According to the BBC, the Welsh singer died after complications from an illness, prompting an outpouring of messages from fellow musicians and fans around the world. Among the most touching was Stewart’s heartfelt social media post, in which he reflected on their friendship, their shared musical style, and the song that continues to connect them.
Rod Stewart Remembered Bonnie Tyler as “A True Soul Stirrer”
In his tribute, Stewart highlighted the bond the two singers shared throughout their careers. “We shared similar styles of vocalising,” he wrote, before remembering Tyler as “a good pal, a true soul stirrer.” The message echoed the comparisons that followed both artists for decades, with Tyler’s distinctive raspy voice often earning her the nickname “the female Rod Stewart.”
Stewart also revealed that Tyler’s music remains part of his nightly performances. “I sing ‘It’s A Heartache’ every night on tour,” he wrote, referring to the 1977 hit that became one of Tyler’s signature songs. Stewart himself recorded a version of the track for his 2006 covers album Still the Same… Great Rock Classics of Our Time.
Although they had long admired each other’s work, Stewart and Tyler did not officially record together until much later in their careers. In 2019, they released the duet “Battle of the Sexes,” featured on Tyler’s album Between the Earth and the Stars. The collaboration came after decades of mutual respect and comparisons between their unmistakable vocal styles.
Stewart closed his tribute with a simple farewell that resonated with fans mourning the singer’s passing. “I’ll miss you darling Bonnie,” he wrote, signing the message “Sir Rod.” The brief note captured a friendship that stretched across generations of rock music and served as another reminder of the lasting mark Tyler left on those who knew and worked alongside her.
