RIP

Celebrities Mourn Swedish DJ Avicii

Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa, and more stars penned tributes to the DJ on Twitter.

April 20, 2018

Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images

Swedish DJ Tim Bergling, known by his stage name as Avicii, passed away at the age of 28 on Friday. “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii,” said his publicist Diana Baron in a statement, according to Billboard. “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.”

According to Billboard, Avicii started releasing music on the Laidback Luke Forum in the late 2000’s, before breaking through with his hit song “Levels” and a number of high profile remixes in 2011. In 2016, he decided to retire from touring, citing numerous health issues. “Two weeks ago, I took the time to drive across the U.S. with my friends and team, to just look and see and think about things in a new way,” he wrote on his website, per Billboard. “It really helped me realize that I needed to make the change that I’d been struggling with for a while.”

Then, last year, he posted a letter on his website announcing his return to recording in the studio. “WE ALL REACH A POINT IN OUR LIVES AND CAREERS WHERE WE UNDERSTAND WHAT MATTERS THE MOST TO US. For me it’s creating music. That is what I live for, what I feel I was born to do,” he wrote last year. “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.”

Following news of Bergling’s passing, numerous celebrities including Liam Payne, Ellie Goulding, and deadmau5 penned moving tributes in memory of the late DJ on Twitter. “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,” wrote producer Calvin Harris, while Dua Lipa tweeted, “Such sad news to hear about Avicii passing. Too young and way too soon. My condolences go out to his family, friends and fans x.”

His longtime friend and mentor Laidback Luke also wrote a message in his memory. “OH MY GOD ? wow… I’m speechless. May you Rest In Peace my dear Tim ?,” he tweeted, along with a link to a news article about his passing.