Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, left behind a deeply emotional message just a day before he passed away. Now, seven years after his tragic death, his team has shared his final diary entry and released a new album called Avicii Forever with 19 tracks, celebrating his incredible life and the music he left behind.
In his last written words, Avicii said, “The shedding of the soul is the last attachment before it restarts!” — a powerful and poetic reflection on life and renewal.
Avicii was found dead on April 20, 2018, in Muscat, Oman. Reports say he took his own life by cutting himself with a broken wine bottle. His death shocked the entire electronic dance music (EDM) community and left millions of fans heartbroken worldwide.
He had struggled with mental health problems and addiction for years and stopped touring in 2016 to try to find peace. His family described him at the time as a “fragile artistic soul” and a “perfectionist” who was constantly pushing himself but wanted nothing more than to be at peace.
Last year, a documentary called I’m Tim gave an intimate look at his struggles with anxiety and depression. The film included never-before-seen footage and interviews and was met with a standing ovation at the Tribeca Film Festival. It showed just how deeply Avicii suffered behind the scenes.
A close friend, Jesse Waits, shared how worn out and distant Avicii had become in his final months. He described him like a “zombie,” heavily dependent on painkillers, and said that during one dinner, even though Avicii’s eyes were open, he seemed completely gone.
Musician Aloe Blacc, who collaborated with Avicii on the smash hit “Wake Me Up,” called Avicii’s posthumous song “SOS” a heartbreaking “cry for help” — one that came far too late.
Avicii’s journey began as a teenager in Stockholm, and he quickly rose to fame with iconic tracks like “Levels,” “Hey Brother,” and “Wake Me Up.” In just six years, he performed at over 800 events worldwide. But the fast pace and intense pressure of fame took a toll. He eventually turned to alcohol just to cope. In the documentary, he candidly said, “I was killing myself. The touring went even crazier because the fees were getting higher… everything went so fast from that point on.”
His story is a powerful reminder of the hidden pain behind success, and the importance of mental health. Through Avicii Forever and the memories he left behind, fans continue to celebrate the life and music of a true legend.
