Avicii's career from bedroom DJ to festival headliner
A look back at the late DJ's impressive career
Avicii, whose real name is Tim Bergling, was a Swedish DJ and record producer, best-known for his breakthrough hit 'Levels', as well as his chart toppers, 'I Could Be The One' vs. Nicky Romero, and 'Wake Me Up'.
The DJ started his career at the age of just eight, mixing music in his bedroom and by the time he was 16 Avicii was making music, inspired by his brother who was also a DJ.
The popular Swedish DJ was just 28 when he passed away on 20th April 2018. Since his sad passing there have been a couple of documentaries, following his life and career, most recently Avicii - I'm Tim on Netflix.
In the years since he passed away, his music has continued to inspire and connect people across generations. Avicii's ability to seamlessly blend genres, from house and progressive to folk and country was groundbreaking, something which is explored in the latest documentary about the late DJ. He pushed the boundaries of electronic music, proving that it could be more than just a beat.
Remembering Tim Bergling with a look back at Avicii's career:
2011: Avicii released 'Levels'
Avicii released 'Levels' in 2011. The song became his breakthrough song, reaching Number 4 in the UK and Top 5 around the world.
Also in 2011, Avicii had success with Leona Lewis' song 'Collide'.
2013: Avicii released 'Wake Me Up' and is nominated for a Grammy
In 2013, Avicii had massive success with his song 'Wake Me Up'. The song reached Number 1 around the world, including the UK. In 2023, the song reached 2 billion streams on Spotify.
'Levels' was also nominated for Best Dance Recording at the Grammy Awards in 2013. Avicii's debut album 'True' was released in 2013 and reached Number 2 in the UK.
2014: Avicii confirmed a collaboration with Madonna
Avicii worked with pop superstar Madonna in 2014 on her 'Rebel Heart' album. The pair had previously appeared together on stage at Ultra Music Festival in Miami back in 2012, when Madonna introduced the upcoming DJ on stage.
Avicii also worked with Coldplay's Chris Martin, co-writing and co-producing their track 'A Sky Full of Stars', as well as co-producing David Guetta's 'Lovers On The Sun'.
2015: Avicii released 'Stories'
'Stories' was Avicii's second album, released in 2015, the album featured his hit, 'Waiting for Love', as well as other tracks he released, 'For a Better Day' and 'Broken Arrows'.
2016: Avicii announces his retirement
In 2016, Avicii announced he would be retiring from touring, performing his last show in the UK, as one of the headline acts at Creamfields, before having his last ever show in Ibiza on 28th August. Despite retiring from touring, Avicii did continue to create music.
2017: Avicii released 'Lonely Together' with Rita Ora
Teaming up with Rita Ora in 2017, Avicii released their song 'Lonely Together'. The dramatic music video featured clips of Rita singing, interspersed with clips of a couple who find themselves in a world frozen in time.
The DJ also released his EP 'Avīci (01)', which featured the track along with 'Without You' featuring Sandro Cavazza.
2017: Avicii True Stories is released
The documentary Avicii True Stories was released in 2017, it followed the DJ while he was on tour and included David Guetta, Wyclef Jean, Nile Rodgers, Tiësto and Coldplay's Chris Martin.
2018: Avicii passed away on 20th April
On 20th April 2018, Avicii passed away at the age of just 28. A statement from his representative read: '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.
2019: Posthumous songs released
Following Avicii's death, several songs were released posthumously including, 'SOS' featuring Aloe Blacc, which was a Top 10 hit in the UK.
2021: Stockholm Arena renamed
In 2021, Stockholm Globe Arena, a large arena in Stockholm was renamed Avicii Arena in honour of the DJ.
2024: Avicii - I'm Tim Netflix documentary released
A documentary called Avicii - I'm Tim was released on 31st December 2024. The documentary follows the life and career of Avicii with interviews from his parents, David Guetta, Chris Martin and close friends.
How did Avicii get his name?
Avicii's stage name comes from 'the lowest level of Buddhist hell', which is called Avici. The name was the DJ's name on MySpace, but the spelling with one 'i' at the end had already been taken, so he used a double i.
Avicii documentary - I'm Tim
A new documentary about Avicii, called Avicii - I'm Tim, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, in June 2024 and arrived on Netflix on 31st December. The documentary features unseen photographs of the young DJ, and follows him in the lead up to his sad death at the age of just 28.
The film synopsis reads: 'Before there was Avicii, there was just Tim. For the first time through his own words, witness the journey of a shy but prodigious musical talent who would soon become one of the defining artists of his generation.'
Since the release of the documentary, it has become one of Netflix's most-watched films, making a Number 1 success.
Now read:
Swedish House Mafia: The DJs behind 'Don't You Worry Child'
Galantis: The Swedish duo behind 'Heartbreak Anthem' and 'Sweet Talker'
Tiësto: How the Dutch DJ got his name
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