VIDEO: EDM STAR AVICII TRAGICALLY FOUND DEAD
On Friday the 29th of April, fans across the world rushed to their phones searching for something that would tell them the rumours weren't true as they were hit with disbelief and shock. The tragic news spread like wildfire, the electro-dance music god, Avicii, had passed away in Muscat, Oman. Fans scratched around the internet helplessly for answers but were left confused and devastated. Avicii's club anthems include Wake Me Up, Levels, and recently, Lonely Together with Rita Ora, made many of our summer holidays by the pool memorable. It seemed like there was no song he created that wasn't a major hit yet all he wanted was for his fans to fall in love with his music.
His representative said in a statement: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii. The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time." A source in Oman's Royal Police force reported on the basis of anonymity that: “Two autopsies were carried out, one yesterday and one today and we absolutely confirmed that there is no criminal suspicion in the death. We have all the information and details regarding the death and this incident,” the source said, adding that police would not be making any public statement on the case.
No further detail has been released relating to his cause of death, however, a lot of speculation has centred around his struggles with some health issues in the past, having his gall bladder and appendix removed in 2014 and also suffered from acute pancreatitis due to excessive alcohol consumption. He announced his retirement from touring in 2016, partly because of the health problems. "I know I am blessed to be able to travel all around the world and perform, but I have too little left for the life of a real person behind the artist," he said at the time. He also revealed in an interview: "Drinking became routine for me, but it's impossible to keep up touring and drinking at the same time because you are going to crash."
Avicii started his career when he won a production competition held by Pete Tong in 2008. His first worldwide claim to fame was "Levels" which set off his career at rocket pace, earning him up to $250,000 (£180,000) a night on tour. During his career, he racked up 11 billion streams on Spotify and was the first EDM DJ to stage a worldwide arena tour, was nominated for two Grammy Awards and had nine UK top 10 singles, including two number ones. He collaborated with many world-famous singers like Aloe Blacc and Rita Ora to create top EDM hits as well as collaborating with mainstream artists including Madonna and Coldplay.
Condolences from celebrities across the world poured in, singer Dua Lipa tweeted: "Such sad news to hear about Avicii passing. Too young and way too soon. My condolences go out to his family, friends and fans." US band, Imagine Dragons, tweeted: "Working with him was one of my favourite collaborative moments. Far too young. The world was a happier and fuller place with his presence and art." DJ Zedd expressed sadness saying: "No words can describe the sadness I'm feeling right now, hearing about Avicii passing away," and singer Adam Lambert, who worked with him on the track Lay Me Down, called him "a brilliant composer and a gentle spirit."
Many esteemed artists in the music industry have commended him for becoming the first world-famous EDM artist, a man who was adored by his fans so much so that in August 2016, one crazed fan climbed a 100ft-high (30m) pole to get a better view of his set – which is just a testament to how he captured audiences with his talent. Avicii was known for surprising his audience with the unexpected, dropping classic tracks into his performances from the likes of Smokey Robinson and Chicago.
He approached it all with an energy, optimism and passion that shone through in his music. It's no surprise he was one of the most beloved DJs on the circuit. His passion for music was evident in the way that he spoke about his career saying: "[Creating music], that is what I live for, what I feel I was born to do... The next stage will be all about my love of making music to you guys. It is the beginning of something new. When I was 16, my father said, 'You can do anything you want with your life, you just have to be willing to work hard to get it.' That's when I decided when I die, I want to be remembered for the life I live, not the money I make."
His life will certainly be remembered through all of the smiles he put on music-lovers' faces who mourn such a loss to the music industry.