Recalling when Tyler came to town

Photographer Pat Byrne has fond memories of capturing on film the late Bonnie Tyler when the Welsh singer performed in Carrickmacross in August 2007.

The ‘Holding Out for a Hero’ star, who sadly passed away last week, performed at the Carrick Court Hotel (formerly known as the Oasis) in Magheracloone. Tyler also scored a massive hit with ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’, and was beloved for her powerhouse vocals and distinctive raspy voice.

Byrne was commissioned by the venue on the night to snap the artist and her memorable performance.

Recalling the occasion, the local photographer recalled: “Bonnie Tyler was a lovely person. There were no airs or graces about her, even though she was a star many times over. I set up a studio in the corridor when she came down from her room before going on stage.”

Byrne also remembers how Tyler captivated the audience with her presence that night.

“Bonnie was brilliant. There's no question,” he says.

Although Tyler was famous for her dramatic costumes and larger-than-life video productions, Byrne states there was no hint of diva behaviour: “There was none of that stuff. The measure of the woman was that she was such a star, but she was just normal. She was absolutely wonderful.

“She was very pleasant and had no qualms about being photographed.

“Whatever I asked her to do, she did. I couldn't speak highly enough of the woman. She was a great artist. She’ll be a great loss.”

Byrne remains a devoted fan of Tyler to this day.

“I mean, every time a song of hers comes on, you have to turn the volume up,” he said.

Byrne’s portrait of Tyler later featured in his solo photographic exhibition at Carrickmacross Library in 2012.