Avicii

About

Avicii (also stylized as ΛVICII and ◢◤) is the stage name of late Swedish DJ and EDM producer Tim Bergling. His music topped charts globally and reached a combined 5 billion views on YouTube before his premature death from apparent suicide in April 2018.

Music Career

Avicii's early musical career started as far back as 2008 where he posted his early mixes on the Laidback Luke Forums under the username Avici.^[2] Many of his early tracks were posted to Myspace,^[3] where he was then found and signed by EMI Music Publishing. He first saw success with his track "Seek Bromance", a re-released vocal mix of his instrumental "Bromance" in 2010. His first hit single "Levels" (below left) was published during the creation of his YouTube channel^[1] in November 2011, and reached number 1 on many European Billboard charts by the end of the year. Following his international success, the single "Wake Me Up" (below right) featuring vocals from Aloe Blacc, was released in Summer 2013. This track also topped Billboard charts globally and went on to gain over 1.5 billion views on YouTube by April 2018 (shown below, right).

He later went on to release his albums True and Stories before announcing his retirement from touring on March 29th, 2016 for health reasons.^[4]

Health Problems

Bergling was hospitalized in 2012 with acute pancreatis due to excessive alcohol use. He had his appendix and gallbladder removed in 2014, and in 2016 retired from touring. On April 20th, 2018, Bergling died in Oman. The following day, Omani police released a statement announcing that there was no criminal suspicion surrounding his death. Many members of the EDM community voiced their tributes for Bergling, noting him as an inspiration to the industry and a friend as well. CBS News and Good Morning America each aired segments on the death (shown below).

Following his death, edgy memes were spread on various Reddit boards and other websites.

On April 26th, news broke that attributed the cause of death as suicide. Berling's family indirectly confirmed this in a statement released to media outlets^[7]:

Our beloved Tim was a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential questions. An over-achieving perfectionist who travelled and worked hard at a pace that led to extreme stress. When he stopped touring, he wanted to find a balance in life to be happy and be able to do what he loved most – music. He really struggled with thoughts about Meaning, Life, Happiness. He could not go on any longer. He wanted to find peace. Tim was not made for the business machine he found himself in; he was a sensitive guy who loved his fans but shunned the spotlight. Tim, you will forever be loved and sadly missed. The person you were and your music will keep your memory alive.

We love you,
Your family

The news was met with an outcry of support on social media and many posted in advocacy of mental health awareness.^[8]

Online History

Social Media Presence

Avicii had over 2.1 million followers on Twitter at the time of his death.^[5] He also had 8.2 million^[6] followers on Instagram.

Collaborations

Avicii has made a number of collaborations with fellow DJs, such as David Guetta's "Sunshine" with which he would receive a Grammy nomination with, and with Nicky Romero on "I Could Be The One," to artists such as Coldplay, with "A Sky Full of Stars" and "Hymn for the Weekend," and Madonna, with "Devil Pray."

Search Interest

External References