A new book has given dance music fans an insight into the struggles of Avicii, who took his own life in April 2018.
His journal entries have been included in Tim – The Official Biography of Avicii, which details how the superstar DJ and producer, real name Tim Bergling, battled with substance abuse.
Author Måns Mosesson spoke to his parents, Anki and Klas Bergling, family, friends, exes, peers and colleagues about the respected Swedish musician to piece together his life story.
Two years after stepping back from a relentless schedule of DJ gigs around the globe, Bergling died by suicide during a holiday with friends in Oman on 20 April 2018, aged just 28.
Avicii shot to fame in 2011 with his song Levels and went on to achieve success with huge dance music tracks including Wake Me Up.
He also became an in-demand remixer for artists including Madonna, David Guetta and Coldplay.
The star, who had prescription painkiller addiction, stemmed from being rushed to hospital in January 2012 after developing agonising pancreatitis – caused by excessive drinking and acne medication.
Doctors strongly advised he stay sober for at least six months and cut out junk food, otherwise his stomach would become inflamed again and not heal – leading to the possibility of suffering chronic pain for the rest of his life.
Journal entries from this time include him writing: “Of course, I didn’t listen to the majority of the doctors, I listened to the couple who said it was ok if I was careful. I was ignorant and naive and touring the world, still on the never-ending tour – because once you’ve circled it once, guess what?…
“You start right back over again.”
The book also claims that the day before his suicide, Avicii wrote: “The shedding of the soul is the last attachment before it restarts!”
In April 2018 Avicii travelled to Oman for a meditation retreat with a friend, but his mental state began to deteriorate and he took his own life.
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Tim – The Official Biography of Avicii, by Måns Mosesson, is out now
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
