Documentary Footage From 2017 Reveals That Avicii Feared He Would “Die Young”

Avicii Feared He'd Die Young In Documentary

After the tragic and sudden death of 28-year-old Swedish DJ Avicii – real name Tim Bergling – last week in Oman, his fans have been sharing a documentary called Avicii: True Stories which was released in October last year.

The film, which was shot over the span of four years, features the DJ discussing his 2016 decision to call quits on his gruelling international touring schedule in, which according to the doco saw him play 813 shows in 8 years.

Having battled alcohol abuse and serious health issues – he had acute pancreatitis when he was 21 and underwent surgery in 2014 to remove his gall bladder and appendix removed – he apparently had to convince the higher-ups to let him take a break.

I have told them this. I won’t be able to play anymore. I have said, like, I’m going to die. I have said it so many times. And so I don’t want to hear that I should entertain the thought of doing another gig.

The film, directed by Levan Tsikurishvili, also shows Avicii discussing his battle with anxiety, with the DJ saying he did not receive the right support when he needed it.

When I decided to stop [touring], I expected something completely different. I expected support, particularly considering everything I have been through. Everyone knows that I’ve had anxiety… I did not expect that people would try to pressure me into doing more gigs. They have seen how ill I have felt by doing it, but I had a lot of push-back.

Avicii was found dead at Oman’s Muscat Resort last Friday Omani time. While officials ruled out “any criminal suspicion”, after a postmortem was conducted, no cause of death has been released yet.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with anxiety or depression, visit Lifeline or call 13 11 14.

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