Tim Bergling (8 September 1989 – 20 April 2018), known professionally as Avicii, was a Swedish DJ, record producer, and songwriter who is credited with helping to usher electronic music into the Top 40 mainstream in the early 2010s. He began his career at 16, posting his remixes on electronic music forums, which led to his first record deal.
Rise to Fame
Avicii rose to prominence in 2011 with his breakthrough single "Levels". The track, which samples Etta James's "Something's Got a Hold on Me," became a massive international hit. His 2013 debut studio album, "True," blended electronic music with elements from various genres, including country and folk. The album's lead single, "Wake Me Up," featuring vocals from Aloe Blacc, topped charts in numerous countries and reached number four in the United States. Other successful singles from this period include "Hey Brother" and "Addicted to You".
Musical Style and Collaborations
Avicii's music was known for its melodic and uplifting nature, often blending electronic beats with live instrumentation and vocals. He collaborated with a wide range of artists throughout his career, including Madonna, Coldplay's Chris Martin, Nile Rodgers, and Rita Ora. He was nominated for two Grammy Awards, one for his collaboration with David Guetta on "Sunshine" in 2012 and another for "Levels" in 2013.
Health Struggles and Retirement from Touring
The demanding nature of his career, with hundreds of shows per year, took a toll on Avicii's physical and mental health. He struggled with anxiety and alcohol abuse. In 2014, he had his gallbladder and appendix removed due to acute pancreatitis, a condition exacerbated by excessive drinking. In March 2016, at the age of 26, Avicii announced his retirement from touring to focus on his well-being.
Later Work and Death
After retiring from the road, Avicii continued to produce music, releasing the EP "Avīci (01)" in 2017. On April 20, 2018, Avicii died by suicide while on holiday in Muscat, Oman. He was 28 years old. His family released a statement revealing his struggles with his thoughts and that "he could not go on any longer."
Legacy and Posthumous Releases
Avicii's death was a significant loss to the music world, and many artists paid tribute to his influence. His third studio album, "Tim," which he was working on before his death, was posthumously released in 2019, with proceeds going to the Tim Bergling Foundation, a charity set up by his family to support mental health awareness. In May 2025, a compilation album titled "AVICII FOREVER" was released, featuring his greatest hits and a new unreleased track.