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People wait behind barriers for start of the funeral of Bonnie Tyler at St. Mary's Church in Swansea Alamy Stock Photo
Swansea
'Loved by millions worldwide': Fans gather at Bonnie Tyler's funeral to pay their respects
The Total Eclipse Of The Heart star died in July at the age of 75.
LAST UPDATE | 17 Aug
FANS ARRIVED HOURS early for Bonnie Tyler’s funeral to pay their respects to the singer and say goodbye.
The Total Eclipse Of The Heart star, whose real name was Gaynor Hopkins, died in July at the age of 75.
The streets of Mumbles in Swansea, where Tyler lived and was well-known among locals, were packed with mourners on Saturday for the procession of her coffin to her home.
Those who knew and loved Tyler gathered again for a celebration of her life at Swansea Minster at midday.
Entry to the church was for family, friends and invited guests only, but fans wishing to pay their respects were able to watch the service on a screen in nearby St David’s Square or online.
Leigh Alexander (42) from Swansea, was the first fan to arrive outside the church this morning, setting up her camping chair at 7.30am.
She said: “I’ve grown up inspired by Gaynor and her music all my life, we’re lucky enough to know some of her family.
“We genuinely know she comes from a family of so much love, and the great thing is she’s never forgotten her roots.
“She’s just such a lovely person. I wanted her family to know that even though we’re not inside that we are here and that it means a lot to us.
“We want to show our love for them because on a day like this it’s so overwhelming for them, it’s nice to know that not just the public but people who care for you and appreciate your warmth are there as well.”
Gail and Andrew Hayes travelled from Towcester, Northamptonshire, to be at the church and arrived outside at 8am.
Hayes (58) said: “I’ve been a fan all my life. It’s been a soundtrack of our lives.
“It’s the end, isn’t it, it’s sad, so sad.”
Richard Pope (56) and his son Daniel (21) from Somerset, were the first to take their seats in front of the screen in St David’s Square, where the service will be livestreamed.
Pope said: “I’ve been a fan of Bonnie Tyler since I was 13 and I’ve just followed her career, bought all her records, seen her in concert.
“I’ve met her a couple of times, she was brilliant, down to earth, funny, she never took herself too seriously but she enjoyed life and she enjoyed meeting people.
“It’s been quite a shock, really, because she was still planning tours and releasing records. It was just so unexpected.
“You do feel like you know her, because she’s so down to earth, so open.”
Following the service, Tyler was taken on a final journey through her hometown of Skewen, near Neath, before a private family committal and farewell service.
The service at Swansea Minster was conducted by Reverend Canon Justin Davies, while the entry music will be two of Tyler’s songs: If I Sing You A Love Song and It’s A Heartache.
The order of service also listed Bridge Over Troubled Water, Only Men Aloud, Total Eclipse Of The Heart, Those Were The Days and Making Love Out Of Nothing as other songs set to be played during Tyler’s funeral.
Roger Bell, the talent scout who discovered the performer when she performed in a club in Swansea, shared a tribute at the service, as did Tyler’s long-time manager, Matthew Davis.
Bell spoke of her kind nature and the outpouring of tributes she received after her death.
He said: “She was loved by millions worldwide, and has all the tributes, flowers, and cards from the Houses of Parliament, Prince and Princess of Wales, the Portuguese government, Cliff Richard, Rod Stewart, Suzi Quatro, and many, many more fans.
“But in Swansea, she was loved by Robert and the family as Gaynor and Auntie Gaynor.
“There was a warmth and sincerity about her that shone through, and she never said no to having a photo taken or giving an autograph to anyone who asked.”
He added: “I think everyone here today as a story about meeting Gaynor, or Bonnie Tyler, and will treasure it.”
Canon Davies delivered a eulogy written by Tyler’s family, which reflected on her early life growing up in a four-bedroom council house with her parents and siblings.
He said: “A cute baby girl took her first breath on 8 June 1951.
“A star was born to Elsie and Glyndŵr Hopkins and the best was yet to come, they just didn’t know it.”
He also recalled Tyler’s first taste of performing, when she came in second place in a singing competition in Skewen Rugby Club in the late 1960s.
He said: “She came in second and won just one pound but was hooked. She sang Those Were The Days by Mary Hopkin and the rest as they say, was history.”
Her family has asked that in lieu of flowers, people supported two charities of which she was a patron: Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales and Cerebral Palsy Cymru.
In the order of the service, they wrote the following of Tyler: “She is remembered as a warm, generous artist whose music touched generations and continues to fill dance floors and karaoke booths around the world.”
They also said that Tyler’s legacy “lives on in the timeless songs that made her a legend”.
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