Avicii, real name Tim Bergling, was a Swedish DJ and music producer widely recognized for his hit singles, “Wake Me Up”, “Hey Brother”, “Levels” and “The Nights”. Avicii’s blend of EDM, pop, and folk music made him an international superstar and a staple in the music industry.
His accomplishments earned him two Grammy Award nominations, a BAFTA nomination, and recognition from the European Music Awards, and MTV Music Awards.
Avicii’s passing on April 20th, 2018 came as a shock to the music community and fans, who had been eagerly awaiting his return to the stage after his retirement from touring in 2016 due to health problems. The DJ had been struggling with acute pancreatitis while at the height of his fame, and in 2014 had his appendix and gallbladder removed due to complications from the condition.
Avicii’s unexpected death was a great loss for the electronic dance music scene. His influence will forever be remembered by the artists, friends, and fans he left behind.
So, how did Avicii die? The official cause of his death was reported to be suicide, with no further details revealed. His family released a statement saying that he “could not go on any longer” and that they hoped his passing could serve as “a reminder to all of us to take better care of ourselves”. Avicii’s death was a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Avicii’s Early Life and Career
Avicii, born Tim Bergling, had an early affinity for music. At the age of 8, he began to study the piano and guitar. His love of music only grew when he discovered electronic dance music (EDM) as a teenager. Bergling quickly developed a niche for producing his own beats and soon started performing at local clubs in Sweden.
In 2008, he released his first track, “Manman”, under the pseudonym “Avicii”. The track was an instant hit and brought the young artist into the spotlight. He followed up with a remix of the track “Crying Out For Me” by Usher, which became an even bigger success.
Avicii’s career began to skyrocket as he gained recognition for his unique blend of EDM and pop music. His biggest hits, such as “Wake Me Up”, “Hey Brother”, “Levels” and “The Nights”, propelled him to the top of the charts across the globe.
He made numerous appearances at festivals and concerts and became one of the most in-demand DJs in the world. His music earned him two Grammy Award nominations, a BAFTA nomination, and recognition from the European Music Awards, and MTV Music Awards.
Avicii was an inspiration to countless aspiring producers and DJs who followed in his footsteps. His legacy will live on forever in the music industry.
Struggles with Health and Touring
Avicii’s health problems began to take a toll on him in 2012 when he was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis due to excessive drinking. This led to the removal of his gallbladder in 2014. Despite his illness, he continued performing and touring until 2016.
The constant touring and late nights began to take a toll on Avicii’s physical and mental health. He became increasingly anxious and depressed, and he developed an addiction to alcohol. The pressure of maintaining a successful career and his health issues weighed heavily on him.
In 2016, Avicii decided to retire from touring in order to focus on his health and personal life. Despite this, he continued to produce and release music until his death in 2018. His decision to retire from touring was met with both understanding and criticism from fans, but he ultimately chose to put his health first.
Avicii’s struggles with health and touring illustrate the physical and mental toll that performing can take on an artist. His legacy will continue to inspire countless aspiring DJs, and his decision to prioritize his health will leave a lasting impression on the music industry.
Avicii’s Death
On April 20, 2018, Avicii died unexpectedly in Muscat, Oman. Initial reports speculated that he had died of a suspected suicide, although this was later ruled out by the inquest. The medical reports found that Avicii had died from an accidental overdose of self-prescribed drugs, including lorazepam and alcohol, which caused acute pancreatitis and circulatory shock.
Avicii had long struggled with his physical and mental health, and his decision to take his own life was driven by a combination of factors, including his health issues, depression, anxiety, and the pressures of maintaining a successful music career. The inquest into his death concluded that there was no evidence that he had intended to take his own life.
Avicii’s death came as a shock to many in the music industry, and it served to raise awareness of the dangers of mental health issues and addiction. His legacy will continue to inspire countless aspiring DJs, and his death serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and wellbeing.
The Official Cause of Death
The official cause of death was determined to be an accidental overdose of self-prescribed drugs, including lorazepam and alcohol, which caused acute pancreatitis and circulatory shock. Avicii’s family had initially suggested that the cause may have been suicide, but this was later ruled out by the inquest.
Reports emerged in the media of self-inflicted injuries sustained by Avicii using a broken wine glass on the day of his death. However, this was not the cause of his death, and it was speculated that it was a sign of his mental distress rather than a deliberate attempt to end his life.
The inquest into Avicii’s death concluded that his death was not intentional, and his family released a statement expressing their grief. It was a reminder of the importance of handling sensitive information responsibly in the media, particularly when discussing mental health and suicide, to reduce the risk of further distress for the affected families.
The Legacy of Avicii
The legacy of Avicii is remembered both through the music he produced and the impact his death had on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Avicii’s posthumous album “TIM”, released in 2019, was met with critical acclaim and chart success. The album serves as a lasting reminder of Avicii’s musical and production prowess, which has been credited with revolutionizing the electronic dance music (EDM) scene.
In memory of Avicii, his family established the Tim Bergling Foundation in 2018, with the aim of raising mental health awareness and supporting suicide prevention. The foundation works to ensure that individuals like Avicii, struggling with mental health issues, have access to the help and support they need.
Avicii’s music and career have had a lasting impact on the EDM scene, inspiring a generation of young producers and DJs to pursue their dreams and to be creative. His work continues to be remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Avicii’s death left a lasting impact on the music industry and beyond. His work has inspired generations of musicians to push their creativity, and his tragic death highlighted the need for increased awareness and support for mental health in the music industry. Despite the sadness surrounding his passing, we should continue to remember him for his immense talent, passion, and contributions to the world of music.
FAQs
What is the cause of Avicii’s death?
Avicii passed away on April 20, 2018 in Muscat, Oman due to suicide.
Was Avicii suffering from a mental health illness?
Avicii was known to have suffered from alcoholism and acute pancreatitis, which is believed to have been the result of his mental health struggles.
When did Avicii first start to struggle with his mental health?
Avicii’s mental health issues first started to manifest in 2014 when he took a break from performing live due to exhaustion and anxiety.
Was Avicii’s death unexpected?
Avicii’s death was a shock to many of his fans, as his family had released a statement expressing that he had been working on a new album and was in good spirits shortly before his death.
