in memory
The EDM star, who unexpectedly passed away in Oman at the age of 28 last week, had quickly risen to a level of fame that few people get to experience
From a distance it may seem like fame equals perfect happiness but in reality it is far from the panacea it appears to be. Some artists succeed – and even thrive – despite the many pressures of life in the limelight. But others struggle to adjust to the amplified celebrity lifestyle, a predicament that can take a toll on their physical and mental health, as it appears to have done in the case of Tim Bergling.
The Swedish DJ – better known by his stage name Avicii (a moniker inspired by the term for “the lowest level of Buddhist hell”) – who unexpectedly passed away while vacationing in Oman at the age of 28 last week, had quickly risen to a level of fame that few people get to experience, that too at a relatively young age, but had then tried to take a step back from it all at the peak of his success.
Stardom
Born in Stockholm in 1989, Bergling, who would end up becoming one of the biggest names in electronic dance music, entered the entertainment industry in his teens, before gaining mainstream success in 2011 when his track ‘Levels’ became a global hit. But it was with the release of his debut album True (2013) that the artist truly hit the big time, merging EDM and folk to create his distinctive country-infused sound that was showcased spectacularly in the irresistible, unescapable single ‘Wake Me Up’.
Another set of uplifting pop songs followed two years later. His second album, Stories (2015), saw him collaborating with the likes of Zac Brown Band, Wyclef Jean, Robbie Williams, and Chris Martin, but would, sadly, end up being his last.
Retirement
Riding high on the popularity of his music, Bergling quickly became one of the highest paid DJs in the world, and was reportedly making $250,000 a night on tour at the peak of his stardom, but behind the scenes, the Swede had been struggling with health problems (including acute pancreatitis) as well as anxiety issues. These concerns would lead him to unexpectedly retire from touring in 2016 at the age of 26.
“My path has been filled with success but it hasn’t come without its bumps. I’ve become an adult while growing as an artist, I’ve come to know myself better and realize that there’s so much I want to do with my life,” he wrote at the time. “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 continued making music, releasing a final, six-track EP in August last year, and also released a documentary, Avicii: True Stories, a few months later, chronicling his rise to fame and subsequent struggles.
Legacy
In his short life, Bergling achieved a lot, making chart topping songs, producing tracks for other artists - most prominently Coldplay’s ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ and ‘Hymn for the Weekend’ and Madonna’s ‘Devil Pray’ - reshaping EDM, and inspiring countless young artists to follow in his footsteps. His tragic, untimely death may have brought his story to a premature end, but his work will continue to bring hope and inspiration to his many fans.
The Swedish DJ – better known by his stage name Avicii (a moniker inspired by the term for “the lowest level of Buddhist hell”) – who unexpectedly passed away while vacationing in Oman at the age of 28 last week, had quickly risen to a level of fame that few people get to experience, that too at a relatively young age, but had then tried to take a step back from it all at the peak of his success.
Stardom
Born in Stockholm in 1989, Bergling, who would end up becoming one of the biggest names in electronic dance music, entered the entertainment industry in his teens, before gaining mainstream success in 2011 when his track ‘Levels’ became a global hit. But it was with the release of his debut album True (2013) that the artist truly hit the big time, merging EDM and folk to create his distinctive country-infused sound that was showcased spectacularly in the irresistible, unescapable single ‘Wake Me Up’.
Another set of uplifting pop songs followed two years later. His second album, Stories (2015), saw him collaborating with the likes of Zac Brown Band, Wyclef Jean, Robbie Williams, and Chris Martin, but would, sadly, end up being his last.
Retirement
Riding high on the popularity of his music, Bergling quickly became one of the highest paid DJs in the world, and was reportedly making $250,000 a night on tour at the peak of his stardom, but behind the scenes, the Swede had been struggling with health problems (including acute pancreatitis) as well as anxiety issues. These concerns would lead him to unexpectedly retire from touring in 2016 at the age of 26.
“My path has been filled with success but it hasn’t come without its bumps. I’ve become an adult while growing as an artist, I’ve come to know myself better and realize that there’s so much I want to do with my life,” he wrote at the time. “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 continued making music, releasing a final, six-track EP in August last year, and also released a documentary, Avicii: True Stories, a few months later, chronicling his rise to fame and subsequent struggles.
Legacy
In his short life, Bergling achieved a lot, making chart topping songs, producing tracks for other artists - most prominently Coldplay’s ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ and ‘Hymn for the Weekend’ and Madonna’s ‘Devil Pray’ - reshaping EDM, and inspiring countless young artists to follow in his footsteps. His tragic, untimely death may have brought his story to a premature end, but his work will continue to bring hope and inspiration to his many fans.
- Sameen Amer
Instep, The News International - 23rd April, 2018 *
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