Award Winning DJ Avicii Dies At 28
28 year-old Tim Bergling popularly known as Avicii is dead.
According to reports the Swedish-born producer and DJ has been found dead in Oman.
Avicii’s publicist Diana Baron confirmed the news in a statement that the DJ was in Muscat, Oman when he passed away.
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii,” Baron said. “He was found dead in Muscat, Oman this Friday afternoon local time, April 20th. The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time. No further statements will be given.”
Avicii was known as a pioneer of the Electronic Dance Movement.
Bergling chose the moniker “Avicii” because the word represented the lowest level of Buddhist hell. He was one of the most successful DJs in the electronic music industry.
The musician found crossover pop success with his 2011 track “Le7els,” which sampled Etta James, going platinum in the US and becoming a number one single internationally.
Avicii also collaborated with other artists and remixed their songs, working with Madonna, Robyn, Major Lazer, Daft Punk Coldplay (“A Sky Full of Stars”, “Hymn for the Weekend”) and Wyclef Jean and Santana (the 2014 World Cup anthem “Dar um Jeito”).
The DJ earned a Grammy nod in 2012 for “Sunshine” – a collaboration with David Guetta.
While he had been making music prior to “Le7els,” the track launched his career at 20 years old.
In 2012, he ended up on Forbes’ “Highest Paid DJs list”, and became number three on the list by 2014.
Throughout his career, he took home two MTV Music Awards, one Billboard Music Award and earned two Grammy nominations.
Just days before his death, Avicii was nominated for a Billboard Music Award for top dance/electronic album for his EP Avicii (01).
His biggest hits include “Le7els,” “Wake Me Up!,” “The Days,” and “You Make Me.
In 2016, Avicii retired from performing live after experiencing a variety of health problems including acute pancreatitis, partially due to drinking. Two years prior, he had his gallbladder and appendix removed, and he cancelled a series of tour dates in order to recover.
Despite retiring, he continued to make music in the studio.
