On April 20, 2018, the music world was struck with tragedy as Swedish DJ Avicii, real name Tim Bergling, passed away at the age of 28 while on holiday in Oman. His father, Klas Bergling, still mourns the loss of his son and reflects on the questions that linger in his mind.
Avicii rose to fame with his hit song “Levels” in 2011, which catapulted him to stardom in the world of electronic dance music (EDM). Known for his blond hair and high cheekbones, Avicii became a poster boy for the genre, earning significant amounts from his tours.
However, at the age of 26, Avicii decided to retire from live performances due to struggles with anxiety, pancreatitis, and addiction. Despite taking a break from the spotlight to focus on producing music, his inner demons continued to haunt him until his untimely death.
In an effort to honor his legacy and shed light on mental health issues among young people, the Bergling family has established the Tim Bergling Foundation. Through this foundation, they have released a picture book showcasing Tim’s life beyond the stage lights.
Reflecting on his son’s impact on fans, Klas emphasizes Tim’s authenticity and honesty, which resonated with many young people. Tim found success in the music industry by posting tracks online and adopting the name Avicii after facing challenges with his original name.
As Tim’s health deteriorated, his struggles with pill abuse and addiction became more apparent, leading to clashes with paparazzi and delays in his music releases. Despite interventions and rehab efforts, Tim found it challenging to break free from the pressures of the industry.
Since Tim’s passing, his family has been actively involved in suicide prevention efforts and raising awareness about mental health issues. Through the Tim Bergling Foundation, they aim to continue Tim’s legacy and break the stigma surrounding mental health.
