top of page
gold_render_edited.png

Avicii: The Man, The Music, The Fear of Fame

Writer's picture: Tom GoedhartTom Goedhart

Updated: Oct 11, 2024

On March 29, 2016, Avicii made a shocking announcement on his Facebook page: he would stop touring for good.


This revelation sent ripples through the electronic music community, where tributes poured in from fans and fellow artists alike. Among them was a poignant tweet from DJ Marshmello, which captured the essence of the moment: “No matter what anyone says, Avicii will always be a legend in our world. He is one of the few who opened countless doors for the next generation.”

At just 26 years old, Avicii - whose real name was Tim Bergling - was still in the early stages of his career, having only fully risen to fame in the last five years, with his breakout hit “Levels” in 2011 marking his ascent. He had quickly become one of the highest-paid DJs, earning over $200,000 for each performance lasting one to two hours.

avicii-house-progressive

In his letter, Avicii expressed that he needed more time for “the person behind the artist.” However, in subsequent interviews, a more pressing reason emerged: his body could no longer withstand the grueling demands of the nightlife that followed each electrifying set.

This struggle wasn’t sudden; it was a gradual decline.

Avicii’s health issues first arose in January 2012 when he was hospitalized in New York for 11 days due to complications with his pancreas. In March 2013, while in Australia, he had to cancel a show and ended up in the hospital again. Doctors advised him to have his gallbladder removed, but he was adamant about completing his album “True,” which dropped six months later and took the EDM scene by storm.

dozens-hospitalized-at-an-avicii-concert-in-boston

Avicii’s health continued to deteriorate.


Everything seemed manageable until March 2014, when he collapsed once more, suffering severe abdominal pain that forced him to cancel his performance at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami. Doctors delivered grim news: his pancreatic issues had resurfaced, his appendix had burst, and his liver function had declined. He underwent gallbladder surgery.

Yet, just a month later, he was back on the road.

In an October 2014 interview with Billboard, Avicii admitted, “I took a month off, but it wasn’t really a month of rest. I was in the studio for 12 hours a day and then jumped right back into touring.

It’s hard to say ‘no’ in this industry,” he continued. “You just want to play everywhere, all the time.”


Throughout the summer of 2014, Avicii performed at various clubs and festivals, yet his appearance was alarmingly gaunt. High-profile gigs in Las Vegas and lucrative endorsements with brands like Coca-Cola and Ralph Lauren earned him over $24 million that year - an indication that perhaps he should take a step back.

tumblr_mquz5jlW311s1lwhoo1_1280

Avicii in a photoshoot for Ralph Lauren.


I’m going to try to slow things down,” he asserted at that time. As “True” dominated the charts and “Wake Me Up” gained global acclaim, Avicii released “The Days” in October 2014.

While he didn’t participate in every event, preferring to leave the spotlight to his technical team, he spent time with friends, family, and his model girlfriend Racquel Bettencourt.

Let’s revisit the health challenges Avicii faced during the peak of his career from 2013 to 2014.

It’s challenging to pinpoint whether Avicii had underlying health issues. What’s clear is that he severely compromised his well-being.

For those familiar with alcohol addiction, it’s easy to connect the dots regarding his organs - pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. Avicii had a penchant for drinking.

Avicii-Desktop

Many media outlets seized the opportunity to criticize Avicii and the broader EDM community, which is often associated with alcohol and stimulant use, including cannabis and other drugs.

After every performance, the tradition of partying continues, with food and drinks readily available in dressing rooms. For many EDM artists, a successful set is reason enough to raise a glass with their team.

tumblr_mquz5jlW311s1lwhoo2_1280

However, in Avicii's case, there was a deeper issue at play. He was an introvert at heart. The Tim Bergling behind Avicii wasn’t suited for the high-octane lifestyle of the DJ world.

For me, this is something I have to do for my health,” Avicii told Billboard in April 2016, appearing “tired but happy, very happy.”


That scene isn’t for me. It’s not the shows or the music; it’s always the other elements that make me feel unnatural. Everything aside from being an artist is challenging for me. I’ve carried too much negative energy, perhaps.”

Reflecting on it now, Avicii often looked flushed on stage. While other DJs celebrated post-performance, Avicii leaned on alcohol to combat his anxiety and nervousness - a temporary fix that took a toll over time.

Other factors may have contributed to his struggles. In December 2014, he broke up with Racquel Bettencourt, coinciding with the upload of the official video for “The Nights” to his YouTube channel, which went dormant for nearly six months.

It wasn’t until May 2015 that activity resumed with a new video for “Feeling Good.”


True to its title, the song and video showcased what Avicii truly cherished. The footage captured the young Swede exploring mountains, beaches, and spending joyful moments with family and friends—experiences that anyone could relate to. These were the moments when he lived as Tim Bergling, not just as the artist.

Amazing-Avicii-Wallpaper

The video posed a poignant question: “Have you ever been… Tim?”

Despite producing over 70 tracks, Avicii released the album “Stories” filled with hits, followed by extensive tours, awkward public appearances, and, of course, the ever-present alcohol for the anxious introvert.

Yes, this is a story about one of the world’s leading DJs and music producers - someone who earned more in a single night than many do in a year. He could easily draw in crowds of fans and had a glamorous lifestyle, including the $15 million mansion in Los Angeles he bought under scrutiny, where some labeled Racquel as a “gold digger.”

2353669-avicii-ralph-lauren-617-409

However, despite his fame, Avicii remained a shy, introverted individual who preferred the company of books and screens over social gatherings. He engaged with fans on platforms like Quora, openly shared his phone number, and responded to messages, yet he remained the DJ who feared crowds.

In March 2016, Avicii announced he would conclude his touring in 2016, with a final show set for August in Ibiza, Spain. In subsequent interviews, he hinted at the possibility of performing occasional shows. But perhaps he had come to terms with the realization that a life filled with travel and performance was not for him.

Avicii would continue to create music, but the introverted Tim Bergling required care and attention. Fortunately, he had discovered solace in “Feeling Good.”


Dung Le


0 comments

Related Posts

See All

Comentários


bottom of page