Earlier this morning, we learnt that Swedish DJ and music producer Tim Bergling, aka Avicii had passed away. The 28 year old was holidaying in Oman when he was found dead on April 20th. The entire music world has been shaken with the news but let’s take a moment to look back at the music prodigy’s work.
Tim Bergling was born on September 8th 1989 in Stockholm, Sweden. As an artist, Tim made his name on MySpace. Initially, he’d wanted his stage name to be Avici, a name after the lowest level of Buddist hell. However, that username was already taken on the site which prompted Tim to add the extra ‘i’. Although he started mixing in his bedroom at the young age of 8, it was in 2011 that the song ‘Levels’ propelled him into the mainstream media. Loved and hated by a whole lot of people, Levels took Avicii from being a well-known name in EDM to a household name in the international music media.
Avicii’s growing success opened a lot of doors for him. From performing at the biggest festivals across the globe to collaborating with the most iconic musicians of our time, Tim managed to do it all. Avicii performed at Ultra, Coachella, Tomorrowland, Lollapalooza, EDC as well as several of his own shows across the globe. He collaborated with some big names both in the electronic music industry and outside. Avicii collaborated with the likes of Coldplay, Madonna, Daft Punk, Rita Ora, Wyclef Jean and Robbie Williams to name a few. The Swede was also nominated for a Grammy on two occasions. Once for his work on ‘Sunshine’ with David Guetta and another time for his song ‘Levels’.
While Avicii was known for having a prolific work ethic on the road, he also suffered from serious health problems. He was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, in part due to heavy drinking, and cancelled a series of shows in 2014 to recover from the removal of his gallbladder and appendix. The artist felt he could carry on thereafter, only to pull the plug on his live career in early 2016. Avicii announced in a heartfelt letter that he would stop touring and performing live for the indefinite future, citing further health concerns. While Avicii decided to cease touring, he assured fans that he will “continue to speak” to them through his music.
With 2 studio albums (True and Stories) already up his sleeve fans could not wait to hear more music from their favourite DJ. In August 2017 he released an EP and said:
“I’m really excited to be back with music once again. It has been a long time since I released anything and a long time since I was this excited over new music!”
“Last year I quit performing live… Many of you thought that was it. But the end of live never meant the end of Avicii or my music. Instead, I went back to the place where it all made sense — the studio. The next stage will be all about my love of making music to you guys. It is the beginning of something new. Hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.”
Avicii even released a documentary last year highlighting the struggles he faced as an artist and the days coming up to his final performance. Titled True Stories the movie was showcased in select venues across the globe and has not yet been released globally. You can check out the trailer below:
Tributes for the artist have been pouring in from fans and fellow artists across the globe. As one of the first few electronic artists to break-out onto mainstream radio, Avicii was not just a friend but an inspiration to many of the DJs we see performing today. His music shall forever live on…
Before we put up the list of tributes we thought we’d put up two of our favourite songs by the Swede. Thank you Avicii.
Can't really describe in words how sad I feel right now.. thank you for inspiring me and millions others. RIP @Avicii ?❤ pic.twitter.com/nthXoCiZqy
— MARTIN GARRIX (@MartinGarrix) April 20, 2018
No words can describe the sadness I’m feeling right now, hearing about Avicii passing away….?
Thoughts go out to his family and friends…— Zedd (@Zedd) April 20, 2018
my sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to the friends, fans and families of @Avicii :( Banter aside, nobody can deny what he has accomplished and done for modern dance music and im very proud of him.
