Soap Opera
For 42 Years, This Bonnie Tyler Hit Has Defined a ‘Days of our Lives’ Legend
Bonnie Tyler’s Holding Out for a Hero became Bo Brady’s anthem on ‘Days of our Lives,’ first used in his iconic 1984 motorcycle wedding kidnap scene with Hope Williams.
Although Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh-born singer who died on July 9, 2026, was best known for her powerful ballad “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” which topped the charts in 1983, another 1984 hit, “Holding Out for a Hero,” became an anthem for one of the most popular characters in Days of Our Lives history.
Salem’s Forever Hero Has His Own Song
Originally part of the Footloose soundtrack, “Holding Out for a Hero” got its first DAYS play during one of the 60-year-old soap’s memorable episodes ever, but remained a part of the Salem fabric for decades to come.
Hope Williams (Kristian Alfonso) was about to marry smarmy district attorney Larry Welch (Andrew Massett) because she believed Bo Brady (Peter Reckell) no longer loved her. However, Bo did love Hope and decided to kidnap her from the church before the ceremony began. Bo replaced Hope with a cigar-smoking Howie Hoffsteader (Stanley Brock), so when Larry lifted his bride’s veil, he found a big surprise underneath.
Meanwhile, Bo had taken a very reluctant Hope for a ride on the police motorcycle he had just stolen. The location shoot was one for the ages as Bo and Hope sped down the highway with “Holding Out for a Hero” blasting in the background. The song became the Bo Brady theme song and would play for decades to come as Bo had an epic motorcycle moment.
When news of Tyler’s passing broke, longtime DAYS superfan @evangelia69 took to X to remember Tyler and share a video of that iconic motorcycle ride.
“Rest in Peace Bonnie Tyler, who’s hit song “Holding out for a Hero” was a perfect anthem for #DaysofourLives iconic character Bo Brady,” she wrote First used in the wedding kidnap in May 1984, it became synonymous with Bo & used in many of his legendary scenes.”
She also shared other incredible moments featuring that incredible song, including one just months after its first use when Bo approached the Oak Alley plantation where they celebrated their love for the very first time.
