Greatest Hits, which reached No. 2 in Ireland and No. 31 in the UK.
In April 2009, Tyler joined Welsh male voice choir Only Men Aloud! on their UK tour to perform "Total Eclipse of the Heart". They recorded the song for their second studio album Band of Brothers, which was released in October. Also in 2009, she recorded the title song for Mal Pope's musical Cappuccino Girls, and performed it on opening night at Swansea's Grand Theatre. Tyler also made a cameo on Hollyoaks Later, singing "Holding Out for a Hero×Holding Out for a Hero1984 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAHolding Out for a Hero4:29BFaster Than the Speed of Night4:40" in a dream sequence featuring Carmel McQueen (Gemma Merna).

In 2010, Tyler appeared in a television advertisement for MasterCard, singing a parody of "Total Eclipse of the Heart". She released "Something Going On×Something Going On2010 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Something Going On3:01" with Country singer Wayne Warner and a new version of "Making Love (Out of Nothing At All)×Making Love (Out of Nothing at All)1995 · SingleSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Making Love (Out of Nothing at All) (radio version)4:18" with Matt Pétrin in July and August respectively. In October, she toured Australia and New Zealand with Robin Gibb.

In 2011, Tyler appeared on the Swedish TV show Kvällen är din, performing "Total Eclipse of the Heart" with singer Niklas Paulström. Tyler also performed "It's a Heartache×It's a Heartache1977 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAIt’s a Heartache3:28BI’ve Got So Used to Lovin’ You3:13". She made a guest appearance in the music video "Newport (Ymerodraeth State of Mind)", a parody of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind" for BBC Comic Relief. That year, Tyler received an award at the BMI London Awards after "It's a Heartache" surpassed three million airplays on US television and radio since its release in 1977. She also appeared on the Ukrainian version of The X Factor as one of three British guests, alongside Kylie Minogue and Cher Lloyd, performing "It's a Heartache", "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and "Holding Out for a Hero". In December 2011, a portrait of Tyler by Rolf Harris, owned by Cathy Sims, was valued at £50,000 on BBC's Antiques Roadshow.
In September 2011, Tyler released a new compilation, Best of 3 CD×Best Of 3 CD26 September 2011 · Album · CompilationSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 53 tracks · 3 discsDisc 11Amour Éternel (Eternal Flame)3:232Total Eclipse of the Heart4:273It's a Heartache3:194Loving You's a Dirty Job (But Somebody's Gotta Do It)7:485Crying in Berlin3:346Louise3:407Driving Me Crazy3:098The Best4:159Lost in France4:1110Wings4:0511All I Need Is Love4:4412I'll Stand by You4:1513Time3:3714Don't Turn Around4:1415Take Me Back5:2016Stand Up3:3117Open Your Eyes3:51Disc 21Holding Out for a Hero3:412Here She Comes3:133If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)3:484Run Run Run3:295Hold Out Your Heart3:446Under One Sky3:257A Rockin' Good Way (To Mess Around and Fall in Love)2:508Hide Your Heart4:229I Want You3:3910Straight From the Heart3:4011It's Not Enough5:0912Simply Believe4:3613I Won't Look Back3:3714Gonna Get Better3:2615Streets of Stone3:2816Total Eclipse of the Heart (version 2006)3:5017Celebrate2:5818Band of Gold5:27Disc 31Si Demain (Total Eclipse of the Heart)3:512Have You Ever Seen the Rain?4:063Notes From America4:524Simply Believe4:365Save Up All Your Tears4:236To Love Somebody5:457No Way to Treat a Lady5:188Crying in Berlin3:479Run Run Run3:2910Driving Me Crazy3:2211Lovers Again4:3512Turtle Blues4:1113Il Est Mon Homme3:3614Chante Avec Moi2:5415It's a Heartache5:0316Holding Out for a Hero3:4617If You Were a Woman (And I Was a Man)4:2418Here She Comes3:34, which charted at no. 36 in France. The album included a cover of "Eternal Flame" by The Bangles, recorded as a French‑English duet with Laura Zen and released as a single.

