In 2011, we were introduced to Swedish DJ and producer Avicii after he released his chart topping hit, Levels. He was at the forefront of the EDM (electronic dance music) wave and he came armed with an arsenal of smash hits.
Dutch producer Laidback Luke discovered Avicii, born Tim Berling, at the age of 21 on MySpace. In less than a decade, his selection of hits included club bangers such as Fade Into Darkness, Wake Me Up, Silhouettes and Hey Brother. His career defined the beginning of the radio-friendly EDM era. In 2013, he headlined the Ultra Music Festival, which was one of the most auspicious moments in his career.
Thousands of fans in Sweden gathered in Stockholm to pay tribute after his shocking death on April 20 while on holiday in Oman. Sweden’s Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia were in attendance too.
“It is with great sadness that we received the news that Tim Bergling has died. We are grateful that we got to know him and admired him as an artist and the nice person he was,” the royal couple said at the weekend.
He performed at their wedding in 2015. The couple said: “He made our wedding unforgettable with his amazing music.”
He will unfortunately be remembered with an aura of tragedy. He was 28 at the time of his death, having seemingly escaped the so-called “27 club” of famous artists who died young. In 2016, he retired from touring because of health problems, including acute pancreatitis triggered, in part, by excessive drinking. His cause of death is unknown.
When the news of his death was announced, fellow DJs took to social media to express their sadness. On Twitter, DJ Black Coffee shared his grief as well as the plans the two had made.
TRACE sends condolences to Bergling’s family and friends. His contribution to EDM and music at large was immense and the void he leaves behind will be felt.
* Tune into TRACE Urban on Thursday, April 26, at 3.30pm as we honour him on TRACE Request.