Swedish DJ Tim Bergling, known by his stage name as Avicii, passed away at the age of 28 on Friday. “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii,” said his publicist Diana Baron in a statement, according to Billboard. “He was found dead in Muscat, Oman this Friday afternoon local time, April 20th. The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time. No further statements will be given.”
According to Billboard, Avicii started releasing music on the Laidback Luke Forum in the late 2000s, before breaking through with his debut studio album, True. In 2016, he decided to retire from touring, citing numerous health issues. “Two weeks ago, I took the time to drive across the U.S. with my friends and team, to just look and see and think about things in a new way,” he wrote on his website, per Billboard. “It really helped me realize that I needed to make the change that I’d been struggling with for a while.”
Then, last year, he posted a letter on his website announcing his return to recording in the studio. “WE ALL REACH A POINT IN OUR LIVES AND CAREERS WHERE WE UNDERSTAND WHAT MATTERS THE MOST TO US. For me it’s creating music. That is what I live for, what I feel I was born to do,” he wrote last year. “Last year I quit performing live, and many of you thought that was it. But the end of live never meant the end of Avicii or my music. Instead, I went back to the place where it all made sense – the studio. The next stage will be all about my love of making music to you guys. It is the beginning of something new. Hope you´ll enjoy it as much as I do.”
Following news of Bergling’s passing, numerous celebrities including Liam Payne, Ellie Goulding, and deadmau5 penned moving tributes in memory of the late DJ on Twitter. “Devastating news about Avicii, a beautiful soul, passionate and extremely talented with so much more to do. My heart goes out to his family. God bless you Tim x,” wrote producer Calvin Harris, while 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 x.”
His longtime friend, fellow DJ Laidback Luke, also wrote a message in his memory. “OH MY GOD 😭 wow… I’m speechless. May you Rest In Peace my dear Tim 💔,” he tweeted, along with a link to a news article about his passing.
Devastating news about Avicii, a beautiful soul, passionate and extremely talented with so much more to do. My heart goes out to his family. God bless you Tim x
— Calvin Harris (@CalvinHarris) April 20, 2018
Such sad news to hear about Avicii passing. Too young and way too soon. My condolences go out to his family, friends and fans x
— DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) April 20, 2018
At a loss for words…Rest easy brother 😪 @Avicii
— marshmello (@marshmellomusic) April 20, 2018
my sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to the friends, fans and families of @Avicii🙁 Banter aside, nobody can deny what he has accomplished and done for modern dance music and im very proud of him.
— Goat lord (@deadmau5) April 20, 2018
Wow, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to the man who really opened my eyes as to what my productions could one day sound like. @Avicii was a genius and a music innovator, and I can not believe he is no longer with us. RIP to the very best.
— Charlie Puth (@charlieputh) April 20, 2018
Avicii contributed incredible art to this world. devastated to hear about this. Rest In Peace. X
— Sabrina Carpenter (@SabrinaAnnLynn) April 20, 2018
Oh my god truly devastated for Avicii very very sad news way to young … what a talent he was. rest in peace x
— Liam (@LiamPayne) April 20, 2018
RIP Avicii. I have so many great memories to his music.
— Caspar Lee (@Caspar_Lee) April 20, 2018
Rest easy Avicii, you inspired so many of us. Wish I could have said that to you in person x
— Ellie Goulding (@elliegoulding) April 20, 2018
No @Avicii… I can’t even begin to comprehend this. I adore you and I loved traveling and touring Europe with you. You were my friend and a beautiful person. Vegas and Ibiza memories will always be so special to me. RIP you were magic.
— Ruby Rose (@RubyRose) April 20, 2018
No words can describe the sadness I’m feeling right now, hearing about Avicii passing away….💔
Thoughts go out to his family and friends…
— Zedd (@Zedd) April 20, 2018
RIP Tim. You were a brilliant composer and a gentle spirit. Fond memories of creating music w @Avicii and @nilerodgers– https://t.co/AfCVbXlhQh
— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) April 20, 2018
devastated at the news of @Avicii passing. working with him was one of my favorite collaborative moments. far too young. the world was a happier and fuller place with his presence and art. sending all my love to his friends and family. Xxdr
— Imagine Dragons (@Imaginedragons) April 20, 2018
