Music

Avicii: DJ ‘could not go on any longer’, says family

Swedish dance music star Avicii remembered as ‘sensitive guy’ who was ‘not made’ for the music business

Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, was found dead in Muscat, Oman, on Friday. Photograph: Reuters

Thu Apr 26 2018 - 22:19

The family of the Swedish dance music star Avicii, who was found dead last week, have said he “could not go on any longer” and that “he wanted to find peace”.

Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, was found dead in Muscat, Oman, on Friday. Omani police said no evidence of foul play had been found, although the cause of death has not been announced.

Bergling’s family described the DJ and producer, who scored huge worldwide hits with Wake Me Up and Levels, as “fragile” and an “over-achieving perfectionist” in the statement, the second they have released this week.

“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.

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“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.”

Earlier this week, Bergling’s family thanked his fans for their support in the days after his death. Tributes poured in from fans and the music industry.

On Saturday, thousands gathered in Stockholm to remember him. After a minute’s silence, his most popular tracks were played and fans danced and sang.

Bergling retired from live performances in 2016, after years of intense touring that exacerbated his alcoholism, though he continued his studio work. He had suffered from acute pancreatitis, which was partially blamed on his drinking. After having his gallbladder and appendix removed in 2014, he cancelled a series of shows in an attempt to recover. - Guardian Service

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