Albufeira pays tribute to “friend” Bonnie Tyler after singer’s death

Albufeira has paid tribute to Bonnie Tyler, describing the late singer as “a friend of Albufeira” whose decades-long connection to the Algarve left a lasting mark on the municipality.

In a statement released on Thursday, mayor Rui Cristina expressed his “deep sorrow and consternation” following the death of the Welsh music icon, who died on Wednesday night aged 75 after a lengthy illness.

The council described Bonnie as “one of the most emblematic performers in international pop-rock”, praising a career that produced timeless hits including Total Eclipse of the Heart, Holding Out for a Hero and It’s a Heartache.

But it was her relationship with Albufeira that featured prominently in the tribute.

According to the municipality, Bonnie owned a home in the resort from 1978 and chose to spend a significant part of each year there, developing what the council described as a close relationship with the local community.

“Bonnie Tyler was greatly admired by both Albufeira residents and tourists,” the statement said, adding that she helped raise the municipality’s international profile.

The council also recalled her appearance as the headline act for Albufeira’s Municipal Day celebrations in 2019, as well as her participation in a 2021 tourism campaign, in which she described Albufeira as a “paradise of sun, sea and peaceful living”.

“The passing of Bonnie Tyler represents a loss for culture and international music, but also for all those who had the privilege of knowing her, spending time with her and sharing unforgettable moments,” the statement reads.

Mayor Rui Cristina concluded by offering his condolences to singer’s family, friends and admirers, saying her artistic and personal legacy “will continue to inspire future generations”.

Bonnie Tyler was also remembered by Portuguese entertainer Herman José, who shared a video on Instagram of a light-hearted moment with Tyler after they performed together in Albufeira in 2017 alongside Cliff Richard.

“Destiny brought me together with Bonnie Tyler in August 2017 on a stage in Albufeira, alongside Cliff Richard, thanks to the late former mayor Carlos Silva e Sousa,” Herman wrote.

He described her as “a woman in love with Portugal (and the Portuguese), friendly, full of good humour and an artist through and through”, adding that he was “very saddened” by news of her “premature” death.

Bonnie’s death was announced on Thursday morning by her family and management after the singer died in hospital in Faro, where she had been receiving treatment following emergency surgery in May.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.