Tina Turner and Erwin Bach

We all remember belting out along with the great Tina Turner as she sang ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’. Her powerhouse vocals are stamped in everyone’s memories. The beloved songstress behind countless hits led an eventful life – but sadly passed away on Wednesday, aged 83, after ‘a long illness’.

Tina Turner was a much-beloved superstar known for her powerful vocals. In recent years, the mega-star slowed down due to health and personal reasons. But her husband, Erwin Bach’s support throughout has been unwavering.

A Rocky Road to Love

Tina Turner got her last name from her first husband, Ike Turner. Tina met Ike at a nightclub in Manhattan, and since their first meeting, the duo was practically inseparable. They started making music together but soon their relationship became more personal. They exchanged wedding vows in Tijuana, Mexico, in 1962.

While their marriage seemed picture-perfect to the outside world, behind closed doors, it was crumbling. Tina revealed in her book ‘My Love Story’ that the marriage was abusive, both physically and verbally. The abuse went on for years until Tina decided she had had enough and separated from Ike in 1976, officially divorcing him two years later.

A Chance Encounter

After her divorce, Tina was determined to stay single. However, fate had other plans when she had a chance meeting with Erwin Bach. Tina met Erwin when he was assigned by his company to pick her up from the airport. Tina was set to perform in Germany at the time, and Erwin, a 30-year-old music executive for EMI, was tasked with escorting her.

Tina instantly felt a strong connection with Erwin. She later confessed, “He had the prettiest face. You could not miss it. My heart went bu-bum. It means that a soul has met. My hands were shaking.”

Love Against All Odds

Despite her doubts about love, Tina decided to get to know Erwin better. She invited him to visit her in the U.S., and during that time, she realized that he was the one for her. His unpretentious and laid-back nature appealed to the singer, and their love blossomed.

Erwin proposed to Tina on her 50th birthday, but she hesitated due to her past experiences with marriage. However, their love remained strong, and nearly three decades later, Tina finally said yes. The couple tied the knot at their luxurious estate in Switzerland, surrounded by high-profile guests like Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King.

Love Endures All

Throughout their years together, Tina and Erwin’s love remained steadfast. In an interview, Erwin described their love as an “electrical charge.” Tina retired from performing in 2009 and lived a peaceful life in their Swiss home. She even became a Swiss citizen, enjoying the privacy and recognition she received in Europe.

Tragedy struck when Tina was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2016. Her husband, Erwin, made the ultimate sacrifice by donating his kidney to her, giving her a chance at a near-normal life once again.

A Love Story for the Ages

Tina Turner and Erwin Bach’s love story is a testament to the power of true love. Despite the hardships they faced, they stayed by each other’s side, proving that love can conquer all. Their story gives hope to others that true love can find you, no matter where you are in life.

As we bid farewell to the Queen of Rock ‘n Roll, let us remember Tina Turner not only for her music but also for the love she shared with Erwin Bach. Through thick and thin, their unwavering commitment to each other is an inspiration to us all.