Deadmau5, Calvin Harris, Nile Rodgers, More React to Avicii’s Death

Tim Bergling, better known as the Swedish DJ and producer Avicii, died today (April 20) at the age of 28. The cause of death has not been revealed.

Artists from the dance music world and beyond have responded to Avicii’s death. “Very sad and scary,” Flying Lotus wrote. “What a crazy life. RIP.” Deadmau5 tweeted, “Nobody can deny what he has accomplished and done for modern dance music, and I’m very proud of him.

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

— Calvin Harris (@CalvinHarris) 20 avril 2018

I’m crying on the airplane. I hope I don’t make the passengers nervous. #RIPAVICII

— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) 20 avril 2018

I’m crying on the airplane. I hope I don’t make the passengers nervous. #RIPAVICII

— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) 20 avril 2018

Very sad and scary. What a crazy life. RIP. https://t.co/LSBkIEJ97m

— FLYLO (@flyinglotus) 20 avril 2018

At a loss for words...Rest easy brother 😪 @Avicii

— marshmello (@marshmellomusic) 20 avril 2018

No words can describe the sadness I’m feeling right now, hearing about Avicii passing away....💔
Thoughts go out to his family and friends...

— Zedd (@Zedd) 20 avril 2018

RIP Avicii

Never let this game change you. Just because you make music doesn’t automatically mean you all of a sudden need to become famous or a celebrity, or a fashion designer, or a car collector, or a pimp or a slut, or the center of attention..always embrace who you are 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/nfHN9RNn8V

— COBRA|Soul Food 🐍 (@LupeFiasco) 20 avril 2018

my sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to the friends, fans and families of @Avicii :( Banter aside, nobody can deny what he has accomplished and done for modern dance music and im very proud of him.

— Goat lord (@deadmau5) 20 avril 2018

Swedish DJ and producer Avicii has died. He was 28. His publicist, Diana Baron, confirmed the news to Billboard in a statement that has also since been provided to Pitchfork. “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii,” it reads. “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.” A cause of death has not been announced.

Bergling first came to prominence in the EDM scene in 2011, most notably with his hit song “Levels.” The Etta James-sampling progressive house anthem became a ubiquitous track as EDM exploded around the world. Avicii quickly became a mainstay on the festival circuit. He issued his debut album True in 2013, which featured the song “Wake Me Up!” featuring Aloe Blacc. The follow-up, Stories, was released in 2015.

In 2016, Avicii announced his retirement from live performance due to health issues. He suffered from several ailments, including “acute pancreatitis, in part due to excessive drinking,” according to the Associated Press. Not long after the announcement, he canceled a string of Las Vegas residency dates. The health concerns had forced him to pull out of tour dates in previous years as well.

Even after retirement, Avicii continued to release music. Last year saw him put out Avīci (01), an EP featuring contributions from AlunaGeorge, Cashmere Cat, and more. In a statement posted to his website in 2017, Avicii wrote, “Last year, I quit performing live, and many of you thought that was it. But the end of live never meant the end of Avicii or my music. Instead, I went back to the place where it all made sense – the studio. The next stage will be all about my love of making music to you guys. It is the beginning of something new. Hope you´ll enjoy it as much as I do.”