Avicii dead: Friend 'heartbroken' after Swedish DJ 'broke promise to stop drinking'

Avicii, real name Tim Bergling, died aged 28 yesterday, his press contact confirmed, saying that he had been found dead in Oman where he had been visiting.

The EDM star previously retired from live performing in 2016, citing health reasons.

According to Variety, he had suffered for several years with health problems including acute pancreatitis and had his gallbladder and appendix removed in 2014.

Since news broke of Avicii’s death, Chic frontman Nile, 65, who worked with the Hey Brother star many times, recalled the last time they teamed up for a gig three years ago.

“It was a little bit sad to me because he had promised me he would stop drinking,” Nile told the Associated Press. “And when I saw him, he was drunk that night.

“And I was like, ‘Whoa. Dude. C’mon. What are you doing? What’s going on? You said that that was done,’” the legendary producer said.

“We did a show and I was a little upset.

“I didn’t even stick around for his performance because it was breaking my heart,” he admitted.

“But we still had a great time. It was wonderful we were that close.”

Avicii had promised me he would stop drinking

Nile Rodgers

Avicii’s cause of death has not yet been reported.

Nile took to Twitter after hearing the tragic news, paying tribute to his pal and collaborator in a string of emotional messages to his 192,000 followers.

“I was just told my dear friend Tim @avicii just passed away. Please let this be a hoax,” he wrote. “If not #RIPAVICII one of the best natural melody…”

In a second tweet he said: “Dear Tim, your family have my most heartfelt condolences. You were my little bro. Love always.

“I’m crying on the airplane,” he continued. “I hope I don’t make the passengers nervous.”

 Avicii’s press contact confirmed his death yesterday in a statement to Swedish publication Dagens Nyheter. 

“It is with great sorrow that we must announce that Tim Bergling, known as the artist Avicii, is dead,” they said.

“He was in Muscat, Oman and was found dead during Friday afternoon local time.

“The family is crushed and we ask you to show consideration and leave them alone in this difficult time. No more statements will be made.”