Words by: Laviea Thomas
Relentless workdays, late-night clubbing, and excessive alcohol—Netflix’s Avicii: I’m Tim reveals the harsh truth behind the glitz and glamour of an artist’s life offstage. In late 2024, Netflix released a powerful two-part documentary on the life and tragic death of global EDM icon Avicii. A prolific producer and DJ, Avicii’s music defined the sound of the 2010s and continues to shape the dance music scene today.
When news of Avicii’s death—born Tim Bergling—broke in 2018, it shocked the world and left fans heartbroken. The following year, the music community came together for a charity tribute concert celebrating his legacy, featuring performances by Rita Ora, Aloe Blacc, and others. Ahead of the event, French producer and DJ David Guetta spoke to Rolling Stone, describing Avicii’s passing as a “wake-up call.” Reflecting on the pressures of the profession, Guetta explained, “You always need to deliver constantly. It’s very difficult and the expectations, when you’ve reached the top, are huge, and so many people depend on you.”
Exposing the Dark Side of Fame
Avicii: I’m Tim pulls back the curtain on the music industry, exposing its flaws. At the heart of it lies a relentless push for artists to perform back-to-back shows in pursuit of grandiose status. As vibrant and exciting as it may seem, the music industry can also be one of the loneliest places to work. On one hand, it’s a dynamic world where creatives collaborate to craft unforgettable experiences. On the other, it can be a ruthless machine, draining every ounce of creative energy. There’s a void within it that many artists fall prey to if they aren’t given the right guidance.
Throughout the documentary, Burman explores the immense pressures Avicii faced as a global icon at the peak of the EDM scene. He also traces the artist’s journey in understanding the gravity of his fame, the complexities it brought, and the social pressures tied to maintaining that stardom.
Though globally known as a producer and DJ, Grammy Award-winning songwriter and record producer Nile Rodgers described Avicii as a “natural melody writer.” While often seen behind the decks, Avicii was also a gifted musician. Many of his tracks began as chord progressions and melodies on guitar and piano. Not fully confident in either instrument, he had a unique ear for his music and crafted it with precision.
A Heartbreaking Pattern in the Music Industry
Like many artists, Avicii’s passion for music began at a young age. His drive led him to pursue a career as a DJ, and the legacy he left behind far surpassed what anyone could have expected.
Despite his passion for creating, the pressures of his career became overwhelming. Countless hours spent in the recording studio and on stage began to take their toll. In an interview with People, Avicii expressed his frustration: “I’m tired, really tired. I’ve been at it since I was 17, 18 years old… touring pretty much nonstop.” After years of selling out stadiums night after night and performing up to 300 shows a year, it wasn’t until 2016 that he took an official musical hiatus.
Avicii’s story is a heartbreaking one, all too familiar to the music industry, where the pressures of fame and constant touring have claimed the lives of many talented artists. We’ve seen this same destructive pattern affect other major DJs and producers, such as Erick Morillo, Keith Flint, DJ Rashad, and many others, who are no longer with us.
While a more extreme case, the recent passing of One Direction star Liam Payne also highlights the catastrophic consequences of inadequate support. In the days leading up to his death, Payne exhibited clear signs of instability, including excessive drinking and drug use, alongside visible seizures. Despite being in critical condition, he was repeatedly returned to his hotel room, left alone, before hotel staff finally called for medical help. Tragically, Payne died shortly after being chauffeured back to his hotel room for the final time.
The Cost of Success
There is certainly a crucial conversation to be had about the support artists need. This isn’t about victim-blaming, but rather about identifying and addressing a troubling, recurring pattern. Too many artists have fallen victim to addiction and substance abuse due to a lack of proper support. Only after tragedy strikes do we see documentaries, charities, and public outpourings of solidarity. It shouldn’t take the fatal passing of another artist for the music industry to make a meaningful change.
Every artist deserves a strong support system, yet time and again, the music industry fails those who need it most. By the end of the documentary, it’s heartbreaking to witness how the weight of this demanding lifestyle gradually eroded Avicii’s self-confidence and physical health. His noticeable weight loss and dark circles under his eyes marked the visible signs of years spent hunched over his Mac. A healthier work-life balance is crucial for musicians at this level. Avicii’s death is a tragic reality for many artists—pursuing their dreams while constantly fearing they’ll lose it all.
Towards the end of the documentary, there appears to be a glimpse of hope for Avicii. The troubled artist takes a break from performing and focuses on therapy and meditation. For the first time in a long while, a renewed sense of happiness seems to shine through his energy. Sadly, that hope quickly faded. It becomes painfully clear that Tim received help too late. Meanwhile, the pressures of the Avicii persona never truly let him go.
More often than not, the music industry prioritizes success over stability. Many artists burn out or fade away because of the overwhelming demands of their careers. But at what cost? No amount of global hits, sold-out arenas, or awards should ever come at the expense of an artist’s life.