Swedish DJ Avicii, whose real name Tim Bergling, died at age 28 on Friday, April 20, his publicist confirmed. Calvin Harris, Marshmello, Charlie Puth and more DJ’s and music stars are expressing their condolences on social media. “Devastating news about Avicii, a beautiful soul, passionate and extremely talented with so much more to do. My heart goes out to his family. God bless you Tim x,” Harris, who is devastated over the news, wrote on Twitter.
“Wow, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to the man who really opened my eyes as to what my productions could one day sound like,” Puth tweeted. “Avicii was a genius and a music innovator, and I can not believe he is no longer with us. RIP to the very best.” Marshmello followed with, “At a loss for words…Rest easy brother.”
“Oh my god truly devastated for Avicii very very sad news way to young … what a talent he was. rest in peace x,” a shocked Liam Payne wrote on Twitter. Craig David sent his condolences to Avicii’s family, writing, “Rest in peace Avicii My heart goes out to your family at this difficult time. x”
The emotional messages continued to pour in after the tragic news.
DJ Hardwell wrote on Instagram, “Just can’t believe this, I’m gonna miss you so bad. From your first show where we played together, to all the amazing memories we shared. Thank you for changing the world with your amazing music. Thank you for being such an inspiration. I hope you’re in a better place right now. I’m gonna miss you brother, until we meet again!”
DJ David Guetta wrote on Instagram, “Something really horrible happened. We lost a friend with such a beautiful heart and the world lost an incredibly talented musician. Thank you for your beautiful melodies, the time we shared in the studio , playing together as djs or just enjoying life as friends. RIP”.
Singer Aloe Blacc tweeted, “My heartfelt condolences to Tim’s family and close friends. I can’t express how deeply sad I am. Meeting him changed my life. He was an amazingly talented person and it hurts so bad that he’s gone.”
DJ Snake tweeted, “Rest in peace, Avicii. We lost a legend.”
DJ Pauly D tweeted, “Damn Dude RIP”.
DJ Arty tweeted, “I’m incredibly and utterly devastated…we lost one of the brightest music talents and genuinely just one of the nicest people I personally knew . RIP Tim, hope you are in better place now.”
DJ KO:YU tweeted, “Can’t believe it. Rest In peace Avicii you’ll be missed forever :(“.
Singer Sabrina Carpenter tweeted, “Avicii contributed incredible art to this world. devastated to hear about this. Rest In Peace. X”.
Singer Max George tweeted, “Terribly sad news about Avicii. Such a talent and great guy. RIP”.
DJ Eric Prydz tweeted, “I have no words.. RIP Tim”.
Steve Aoki wrote on Instagram, “I can’t believe the news. So hard to write this out. Such a heavy loss heavy heavy loss. I miss u dear friend. F–k f–k”.
Martin Garrix wrote on Instagram, “can’t really describe in words how sad I feel right now.. thank you for inspiring me and millions others. RIP”.
Afrojack wrote on Instagram in part, “A great guy, great friend and great inspiration..;. Your music will live on forever and I’ll always live harder, be happier and chase further, thank you and I hope you’re in a better place now.”
Nicky Romero wrote on Instagram, “Dear Tim, I can’t believe what I just heard, you have gone way to early, there are no words to describe how I feel now, I am thankful for all the great moments we got to spent together; and thankful for all the things I got to learn from you. The world will miss you. I hope you find peace now”.
Brody Jenner wrote on Instagram, “Damn this is such terrible news. Such an inspiration to so many including myself. May you Rest In Paradise #ripavicii”.
Luna tweeted, “Avicii was one of the first artists to get me into EDM music, so sad man, RIP”.
https://twitter.com/CalvinHarris/status/987385354175959041
At a loss for words…Rest easy brother 😪 @Avicii
— marshmello (@marshmellomusic) April 20, 2018
Avicii’s publicist released the following statement on Friday April 20: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii. 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.”
He had retired from live performing in 2016, citing health reasons. Avicii had suffered from very public health problems throughout the years, including acute pancreatitis. After having his gallbladder and appendix removed in 2014, Avicii canceled a series of shows to focus on his recovery. “To me it was something I had to do for my health,” he told Billboard of his decision to quit touring during an interview in 2016. “The scene was not for me. It was not the shows and not the music. It was always the other stuff surrounding it that never came naturally to me. All the other parts of being an artist. I’m more of an introverted person in general.It was always very hard for me. I took on board too much negative energy, I think.”
Our thoughts are with Avicii’s friends and family during this difficult time.