Avicii’s father speaks out on the legacy of son and impact of his suicide

Avicii’s father has spoken about the ongoing legacy of his son’s career and the impact that his suicide has had.

• READ MORE: Avicii – ‘TIM’ review

Avicii – real name Tim Bergling – took his own life while on holiday in Muscat, Oman in April 2018. He was 28.

Now, Klas Bergling, father of the Swedish DJ and producer, has spoken to the BBC, saying, “I miss him every minute. Of course, I talk to him every day. But, I admit, I get angry at him sometimes. Why did you do it? Why did you leave us?”

His family are releasing the picture book Avicii: The Life and Music of Tim Bergling, featuring photographs of the musician from across his career on June 13.

His father reflected on the connection he had with fans. “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.”

Klas has also spoken about his 50-year plan to enshrine suicide prevention as part of his son’s legacy. The Tim Bergling Foundation has worked with the Swedish government’s new hotline to help with people struggling and is arguing for legislation to better investigate suicide.

Reflecting on a tribute concert where they pledged to push suicide up the political agenda, Klas said, “We tried to get as many young people there as possible, as well as politicians.”

“One of the most impactful moments was a big group of parents coming up on stage who had lost their children to suicide. It was such a strong moment.”

“The most important thing is to break the stigma facing young people. [With] a war-torn, unstable world facing the next generation, that’s where I think we can be useful,” he added.

In the days after his passing, his family issued a statement that appeared to confirm that he had taken his own life.

“Our beloved Tim was a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential questions,” they wrote. “An over-achieving perfectionist who travelled and worked hard at a pace that led to extreme stress. When he stopped touring, he wanted to find a balance in life to be happy and be able to do what he loved most – music.”

“He really struggled with thoughts about Meaning, Life, Happiness. He could not go on any longer. He wanted to find peace. Tim was not made for the business machine he found himself in; he was a sensitive guy who loved his fans but shunned the spotlight. Tim, you will forever be loved and sadly missed. The person you were and your music will keep your memory alive.”

It is known that he had been working on new music in the weeks before his death, including sessions with songwriter/producer Joe Janiak in Los Angeles.

In February, a new Avicii remix was released, titled ‘Beautiful Drug’. The song was originally written and released by the Zac Brown Band, with Avicii’s mix having been sitting “in the vault” for nine years.

For help and advice on mental health:

• “Am I depressed?” – Help and advice on mental health and what to do next
• MITC – A collective of musician industry therapists
• TONIC Rider – Bespoke training and support for music industry professionals
• Help Musicians UK – Around the clock mental health support and advice for musicians
• Music Support Org – Help and support for musicians struggling with alcoholism, addiction, or mental health issues
• YOUNG MINDS – The voice for young people’s health and wellbeing
• CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably
• The Samaritans – Confidential support 24 hours a day

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