Avicii, a name that means so much to people globally. It’s the stage name of Tim Bergling, the Swedish DJ and Producer who took the world by storm when his track Levels gained popularity in 2011. At that time Avicii was in his early twenties and had no inkling of what would soon come following his foray into the electronic dance music scene.
With songs like Wake Me Up, Without You, Hey Brother, The Nights and Waiting for Love playing on radio stations and at major festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Miami, Avicii became renowned globally for not only his talent but also an iconic figure that many can relate to. At just a young age, he was already touring the world, playing back to back shows and pushing himself more and more.
When people think of Avicii, they think of his songs and his untimely death. But what many aren’t aware of is that he often struggled with being an influential global figure. Over the years, Avicii often grappled with his demons, especially being unable to cope with the pressures of this world. This was evident over the years as in 2012, Avicii was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and had his gallbladder and appendix removed.
But this setback didn’t stop Avicii, he kept pushing himself and giving fans more catchy hits and appearances. I was fortunate to have seen the legend at work at Road to Ultra in Bangkok in 2016. At that time, I was so enamored with his music and him that it never occurred to me that it would have been the first and only time I got to see him play.
Fast forward to April 20 2018, a day that shook the global dance scene to its core…when Avicii was found unresponsive in his hotel room in Oman. It wasn’t until later that we’d all come to learn that he often talked about suicidal thoughts, and being unable to deal with the pressure and lack of privacy, took his own life. Now, 6 years after his untimely death, more information has been brought forward at the recent screening of the Avicii: I’m Tim, documentary directed by Henrik Burman which premiered at the Tribeca Festival on June 9, 2024. By showcasing the influence of his avant-garde music, which crossed genres and broke down barriers, the movie pays tribute to his brilliant and serene personality.
Although it celebrates Avicii’s career, the film also reveals new information about the DJ’s state leading up to that dreaded day of April 20th, 2018. The documentary, titled Avicii: I’m Tim, claims he was so strung out on painkillers towards the end of his life that he looked like a ‘zombie’. The never-before-seen footage features his friends, family, and famous pals such as Nile Rogers and Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who he collaborated with. They reflect on the toll touring took on the world-famous DJ, who shot to fame when he was a teenager and performed more than 800 shows in six years – sometimes playing in two cities in one night.
Avicii‘s family issued a heartfelt statement after his passing that said, “Tim was a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential questions.” He worked quickly and meticulously, which caused great tension. He had a great deal of difficulty thinking about happiness, life, and purpose. Tim desired to be at peace. He was not cut out for the corporate world; although he loved his fans, he avoided the limelight. Tim, you are loved and missed forever.
The documentary has rekindled conversations around mental health in the music business, highlighting how critical it is to provide artists with greater assistance. In addition to expressing their sorrow and solidarity, fans and fellow musicians have called for reforms to stop tragedies like this from happening again.
Beyond just his music, Avicii has left a lasting legacy that is a strong call to action for society and the music industry to put the welfare of people who inspire us first. Despite being tragic, the documentary pays homage to his remarkable talent and long-lasting influence on the music industry.
