Who Is Tina Turner’s Husband? Everything to Know About Erwin Bach

As a die-hard fan of Tina Turner and a hopeless romantic at heart, I have been captivated by the extraordinary love story between the Queen of Rock and Roll and her beloved husband, Erwin Bach. Their tale of resilience, devotion, and unwavering loyalty is nothing short of inspiring.


Tina Turner, famously known as the “Queen of Rock and Roll,” experienced a life with victories, hardships, and an unyielding spirit. Not only did she achieve greatness in her career, but her personal story also made news, especially her challenging marriage to Ike Turner which significantly impacted her personally. However, after escaping that abusive union, Tina found enduring love with Erwin Bach, a 16-year younger German music executive. For almost four decades, their relationship served as a silent yet potent symbol of love, companionship, and mutual esteem. Even though Tina was a worldwide sensation, Erwin remained her anchor – a constant presence who stood by her during the highs and lows of life, including her most challenging health issues.

We’ll delve deeper into the story of Erwin Bach, the significant figure in Tina Turner’s latter years and her current spouse.

He Is a Former Music Executive

Prior to his romance with Tina Turner, Erwin Bach had a significant presence in the music industry, working for EMI – one of the biggest record labels back then. He collaborated with musical heavyweights such as Queen, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, and Radiohead. His past in the music scene equipped him well to navigate the trials and tribulations that come with fame. Additionally, his role at EMI gave him insight into Tina’s struggles as a worldwide icon, deepening their bond. Despite his impressive career, Erwin always kept his priorities straight, ensuring that his love for Tina never took a back seat to his professional life. He was more than just her romantic partner; he was a pillar of support in her career endeavors as well.

He and Turner Met at an Airport and It Was Love at First Sight

Tina Turner’s romantic journey with Erwin Bach commenced at Düsseldorf Airport in Germany during 1985. On this day, Erwin was assigned by EMI to welcome Tina upon her arrival for a show. A pivotal moment occurred when their eyes met, igniting an immediate bond between them. As Tina later recounted in the 2021 HBO documentary ‘Tina,’ her heart started pounding the instant she laid eyes on him.

According to Erwin, his manager, Roger Davies, had asked him to fetch Tina, and he did so. Meanwhile, Tina humorously commented, “He was quite handsome. I couldn’t help but feel flustered – it seemed like our souls had crossed paths, and my hands started shaking.

Although exhausted from her lengthy flight and engrossed in her upcoming concert, Tina sensed something extraordinary had commenced. A seemingly casual encounter soon transformed into a profound and enduring romantic bond. Looking back on that instance, Tina characterized it as venturing beyond her usual comforts and embracing the possibility of love once more. This choice culminated in a stunning relationship lasting nearly four decades.

He Is Over 16 Years Younger Than Turner

When Tina and Erwin first crossed paths, Tina was 47 years old while Erwin was just 30. The significant age difference sparked curiosity, causing some to doubt what a young man could find appealing in one of the world’s renowned older women. Despite this skepticism, Tina and Erwin brushed off the criticism, and their relationship blossomed. In her memoir My Love Story, Tina pondered over these doubts, sharing that people continued to speculate that Erwin married her for her wealth and fame. She questioned, “What could a younger man want with an older woman?” Erwin consistently disregarded the gossip.

As an ardent admirer, I’ve come to truly believe: Age was but a mere number in their eyes. Amidst the rumors swirling around, Erwin stood steadfast, his unyielding affection for Tina serving as a powerful testament to their connection. This bond, so profound and deep-rooted, transcended superficial aspects like age or appearances.

He Married Turner in 2013

After 27 years together, Erwin and Tina finally tied the knot in a civil ceremony held in Switzerland in 2013. The wedding came as a surprise to many, given that they had previously expressed little interest in formal marriage. In a prior interview, Tina had stated, “We’re married, we just haven’t had a traditional wedding yet, and until there’s a necessity for it, we probably won’t.” However, when they decided to wed, they pulled out all the stops, hosting an extravagant, high-profile event at their estate on Lake Zurich’s shore. Among the 120 attendees were Oprah Winfrey, Giorgio Armani, and David Bowie. The wedding was a lovely representation of their shared life, featuring a traditional Buddhist water blessing ceremony to honor Tina’s religious beliefs.

He Proposed to Turner Multiple Times

From the beginning of their relationship, it was clear that Erwin’s dedication towards Tina ran deep. During an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Erwin shared that he had proposed to Tina on numerous occasions, starting when she reached 50 years old. His words were, “I wanted to demonstrate my commitment to Tina.” Yet, despite proposing twice, Tina remained uncertain. She eventually confessed that initially she didn’t accept his proposals, but also didn’t want to reject them, as she wished to continue their connection. Eventually, the depth of their love surpassed the need for a marriage certificate.

He Gave Turner a Kidney

Back in 2017, a pivotal moment in our love tale unfolded when I selflessly gave a piece of myself – a kidney – to save Tina’s life. After battling health hurdles for years, from a stroke and cancer to kidney failure, she was facing an uphill battle. But on that day, I became more than just her husband; I became her lifeline. Tina later referred to my generous act as the “gift of life.” In her memoir, My Love Story, she penned down her feelings for me, expressing profound gratitude and admiration, saying, “He never blamed me for my mistakes. Instead, he stood by me with loyalty, kindness, understanding, and an unwavering determination to help me survive.

He and Turner Lived Together in Switzerland

Erwin and Tina settled down in Switzerland starting from 1995, while Turner relinquished her US citizenship in 2013 to adopt a calmer, more tranquil lifestyle in Europe. With retirement from her performing career, she expressed to The New York Times, “I was simply exhausted from singing and making everyone happy. That’s all I had ever done throughout my life.” As a pair, they led a secluded life free from the pressures of fame, deriving joy from their peaceful coexistence.

As an ardent admirer, let me express how profoundly moved I am by the extraordinary partnership between Erwin Bach and Tina Turner. From the moment their hearts intertwined, Erwin proved to be a pillar of strength, standing steadfast beside Tina through every challenge they faced. Their love narrative epitomizes resilience, devotion, and unfaltering loyalty—a bond that transcended age, illness, and the relentless pressures of stardom. As we honor Tina Turner’s remarkable legacy, let us also pay tribute to the love story that shaped her later years—the love she cherished with Erwin Bach.

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2024-09-24 12:12