Avicii
DJ & Music Producer
September 8, 1989 – April 20, 2018
Tim Bergling, better known by his stage name Avicii has passed away at the age of 28 according to multiple reports. Avicii was a world-renowned music producer and DJ in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene.
His publicist, Diana Baron confirmed the death saying Avicii had passed away in Muscat, Oman. While there are very few details currently surrounding the death, his publicist went on to say: “The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time. No further statements will be given”.
Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Bergling began producing music and developing his skills at the age of 16. He was signed to his first label in 2007 and released his first hit song “Seek Bromance” in 2010. His first hit would reach the top 20 charts in several European countries. Bergling continued to build off of this success and eventually breakthrough into mainstream music a year later.
Bergling’s first international hit came in 2011 when he released “Levels”. The song would go on reach the top 10 in several countries around the globe. It was used as samples in a number of hit songs by Berglings colleagues and other musicians.
Following up on the success of Levels, Bergling would collaborate in 2012 with one of EDM’s biggest names, David Guetta, to release “Sunshine”. The track would earn the duo a Grammy nomination and help continue to advance the EDM genre into mainstream music. Although the duo would not win their nomination, the success continued to propel Avicii into the pop culture spotlight.
In 2013, he released his debut studio album “True”. The album featured several singles including “Wake Me Up”, “Hey Brother” and “Addicted to You”. True would be a major commercial success peaking in the top 10 in 10 countries around the world. The album would be certified gold and platinum in multiple countries.
In the years following, Avicii would continue to release music and headline international tours. In 2016, Bergling announced that he would be retiring from touring due to health reasons. During the height of his touring success, Bergling suffered from different health problems including acute pancreatitis due to excessive drinking. He had his gallbladder and appendix removed in 2014.
Bergling released a statement regarding his retiring from touring on his website stating:
“WE ALL REACH A POINT IN OUR LIVES AND CAREERS WHERE WE UNDERSTAND WHAT MATTERS THE MOST TO US.
For me it’s creating music. That is what I live for, what I feel I was born to do.
Last year I quit performing live, and 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.”
Philanthropy was an important part of Bergling’s life. In 2011, he founded “House For Hunger”. The charity is dedicated to alleviating global hunger. Bergling explained his reason for founding the charity saying: “You have to give something back. I am so fortunate to be in the position where I can actually do that. I feel lucky every day when I wake up and am able to do what I love and make a living.”
House For Hunger has donated $1 million towards the charity Feeding America as well as several other efforts.
For many, Avicii was a major musical influence. His work not only helped propel EDM into the mainstream, it inspired a generation of music producers and DJs. He will be missed by many.
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