Avicii’s friend Nile Rodgers feared troubled DJ’s booze demons had returned

Music veteran Nile Rodgers has led emotional tributes to the Swedish DJ Avicii, who was found dead in Oman, and revealed his fears over the producers alcohol issues as he was ‘drunk’ the last time they saw each other.

The body of the 28-year-old internationally renowned DJ, whose real name was Tim Bergling, was discovered in Muscat on Friday, a publicist confirmed.

Nile, who worked alongside Avicii many times over the years, last teamed up with the star at a concert three years ago.

The Chic star revealed he was distraught to discover his friend was ‘drunk’ and warned him about the risks to his health.

Avicii quit touring in 2016 due to battles with his health, suffering from acute pancreatitis and had to have his gallbladder and appendix removed in 2014.

In the past, the DJ struggled with addiction and was hospitalised twice for alcohol related issues.

 

Music veteran Nile Rodgers has revealed his fears over Avicii’s alcohol issues as he was ‘drunk’ the last time they saw each other

The heartbroken performer also paid tribute to his ‘little bro’ on Twitter (pictured)

The heartbroken performer also paid tribute to his ‘little bro’ on Twitter (pictured)

Nile told the Associated Press: ‘He had promised me he would stop drinking, 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,”

‘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 added: ‘I’m shocked because I don’t know medically what happened, but I can just say as a person, as a friend, and more importantly, as a musician, Tim was one of the greatest, natural melody writers I’ve ever worked with, and I’ve worked with some of the most brilliant musicians on this planet.’

The heartbroken performer also paid tribute to his ‘little bro’ on Twitter, writing: ‘Dear Tim your family have my most heartfelt condolences. You were my little bro. Love always.’

Popstar Rita Ora, who worked with Avicii on Lonely Together, also paid emotional tribute to the producer.

She penned on Twitter: ‘I have no words. I remember how amazing it was to make Lonely Together and it felt like just yesterday we were talking.

‘Condolences to Avicii’s family, friends, and the fans who supported him. May he rest in peace. Gone too soon. I’m devastated. Heartbroken.’ 

Popstar Rita Ora has paid emotional tribute to the Swedish DJ, Avicci, who was found dead in Oman today, while a host of other musicians have also spoken out about the tragic loss

The body of the internationally renowned producer, whose real name was Tim Bergling, was found in Oman on Friday, a publicist confirmed

The body of the internationally renowned producer, whose real name was Tim Bergling, was found in Oman on Friday, a publicist confirmed 

Popstar Rita Ora has paid emotional tribute to the Swedish DJ, Avicci, who was found dead in Oman today, while a host of other musicians have also spoken out about the tragic loss

Popstar Rita Ora has paid emotional tribute to the Swedish DJ, Avicci, who was found dead in Oman today, while a host of other musicians have also spoken out about the tragic loss

'Devastated by the news': Paris Hilton also took to the photo sharing Instagram page where she posted a picture of the young DJ with a heartfelt message

‘Devastated by the news’: Paris Hilton also took to the photo sharing Instagram page where she posted a picture of the young DJ with a heartfelt message

Fellow producer Calvin Harris was one of the first to tweet: ‘Devastating news about Avicii. A beautiful soul, passionate and extremely talented with so much more to do. My heart goes out to his family. God bless you Tim.’ 

Former One Direction star Liam Payne wrote: ‘Oh my god truly devastated for Avicii very very sad news way to young … what a talent he was. rest in peace.’ 

Madonna paid tribute on Instagram with a photograph of herself and Avicii behind the DJ decks at a gig, with the caption: ‘So sad. So tragic. Goodbye dear sweet Tim.’ 

Paris Hilton also took to the photo sharing Instagram page where she posted a picture of the young DJ with a heartfelt message.

‘Devastating hearing the sad news of @Avicii passing. Such a sweet soul with a big heart & incredible talent,’ she wrote. ‘So many amazing memories together. My thoughts & prayers are with his family. Rest In Peace my friend.’ 

Last post: Avicii shared this picture of himself posing in the rain on April 4, writing 'It’s always sunny in California'

Last post: Avicii shared this picture of himself posing in the rain on April 4, writing ‘It’s always sunny in California’

Friends: Accompanied with a picture of both himself and the rapper, David Guetta paid tribute with: 'Something really horrible happened'

Friends: Accompanied with a picture of both himself and the rapper, David Guetta paid tribute with: ‘Something really horrible happened’

Charlie Puth added: ‘Wow, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to the man who really opened my eyes as to what my productions could one day sound like. Avicii was a genius and a music innovator, and I can not believe he is no longer with us. RIP to the very best.’

