GettyThe news of Avicii’s death shocked the world when the news broke last week, and since his passing we have learned more about his final days.
The 28-year-old, real name Tim Bergling, died in Muscat, Oman last week, a statement released by his reps confirmed.
Avicii’s rise to fame was meteoric, and according to Rolling Stone, he struggled to take time to slow down from the hectic lifestyle in which he found himself.
He was on the wave of the EDM revolution, and his iconic sound made him one of the most notable musical names of the generation.
GettyBy 2014, he was the third-highest-paid DJ in the world, and would draw in other household names for collaborations on his music.
He told Rolling Stone in 2014:
I never dreamed of making music or touring on this level. It’s all happened so fast. I haven’t half-assed anything.
It has been very, very hectic. The workload has been insane, right from the start.
I don’t really feel like I’ve had time to slow down.
Avicii/InstagramThe pace took its toll on the musician, and he soon began experiencing serious medical issues with his pancreas, and later his gallbladder.
Avicii canceled a series of shows around that time, and in 2016 announced he was no longer touring. At this time, he began making music at his home in Tuscany.
According to Rolling Stone, Avicii was planning to release three EPs, the first of which dropped last summer. His collaborators noticed a change within him at that time.
GettyCollaborator Mike Einzinger said:
He didn’t look skeletal. He looked healthy, like he’d been out in the sun.
As part of this new wave of music, Avicii invited Joe Janiak – a songwriter and producer – to his home studio in Los Angeles, where they spent a few weeks writing new material.
Janiak said of this collaboration:
You could tell he had spent a long time figuring out the puzzle. and he was trying to take charge of his life. He seemed pumped. That’s the shocking thing.
He didn’t seem like a guy at the end of his days.
GettyBefore he left for Oman, Avicii told Janiak he would reach out when he returned so they could continue working, and then left to pack his suitcase for his travels the next morning.
Avicii’s family released an emotional tribute on Thursday (April 26), suggesting he killed himself:
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.
GettyThe statement continued:
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.
GettyOur thoughts continue to be with the friends and family of Bergling during this time.
If you’ve been affected by the issues brought up in this article or are having thoughts about taking your own life or know some who is going through a similar experience and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact 24/7 Samaritans hotline on 116 123.
