Watch Jimmy Fallon and Heart Perform “Total Eclipse of the Heart”
via The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon / Youtube
The night of April 8th, 2024 was a night etched in the memory of millions. Across North America, a sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air. The reason? A rare total solar eclipse, a celestial wonder that promised to momentarily dim the sun and cast the world in an ethereal twilight.
But for viewers tuning into The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the cosmic show wasn’t the only spectacle on offer. Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Heart, were set to take the stage, and their song choice couldn’t have been more perfect.
With a mischievous glint in his eye, host Jimmy Fallon introduced the legendary band, the electricity in the air crackling with the promise of something truly special. Heart launched into a powerful rendition of Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart”, the soaring vocals and driving guitars creating a synergy that mirrored the celestial event unfolding above.
It wasn’t just a performance; it was a celebration, a heartfelt (pun intended) tribute that perfectly captured the awe and wonder of the eclipse.
A Memorable Day Under a Total Eclipse
With the first total solar eclipse visible in the mainland U.S. since 2017, and no similar event expected for another two decades, Fallon knew he had to create a night to remember. Ahead of the show, he announced on X that legendary rock duo Heart would be his musical guests, and with a sly wink, added, “There was a solar eclipse”.
The plan? To perform Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” with the band, live from the rooftop of 30 Rockefeller Plaza during the peak of the eclipse. The post, complete with hashtags for the event, promised viewers a truly unique experience.
True to his word, Fallon and Heart delivered. As the moon passed between the Earth and the sun, casting a rare cosmic shadow, Fallon and the “Barracuda” hitmakers rocked out on the rooftop stage. The performance wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of the awe-inspiring eclipse happening above, a perfect synergy of music and celestial wonder.
Building Up to the Big Moment
Jimmy Fallon wasn’t about to let this eclipse pass unnoticed. In the lead-up to the rare cosmic event, the late-night host teased viewers with a behind-the-scenes photo on Monday afternoon. This playful anticipation built excitement for the special performance planned for that evening’s show.
The stakes were even higher this time around. This total eclipse promised to be a longer spectacle than the one Americans witnessed in 2017, with totality lasting up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds, compared to the previous eclipse’s peak of just 2 minutes and 42 seconds.
For New Yorkers specifically, NASA predicted a partial eclipse reaching its peak at 3:25 pm, offering a taste of the celestial phenomenon before Fallon’s grand finale.
A Double Celebration for Fallon
Jimmy’s got double the reason to celebrate! While the “Total Eclipse of the Heart” performance marked a unique moment tied to the rare cosmic event, Fallon himself is reaching a personal milestone – his 10th year as host of his beloved late-night show!
To commemorate this impressive anniversary, NBC will air a special two-hour primetime show on Tuesday, May 14th. This promises a night filled with highlights and memorable moments from Fallon’s decade behind the desk.
Heart wasn’t finished delivering a stellar performance, though. After their rooftop collaboration, the legendary band returned to the studio for another treat. This time, they belted out their iconic 1977 hit, “Barracuda”, further electrifying the audience.
The show served as a perfect kick-off for their upcoming North American Royal Flush tour, which sets sail on April 20th at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. Be sure to check out the “Barracuda” performance online to relive the energy of the night!
