Throwback time! A video of Avicii dropping his iconic track ‘Levels’ at Tomorrowland for the first time has everyone grabbing tissues. It’s been over ten years, but the feels are still strong.
Tragically, the Swedish DJ Avicii, real name Tim Bergling, passed away on April 20, 2018, at the young age of 28.
Avicii became a household name in 2011 with his electrifying remix of Etta James’ ‘Good Feeling’ into the banger ‘Levels’. And oh, the hits just kept on coming!
Tracks like ‘Wake Me Up’, ‘You Make Me’, and ‘I Could Be The One’ followed, each one a gem.
But Avicii’s journey was more than just hits; he faced some deep personal battles.
Shot to fame at 22, the pressure was intense. Avicii battled serious mental health challenges, magnified by a grueling tour schedule.
In the documentary ‘Avicii: I’m Tim’, the DJ confessed that his touring life was “killing” him.
A friend recalled how, towards the end, Avicii seemed like a “zombie,” a side effect of his painkiller use.
His music, especially ‘Levels’, not only topped charts but also brought EDM into the mainstream spotlight. That’s why fans on social media were moved to tears rewatching his first blast of ‘Levels’ at Tomorrowland in 2011.
A fan remarked: “Gone but not forgotten.”
Another shared a personal memory: “I was there. You can see me at 00:11 under the flag of (Sweden).”
“RIP to such a legend. This track changed a generation,” commented another.
” Was lucky to see him live at Creamfields the year before he passed! RIP Avicii a true legend,” a fourth fan shared.
Many simply posted crying faces, their emotions raw from the memories of his music.
And there was a common theme among the comments: how much he is missed.
Retiring from live performances at 26, Avicii penned a heartfelt letter about his struggles, hinting at the depth of his challenges.
His father, Klas, revealed that Avicii constantly searched for the meaning of his life.
Klas is now dedicated to helping others with their mental health, setting up a foundation in his son’s memory.
He told the BBC: “We want to help people see beyond the Avicii fame. That’s also why we named his posthumous album ‘Tim.'”
“Tim meant a lot to young people – his music, his lyrics, and his person.
“At first, I didn’t understand why, but then a fan said, ‘Tim was authentic.’ I understood. Many young people relate to that authenticity, his honesty, and struggles.”