2012–2018: Rocks and Honey and the Eurovision Song Contest

In early 2012, Tyler began working on her 16th album, Rocks and Honey×Rocks and Honey8 March 2013 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1This Is Gonna Hurt3:082Sunshine2:543Believe in Me3:584What You Need from Me4:065Crying3:266Little Superstar3:087Flat on the Floor3:248All I Ever Wanted3:469Stubborn3:4710Love Is the Knife4:4011Lord Help Me3:3512Mom3:5613You Try4:2314Believe in Me (Radio Edit)3:03. She travelled to Nashville in search of material, and recorded the album at Blackbird Studios with producer David Huff from White Heart. Tyler sent the album to the BBC ahead of its release for feedback. After hearing the third track "Believe in Me×Believe in Me11 March 2013 · SingleSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracks1Believe in Me3:582Believe in Me (Radio Edit)3:01", they asked her to represent the UK with the song at the Eurovision Song Contest 2013. Although initially reluctant, Tyler accepted, describing Eurovision as "great publicity for my album".
Tyler was announced as the UK's entrant on 7 March 2013 and received mixed reaction. "Believe in Me" was released on 13 March and peaked at No. 93 in the UK. As a member of the "Big Five", the UK automatically qualified for the Eurovision Grand Final on 18 May. Tyler finished in 19th place with 23 points. Reacting to the results, she said, "I did the best that I could do with a great song", adding, "I'm so glad and so happy that I did it because it was an incredible experience. It was like the Grammy Awards all over again." After the contest, Tyler became the first UK representative to receive a Eurovision Song Contest Radio Award, winning Best Song and Best Female Singer.
Rocks and Honey was released on 6 May 2013 in the UK and peaked at no. 52 on the UK Albums Chart. The album title referred to the contrast between Tyler and Vince Gill's voice on their duet "What You Need from Me", which was likened to "rocks and honey". "This Is Gonna Hurt×This Is Gonna Hurt5 July 2013 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1This Is Gonna Hurt3:08" and "Love Is the Knife×Love Is the Knife16 September 2013 · SingleSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Love Is the Knife4:40" were released as the second and third singles in August and September 2013 respectively, although neither charted. In 2014, Tyler released "Miserere" on Rhydian Roberts's album One Day like This, and "Fortune" on Spike's album 100% Pure Frankie Miller.

In June 2015, Tyler appeared on Die schönsten Disney Songs aller Zeiten, a one-off televised celebration of Disney music in Germany, performing "Circle of Life" from The Lion King. In September 2015, she performed "Total Eclipse of the Heart×Total Eclipse of the Heart1983 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksATotal Eclipse of the Heart5:30BHave You Ever Seen the Rain4:03" and "Holding Out for a Hero×Holding Out for a Hero1984 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAHolding Out for a Hero4:29BFaster Than the Speed of Night4:40" on Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris, Nicole Scherzinger, and Alec Baldwin. In 2016, Tyler was featured on Frankie Miller's album Double Take. She toured New Zealand in January 2017 as part of her 'Timeless Summer Tour'. In March 2017, she released a new single, "Love's Holding On" with German metal band Axel Rudi Pell.
Tyler played a 7-date 'Australian Greatest Hits' Tour in late May to early June 2017. In August 2017, Tyler performed "Total Eclipse of the Heart" aboard the MS Oasis of the Seas with American dance-rock band DNCE to mark the solar eclipse of 21 August 2017. The song had an increase of 31,000 online downloads, leading to a placement at no. 13 on the Billboard Digital Songs chart. In November, she released a new compilation, Remixes and Rarities×Remixes and Rarities1 December 2017 · Album · CompilationSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 33 tracks · 2 discsDisc 11Holding Out for a Hero (Special extended remix)6:232First Love3:233Where Were You (radio mix)3:394It’s a Jungle Out There (Special Jim Steinman remix)4:015Breakout (long version)5:276Loving You’s a Dirty Job (But Somebody’s Gotta Do It) (12’’ version)7:497Sem Limites Pra Sonhar (Reaching for the Infinite Heart)4:228Bitterblue (True Blue mix)5:509I Do It for You5:0810Rebel Without a Clue (excerpt From…)3:5711Band of Gold (long version)7:2812Say Goodbye (Classical version)3:2313From the Bottom of My Lonely Heart (long version)4:2314Sola a La Orillo Del Mar (Sitting on the Edge of the Ocean) (Spanish version)3:1115Hide Your Heart (A-Side edit)4:0216God Gave Love to You (radio version)3:0917Sayonara Tokyo4:19Disc 21The Desert Is in Your Heart5:492Total Eclipse of the Heart (extended version)5:353Matter of the Heart4:334Take Me Back (edit)4:435Against the Wind (extended version)5:076If You Were a Woman (and I Was a Man) (extended version)4:467(The World Is Full of) Married Men3:468Band of Gold (dub version)7:009Loving You’s a Dirty Job (But Somebody’s Gotta Do It) (radio edit)5:5010Race to the Fire (Race mix)5:2811Save Up All Your Tears (London mix)4:0512Stay (long version)4:5513No Way to Treat a Lady3:4214Notes From America (A-Side edit)3:4015Fools Lullaby (Sweet Lullaby mix)5:3616Holding Out for a Hero (instrumental)5:19, which debuted numerous tracks from her back catalogue that had not previously appeared on CD. In March 2018, Tyler embarked on a 22-date tour of Germany and Austria to celebrate the 40th anniversary of "It's a Heartache×It's a Heartache1977 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAIt’s a Heartache3:28BI’ve Got So Used to Lovin’ You3:13", with Sharron Levy as support.

