After achieving rapid success in the music industry, Avicii took a break from performing in 2016 to focus on his mental and physical well-being. Unfortunately, in 2018, the talented Swedish DJ passed away at the age of 28 due to suicide.
Originally known as Tim Bergling from Stockholm, Avicii started his career in electronic dance music in 2008. Within a short span of three years, he skyrocketed to international stardom, receiving Grammy nominations for collaborations with David Guetta and for his hit track “Levels.” Despite his string of chart-topping hits, including “Wake Me Up” in 2013, Avicii faced health issues and struggled with anxiety, using alcohol as a coping mechanism.
In March 2016, feeling drained from constant touring and health problems, Avicii made the decision to step back from live performances to focus on his music and well-being. Tragically, during a break in Oman in April 2018, he took his own life, leaving fans, friends, and family shocked and mourning his loss.
Netflix has released two documentaries, “Avicii: I’m Tim” and “Avicii: My Last Show,” offering a glimpse into Avicii’s life and final performance in Ibiza in 2016. These documentaries shed light on his struggles and the legacy he left behind.
Avicii’s family later confirmed his cause of death as suicide, citing his perfectionist nature and struggle with extreme stress. Despite ruling out foul play, his history of health issues, alcohol abuse, and exhaustion likely played a role. The family expressed his desire for peace after finding balance in life post-touring.
The music world mourned the loss of Avicii, recognizing his influence and talent. His family requested privacy as they grieved, and his rep shared the devastating news of his passing.
Did Avicii die? Avicii, the DJ, was found dead on April 20, 2018, in Muscat, Oman, where he had been vacationing. He had retired from touring in March 2016, citing health reasons. His father believed it was not a planned suicide, comparing it to a traffic accident. Avicii was 28 years old at the time of his death. Prior to his passing, he had been working on new music and seemed motivated to take control of his life.
The DJ’s inner struggles and health battles were documented in a series of journal entries and interviews included in Måns Mosesson’s 2021 book, “Tim —The Official Biography of Avicii.” These entries touched on various topics such as his challenges with alcohol, recovery from acute pancreatitis, and time spent at a rehab center in Ibiza in 2015. Avicii also wrote about his meditation practice inspired by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, meditating for extended periods. His last journal entry, written the day before his suicide, expressed a profound sentiment about the soul and restarting.
Avicii’s passing deeply impacted the music community, leading to an outpouring of grief and tributes from artists like Calvin Harris, Zedd, Tiësto, Charlie Puth, and Madonna. The news was particularly poignant at Coachella, where DJ Kygo paid tribute to Avicii with an emotional performance of their hit song “Without You.”
At the time of his death, Avicii was in a relationship with Czech model Tereza Kačerová, although they had kept their relationship private. Following his passing, Kačerová shared heartfelt tributes on social media, offering a glimpse into their private life and future plans.
Tereza Kačerová expressed deep sorrow and disbelief over the passing of her late partner, the renowned musician Avicii. In a poignant letter shared on social media, Kačerová revealed her struggle to come to terms with the reality of never seeing him again, particularly after noticing the change from ‘is’ to ‘was’ in Avicii’s Wikipedia biography. The heart-wrenching letter also referenced Thomas Edison’s final words, offering a message of hope and comfort in the face of loss.
Avicii, born Tim Bergling, left behind a lasting legacy in both the music industry and the realm of mental health awareness. Regarded as a trailblazer in electronic dance music (EDM), Avicii’s impact transcended genres, influencing a new generation of artists and DJs. His ability to blend EDM with mainstream styles like pop and country set him apart, with his hit song “Levels” being hailed by Billboard as a defining track of the 2010s.
Collaborators and peers in the music world, such as Nile Rodgers, acknowledged Avicii’s immense talent and the significance of his contributions to the industry. Despite his untimely passing, Avicii’s influence continues to be celebrated, notably through the Avicii Experience Tribute Museum in Stockholm. The museum not only showcases memorabilia and unreleased music but also supports the Tim Bergling Foundation, established by Avicii’s family to carry on his philanthropic work and raise awareness about mental health, including suicide prevention.
Through initiatives like the Tim Bergling Foundation and the tribute museum, Avicii’s memory lives on, inspiring fans and artists alike while promoting important causes related to mental health advocacy and suicide prevention. His impact on the music world remains undeniable, with his innovative approach to EDM and his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
In a world that continues to grapple with the effects of mental health challenges, Avicii’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of self-care, seeking help when needed, and supporting those who may be struggling. As the music community and fans alike reflect on Avicii’s enduring legacy, his music and message continue to resonate, offering solace and inspiration to all who have been touched by his work.
Remembering Avicii not only as a remarkable artist but also as a compassionate advocate for mental health, his influence extends far beyond the realm of music, leaving a profound impact on those who knew him and those who continue to be moved by his artistry and message. As the world continues to honor his memory, the Tim Bergling Foundation stands as a testament to his enduring legacy, embodying his spirit of generosity, creativity, and compassion in the ongoing pursuit of positive change and mental health awareness.