— Goat lord (@deadmau5) April 20, 2018
Deeply shocked and can't believe that dance music has lost one of its icons today. Avicii's music changed the lives of so many people. He will be missed dearly. My sincere condolences to his family, friends & loved ones. May you find the strength you need in these difficult times pic.twitter.com/PLqYaiaLMd
— Armin van Buuren (@arminvanbuuren) April 20, 2018
Words can not describe how I feel right now..I am gonna miss you brother ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AjBgXi5gVR
— Tiësto (@tiesto) April 20, 2018
I would have enjoyed nothing more than ripping into Avicii well into and beyond our 60's. taken away from us far too young. I know he's at peace somewhere up there getting the last laugh that i spelled his name right this time. https://t.co/uAmdPsouSz
— Goat lord (@deadmau5) April 20, 2018
Just landed in the US and got the news that Avicii died. I hope this is’nt real. RIP ? #nowords
— Dannic (@dannic) April 20, 2018
Hey Tim, I never got to meet you, but I wanted you to know that almost 11 years ago the first remix I ever did was of Seek Bromance. I remember watching all your music videos, interviews, etc. completely fascinated by the phenomena that was avicii. Thanks for inspiring us all.
— GASSED UP SHARK ?? (@Jauzofficial) April 20, 2018
Devastating news about Avicii, a beautiful soul, passionate and extremely talented with so much more to do. My heart goes out to his family. God bless you Tim x
— Calvin Harris (@CalvinHarris) April 20, 2018
I’m incredibly and utterly devastated…we lost one of the brightest music talents and genuinely just one of the nicest people I personally knew . RIP Tim, hope you are in better place now.
— ARTY (@arty_music) April 20, 2018
I’m shook. Avicii. RIP.
Sometimes I think only death immortalizes art.— ZHU (@ZHUmusic) April 20, 2018
Genuinely heartbroken about Avicii. Not just because I was a huge fan, and massively inspired by his work, or because he was such a genuinely nice person, but he was just 28.
He had a whole life left to make music for the world and all of a sudden it's over ?
RIP Tim Bergling
— Gareth Emery (@garethemery) April 20, 2018
We lost an absolute legend today #RIPAvicii you’ll continue to live on forever in our hearts and through your music pic.twitter.com/mz7gNO0TzT
— Cash Cash (@cashcash) April 20, 2018
Sadness has swept through our office at the news of @Avicii’s passing. A true talent and a source of joy and inspiration for everyone here at HQ. We’re virtually speechless but for now want to express our gratitude for his music and to say rest in peace, Avicii.
— Monstercat (@Monstercat) April 20, 2018
No words.
The one person who inspired me to start producing in the first place.
The movement you created is timeless and your legacy will live forever.
Rest In Peace, Tim. ? pic.twitter.com/d1xBrKzxaX
— Sam Feldt ? (@SamFeldtMusic) April 20, 2018
We are extremely saddened by the news of Avicii's passing. Out of respect for him and his family, we have discontinued the live stream of 'Armada Invites: KLASH Records'. Thank you for your understanding.
— Armada Music (@Armada) April 20, 2018
? Avicii
— Syn Cole (@SynColeOfficial) April 20, 2018
. @Avicii was talented and kind, and I was genuinely excited to see what would come next from him. His future most certainly should have been written beyond age 28. I am
heartbroken.
Rest easy Tim.— Kaskade (@kaskade) April 20, 2018
Shocked and saddened to learn of @avicii’s passing. A humble and immensely talented artist. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones.
— Above & Beyond (@aboveandbeyond) April 20, 2018
I cannot express enough that @Avicii revolutionized dance music, and effortlessly. An unparalleled writer and one of my biggest inspirations will be remembered and missed for centuries to come. We love you Tim.
— ▽ (@3LAU) April 20, 2018
I have no words.. RIP Tim ?
— Eric Prydz (@ericprydz) April 20, 2018
So heartbroken to hear about Avicii…his music heavily influenced my early sounds and millions of other musicians and music lovers. RIP.
— Pierce Fulton (@PierceFulton) April 20, 2018
I can't believe this, such a brilliant composer! #RIP #Bromance
— EDX (@edxMusic) April 20, 2018
Khushrav’s passion for dance music started early on as he began creating weekly podcast episodes of the latest electronic music across genres and has mixed over 200 episodes over a span of 5years. As a dance music enthusiast, Khushrav still keeps up to date with every week’s releases, contributing to THE’s Spotify playlists.
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