2019–2026: Later albums and final projects

In February 2019, Tyler released "Hold On×Hold On1 February 2019 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Hold On3:18" as the lead single from her 17th studio album, Between the Earth and the Stars×Between the Earth and the Stars15 March 2019 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1Hold On3:182Battle of the Sexes3:473Slow Walk3:134Seven Waves Away3:445Someone’s Rockin’ Your Heart3:016Older3:417Taking Control3:368Between the Earth and the Stars3:559Don’t Push Your Luck3:0710To the Moon and Back3:4111Bad for Loving You2:5712Let’s Go Crazy Tonight3:0013Missing You3:5314Move3:41. The album followed in March and peaked at no. 34 on the UK Albums Chart. It was recorded with David Mackay, who had produced Tyler's first two albums in the 1970s. Between the Earth and the Stars featured three duets with Rod Stewart, Francis Rossi, and Cliff Richard. Tyler embarked on a 23‑date European tour in April 2019, culminating in an appearance at BBC Proms in the Park in Hyde Park and a headline concert at the London Palladium in September. Her show at L'Olympia in Paris was filmed and released through Canal+. In August 2019, Cherry Red Records issued a box set compiling Tyler's first four studio albums. Classic Pop described The RCA Years as "a thoroughly-researched 4CD-set". In November 2019, Tyler made a guest appearance at Ben Zucker's concert at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin to sing "It's a Heartache×It's a Heartache1977 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAIt’s a Heartache3:28BI’ve Got So Used to Lovin’ You3:13". Their duet appeared on his live album, Wer Sagt das?! Zugabe!, released in May 2020.
In December 2019, Tyler released a new version of her 2005 song "Streets of Stone" for The World's Big Sleep Out, an international homeless charity event. On 14 December, she performed at the Vatican's annual Concerto di Natale in the presence of Pope Francis. In May 2020, Tyler released "Through Thick and Thin (I'll Stand by You)×Through Thick and Thin (I'll Stand by You)15 May 2020 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Through Thick and Thin (I'll Stand by You)4:10" with Lorraine Crosby as a charity single in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust. It reached No. 64 on the UK Downloads Chart. Her latest studio album, The Best Is Yet to Come×The Best Is Yet to Come26 February 2021 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracks1The Best Is Yet to Come3:032Dreams Are Not Enough3:313Hungry Hearts3:124Stuck to My Guns3:495When the Lights Go Down3:296Stronger Than a Man3:317I’m Not in Love4:248Somebody’s Hero4:009Call Me Thunder4:3810I’m Only Guilty (of Loving You)3:4311You’re the One4:0412Catch the Wind3:15, followed in February 2021.
On 2 September 2022, Tyler and Mike Batt released their duet "Into the Sunset" as a digital single. The track had originally appeared on the soundtrack to The Dreamstone in 1990. In October 2022, Tyler performed "Total Eclipse of the Heart×Total Eclipse of the Heart1983 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksATotal Eclipse of the Heart5:30BHave You Ever Seen the Rain4:03" live with the cast of Tanz der Vampire in Stuttgart, Germany to mark the musical's 25th anniversary. In November 2022, Tyler embarked on her first tour of South America, with eight dates in Brazil, and a performance in Uruguay. Her memoir, Straight from the Heart, was published by Coronet Books on 28 September 2023.
On 19 April 2024, Tyler released her third live album, In Berlin×In Berlin19 April 2024 · Album · LiveSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 17 tracks · 2 discsDisc 11Flat on the Floor5:112Hold On4:163It’s a Heartache4:574Seven Waves Away4:555Have You Ever Seen the Rain4:416Move4:197This Is Gonna Hurt3:318Let’s Go Crazy Tonight4:219Bad for Loving You3:05Disc 21Total Eclipse of the Heart7:312Between the Earth and the Stars4:333Faster Than the Speed of Night6:464Turtle Blues7:145Slow Walk4:026The Best4:517Holding Out for a Hero4:188Older3:52, recorded at the Admiralspalast during her Between the Earth and the Stars Live Tour on 8 May 2019. The album was preceded by its first single, "Faster Than the Speed of Night×Faster Than the Speed of Night8 April 1983 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 9 tracks1Have You Ever Seen the Rain?4:102Faster Than the Speed of Night6:453Getting So Exciting3:324Total Eclipse of the Heart7:005It’s a Jungle Out There4:396Goin’ Through the Motions4:087Tears3:508Take Me Back5:219Straight From the Heart3:43", on 22 March 2024. In September 2024, Tyler performed at the Plein Hotel for an event hosted by Philipp Plein as part of Milan Fashion Week in Milan, Italy. On 31 December 2024, Tyler performed her new single, "Yes I Can×Yes I Can1 January 2025 · SingleSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Yes I Can3:35", on Silvester-Schlagerbooom 2025.
On 4 July 2025, Tyler released "Together", produced by David Guetta and Hypaton. It reached No. 4 on the French Airplay chart and was certified Gold for an equivalent of 15 million streams. The track featured newly recorded vocals from Tyler, with lyrics interpolated from the chorus of "Total Eclipse of the Heart". In March 2026, Tyler released "Only Love×Only Love21 March 2026 · SingleSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracks1Only Love3:402Yes I Can3:35" and premiered it live during a concert at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire in London.
On 24 April 2026, Tyler debuted her final song "One World One Home×One World One Home24 April 2026 · SingleSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1One World One Home3:33". The poignant track serves as the emotional anchor for the social-impact documentary Homeless, directed by Valerio Zanoli. The song features a special backup performance by the Dallas Street Choir, a musical organisation that provides a creative outlet for individuals affected by housing insecurity. The lyrics were written by Valerio Zanoli, and the music was composed by Valentino Favotto. All profits from the song's sales and the documentary's distribution are dedicated to securing affordable housing for underprivileged families.

