Bonnie Tyler’s 1983 track ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ has to be one of the most electrifying rock ballads of the 1980s, right Music Man readers? Composed by songwriting legend Jim Steinman, the track was a huge hit all around the world when it was released, topping the UK singles chart, becoming the fifth best-selling single in the country that year, and later earning Tyler a Grammy nomination. The song truly showcases rock balladry at its finest, and is a staple on global radio even today.
Given the song’s iconic status and dramatic, almost wintry feel, it should come as little surprise that Tyler was asked to perform ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ at the Vatican’s ‘Concerto Di Natale’ in 2019. Standing alone at the front of the stage, the singer cut a powerful figure as she launched into the track, her voice even huskier and more distinctive than it had been in the 1980s. She really put everything she had into the rendition too, looking visibly emotional as she sang.
But Tyler wasn’t completely alone onstage – she was also accompanied by a band full of incredible musicians (notably a male backing singer whose dramatic vocals fitted perfectly alongside Tyler’s) and a full orchestra who really added to the song’s stirring, impassioned feel. This combination of Tyler’s familiar husky voice, the band, and the orchestra ensured that the performance was sufficiently memorable, with some viewers having since dubbed it timeless and full of undeniable conviction.
For those readers out there who are a little more nostalgic, meanwhile, check out this incredible performance of ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ from 1983, in which Tyler delivers a lead vocal that is truly out of this world. Surrounded by stage smoke, the singer hits those huge notes with ease, and looks the epitome of retro cool as she does it in an all-white blazer and trousers combo. After seeing this performance, few will deny that Tyler was one of the most talented singers of the decade.
And whilst Tyler’s voice might have changed a little over the past forty years, in her performance at the Vatican she still sings ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ with the showmanship and professionalism of someone who is at the top of her game. The popularity of both of the above videos online, meanwhile, proves not only the ongoing appeal of huge rock ballads like ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart,’ but also the size and dedication of Tyler’s fan base even all these years after she was arguably at her peak.
