Bonnie Tyler has died at seventy five, and music commentator Eric Alper traces the accident that built her voice: a doctor's order for six weeks of silence, and one scream of frustration that changed everything. What follows is the real story behind the surgery and the raspy sound producers built songs around.

The songwriting era behind Total Eclipse of the Heart ran through Jim Steinman's work with Meat Loaf, and Alper draws a direct line from that raspy, wounded delivery to Miley Cyrus's Wrecking Ball decades later. A 2025 pairing with David Guetta introduced the song's chorus to a generation who never knew the original.

Eighteen albums, top ten hits across Germany, France, Italy and the UK, an MBE for her charity work, and a farewell tour through South America in 2022 round out a catalogue built on three songs the scale of which music may never see again.

Topics: Bonnie Tyler, Eric Alper, Total Eclipse of the Heart, Jim Steinman, David Guetta

GUEST: Eric Alper | http://thatericalper.com | @‌thatericalper

Originally aired on 2026-07-09

Bonnie Tyler has died at seventy five, and music commentator Eric Alper traces the accident that built her voice: a doctor's order for six weeks of silence, and one scream of frustration that changed everything. What follows is the real story behind the surgery and the raspy sound producers built songs around.
The songwriting era behind Total Eclipse of the Heart ran through Jim Steinman's work with Meat Loaf, and Alper draws a direct line from that raspy, wounded delivery to Miley Cyrus's Wrecking Ball decades later. A 2025 pairing with David Guetta introduced the song's chorus to a generation who never knew the original.
Eighteen albums, top ten hits across Germany, France, Italy and the UK, an MBE for her charity work, and a farewell tour through South America in 2022 round out a catalogue built on three songs the scale of which music may never see again.
Topics: Bonnie Tyler, Eric Alper, Total Eclipse of the Heart, Jim Steinman, David Guetta
GUEST: Eric Alper |<a href="http://thatericalper.com"> http://thatericalper.com</a> | @&zwnj;thatericalper
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-07-09

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.