Influences

Tyler's two biggest influences from a young age were Janis Joplin and Tina Turner. She cited "River Deep – Mountain High" as being her all-time favourite song. Other artists who influenced Tyler in her youth included Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Meat Loaf, Joe Cocker, Dusty Springfield and Tommy Steele. She also expressed admiration for contemporary artists such as Guns N' Roses, Anastacia, Toni Braxton, Duffy, Sheryl Crow, Britney Spears, Lulu, Blondie, Bryan Adams, Alanis Morissette, and Eminem, and said she hoped to collaborate with Adele, whom she called "a great song writer, singer and performer." When she was asked to list influences and artists she admired, besides naming several, she said there are so many "great girl singers out there".

Vocal style

Tyler's music contained elements of country, rock, pop, blues and Celtic. Her voice was likened to Rod Stewart and Kim Carnes following her vocal-cord nodule operation in the 1970s, and she was sometimes referred to as "the female Rod Stewart". After her collaborations with Steinman, she was also dubbed "the female Meat Loaf". Soon after her operation, while recording her second album, Natural Force×Natural Force19 May 1978 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracksA1It’s a Heartache3:28A2Blame Me4:02A3Living for the City3:40A4If I Sing You a Love Song4:45A5Heaven3:04B1Yesterday Dreams4:08B2Hey Love (It’s a Feelin’)3:55B3Natural Woman3:02B4Here Am I3:47B5Baby Goodnight4:27, the studio band complimented the change in her voice. Reviewers from AllMusic described Tyler's voice as "inimitable", "wonderfully gritty", and an "effective instrument" that drew notice to her first managers, Scott and Wolfe.
In a review of Rocks and Honey, OMH Media said that Tyler's vocals as being "good for only one thing and that's belting out gravelly vocals", suggesting that she sounded like Johnny Cash in his later years when she "tries to restrain [her voice]". With reference to her modern voice, The Yorkshire Times wrote that Tyler's vocals had "still got what it takes to make you tingle". Steinman told People that he wrote "Total Eclipse of the Heart×Total Eclipse of the Heart1983 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksATotal Eclipse of the Heart5:30BHave You Ever Seen the Rain4:03" as a "showpiece for [Tyler's] voice". AllMusic said that her voice "produced the perfect type of 'desperate lovelorn' effect to suit the romantic lyrics".

Songwriting

Though songwriting had never been a significant part of Tyler's career, she co-wrote a handful of B-Sides and other tracks. "Gonna Get Better", a B-Side to the 1980 Japanese single "Sayonara Tokyo×Sayonara Tokyo1981 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksASayonara Tokyo4:18BGonna Get Better3:55", was written with her brother, Paul Hopkins. In 2001, Tyler co-wrote four songs with Gary Pickford-Hopkins on his GPH album, and duetted with him on the track "Loving You Means Leaving You". Tyler was also involved in writing several tracks for her 2005 album Wings×Wings14 April 2005 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 16 tracks1Louise (Original Version)3:452Celebrate2:553Driving Me Crazy3:204Hold Out Your Heart3:525Run Run Run3:266Wings4:027It's a Heartache3:198Stand Up3:329Crying in Berlin3:3410Total Eclipse of the Heart3:4911I'll Stand by You4:1712All I Need Is Love4:4613I Won't Look Back3:3514Streets of Stone3:2715Chante avec moi2:5516Louise (Il est mon homme)3:45, including its singles "Louise×Louise2005 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 4 tracks1Louise3:402Hold Out Your Heart (live)4:153Louise4Driving Me Crazy (live Performance at La Cigale in Paris)" and "Celebrate×Celebrate2006 · EPSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 5 tracks1Celebrate2:552Run Run Run3:263All I Need Is Love4:404Driving Me Crazy3:205Louise (Video)3:35".

Philanthropy

Tyler featured in three charity supergroups. In 1986, she joined the Anti-Heroin Project to record "It's a Live-In World", with proceeds donated to the Phoenix House Charities, which funded heroin recovery centres in the UK. In 1987, she appeared as a chorus vocalist in the British-American charity group Ferry Aid, who released a cover of the Beatles' "Let It Be", to support victims of the Zeebrugge Disaster. The single sold over 500,000 copies in the UK and topped the charts for three weeks. In 1990, Tyler joined Rock Against Repatriation to record a cover of "Sailing", released as a protest against the repatriation of Vietnamese boat people who had fled to Hong Kong. The single peaked at No. 89 on the UK singles chart.
From the 1990s, Tyler was a patron of the Bobath Children's Therapy Centre in Cardiff, Wales, which provides care for children with cerebral palsy. In 2013, she campaigned for Bobath to be recognised at the Pride of Britain Awards. She was also an ambassador for the Noah's Ark Children's Hospital for Wales. In January 2005, Tyler performed at the Rock for Asia benefit concert in Ingolstadt, Germany, raising funds for the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami; the event was recorded and released on DVD. In 2007, she recorded "I Don't Know How to Love Him" for Over the Rainbow, a charity album conceptualised by Anneka Rice on Challenge Anneka. The album reached No. 1 on the UK Compilation Chart, with proceeds going to the Association of Children's Hospices.
On 1 November 2009, Tyler performed as the headline act at the Pinktober Women in Rock concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London. In 2010, she co-headlined a benefit concert with Leo Sayer in New Zealand, raising funds for Variety, the Children's Charity. In 2012, Tyler was named patron of the AAG animal charity association in Guia, Portugal. She re-recorded "Holding Out for a Hero×Holding Out for a Hero1984 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAHolding Out for a Hero4:29BFaster Than the Speed of Night4:40" for the 2013 Children in Need appeal. In 2014, she endorsed the BUAV's campaign to make it mandatory for animals used in testing laboratories to be re-homed. In 2020, Tyler contributed to a cover of the Alan Parsons Project's "Don't Answer Me" to raise funds for Bergamo, an Italian city severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On 24 April 2026, Tyler released "One World One Home×One World One Home24 April 2026 · SingleSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1One World One Home3:33" as a philanthropic charity single to raise funds and awareness for the unhoused. Recorded specifically for the documentary film Homeless directed by Valerio Zanoli, the track features a musical collaboration with the Dallas Street Choir, an ensemble comprised entirely of individuals affected by homelessness. It was the final original song that Tyler released before she died.

Personal life

In July 1973, Tyler and Robert Sullivan, a property developer and 1972 Olympic judo competitor, married. They had no children; Tyler miscarried when she was 39. From 1988, Tyler and her husband owned a five-bedroom home near Santa Eulália Beach in Albufeira, Algarve, in southern Portugal. She had recorded one of her albums there in the late 1970s, and the couple spent much of the year there. In 2005, Tyler was filmed in the Algarve for Zacisze gwiazd (Stars' Retreat), a Polish TV show which showcased actors' and musicians' houses.
Tyler and Sullivan invested in property. In a May 1999 interview, she mentioned that they owned farmland in Portugal and New Zealand (for at least the first 12 years she owned land in the latter, she never visited it, it merely being an investment), 22 houses in Berkshire and London, and 65 stables offering horse-boarding services. In a 2013 interview, she said that the farm in New Zealand had been converted to a dairy farm 12 years after they purchased the land, and that she and Sullivan also owned a quarry.

Illness and death

On 6 May 2026, Tyler underwent emergency surgery in Faro, Portugal, near where she lived, to treat a perforated intestine, and was placed in an induced coma in the intensive care unit. When doctors attempted to bring her out of the coma, she suffered a cardiac arrest and was resuscitated. On 12 May, her spokesman said she remained seriously ill but stable, and that her doctors were optimistic about her making a full recovery. On 15 June, Tyler woke up from the medically induced coma, although she remained "very unwell". She died from complications of the illness on 8 July at the age of 75. On 15 August, thousands lined the streets of Mumbles in Swansea for the procession of her coffin to her home. Her funeral was held two days later at Swansea Minster, where Only Men Aloud! performed her song "Total Eclipse of the Heart×Total Eclipse of the Heart1983 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksATotal Eclipse of the Heart5:30BHave You Ever Seen the Rain4:03".
Many famous singers, actors, producers, royalty, and politicians showed their respect and remembered the singer. Catherine Zeta-Jones, a cousin of Tyler's husband, said her heart was "broken" at her death. Sir Cliff Richard called her "another wonderful friend gone too soon", while Bryan Adams said she "had such a great voice". Carol Vorderman said Tyler's music represented "fighting and power and living life without apology". A Downing Street spokesman said Prime Minister Keir Starmer was "saddened" by the news and described Tyler as "one of Britain's greatest recording artists". The Prince and Princess of Wales said they were "deeply saddened" by her death and described her as a "proud Welsh icon".

Honours, awards and recognition

"Total Eclipse of the Heart×Total Eclipse of the Heart1983 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksATotal Eclipse of the Heart5:30BHave You Ever Seen the Rain4:03" and "It's a Heartache×It's a Heartache1977 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksAIt’s a Heartache3:28BI’ve Got So Used to Lovin’ You3:13" have estimated sales of over six million units each. Tyler's 1976 breakthrough with "Lost in France×Lost in France1976 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksALost in France2:58BBaby I Remember You3:18" led to her nomination for Best British Female Newcomer at the 1977 Brit Awards. In the 1980s, she received nominations for two further Brit Awards and three Grammy Awards. In 2013, she was presented with the Gold Badge award by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA). In 1979, Tyler won the 10th World Popular Song Festival with "Sitting on the Edge of the Ocean×Sitting on the Edge of the Ocean1979 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracksASitting on the Edge of the Ocean2:52BCome on Give Me Loving3:22", representing the United Kingdom. She also became the first, and so far only, UK representative to receive a Eurovision Song Contest Radio Award, winning in 2013. Additionally, she was one of the first Western artists to tour the Soviet Union.
Alongside her music awards, Tyler received several local honours in Wales. She was named freeman of Neath Port Talbot in 2011, and received an honorary D.Litt from Swansea University in 2013. She was also made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. In 2016, she was honoured by the Lord Mayor of Swansea for Services to Music. Tyler was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2022 Birthday Honours for services to music.