Shawn Mendes wrote: ‘…”One day you’ll leave this world behind, so live a life you will remember” – Avicii Inspiring millions with the joy of his music, will never be forgotten. Rest easy, Tim.’

Dua Lipa followed suit saying: ‘Such sad news to hear about Avicii passing. Too young and way too soon. My condolences go out to his family, friends and fans x.’ (sic)

Accompanied with a picture of both himself and the rapper, David Guetta paid tribute with: ‘Something really horrible happened. We lost a friend with such a beautiful heart and the world lost an incredibly talented musician. 

'He really opened my eyes to sound': Charlie Puth also expressed his sorrow for the young DJ passing away on the social media platform

‘He really opened my eyes to sound’: Charlie Puth also expressed his sorrow for the young DJ passing away on the social media platform

Heartbreaking: Ellie Goulding expressed: 'Rest easy Avicii, you inspired so many of us. Wish I could have said that to you in person x.'

Heartbreaking: Ellie Goulding expressed: ‘Rest easy Avicii, you inspired so many of us. Wish I could have said that to you in person x.’

'So sad': Madonna paid tribute on Instagram with a photograph of herself and Avicii behind the DJ decks at a gig, with the caption: 'So sad. So tragic. Goodbye dear sweet Tim.'

‘So sad’: Madonna paid tribute on Instagram with a photograph of herself and Avicii behind the DJ decks at a gig, with the caption: ‘So sad. So tragic. Goodbye dear sweet Tim.’

Ellie Goulding expressed: ‘Rest easy Avicii, you inspired so many of us. Wish I could have said that to you in person x.’ (sic)

‘Thank you for your beautiful melodies, the time we shared in the studio, playing together as djs or just enjoying life as friends. RIP @Avicii.’ 

Avicii quit touring in 2016 due to battles with his health, suffering from acute pancreatitis and had to have his gallbladder and appendix removed in 2014.

In the past, the DJ struggled with addiction and was hospitalised twice for alcohol related issues. 

The DJ’s publicist said in a statement: ‘It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii.

‘He was found dead in Muscat, Oman this Friday afternoon local time, April 20th.

‘The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time. No further statements will be given.’

Fellow producer Calvin Harris was one of the first to tweet, writing: 'Devastating news about Avicii. A beautiful soul, passionate and extremely talented with so much more to do. My heart goes out to his family. God bless you Tim'

Fellow producer Calvin Harris was one of the first to tweet, writing: ‘Devastating news about Avicii. A beautiful soul, passionate and extremely talented with so much more to do. My heart goes out to his family. God bless you Tim’

While former One Direction star Liam Payne wrote: 'Oh my god truly devastated for Avicii very very sad news way to young ... what a talent he was. rest in peace'

While former One Direction star Liam Payne wrote: ‘Oh my god truly devastated for Avicii very very sad news way to young … what a talent he was. rest in peace’

Tragedy: Dua Lipa followed suit saying: 'Such sad news to hear about Avicii passing. Too young and way too soon. My condolences go out to his family, friends and fans x.'

Tragedy: Dua Lipa followed suit saying: ‘Such sad news to hear about Avicii passing. Too young and way too soon. My condolences go out to his family, friends and fans x.’

Pictured: The late producer and DJ with his mother during his childhood 

Pictured: The late producer and DJ with his mother during his childhood 

Avicii battled with acute pancreatitis – which is a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas – due in part to excessive drinking.

As a result he had his gallbladder and appendix removed in 2014, cancelling a series of shows in attempt to recover. 

He quit touring in 2016 in order to focus on his health and recovery. 

Although he quit touring two years ago, the DJ continued making music in the studio, and collaborated with everyone from Madonna to Coldplay.

‘It’s been a very crazy journey. I started producing when I was 16. I started touring when I was 18. From that point on, I just jumped into 100 percent,’ Avicii told Billboard magazine in 2016.

‘When I look back on my life, I think: whoa, did I do that? It was the best time of my life in a sense. It came with a price – a lot of stress a lot of anxiety for me – but it was the best journey of my life.’ 

Avicii was a pioneer of the contemporary Electronic Dance Movement and a rare DJ capable of worldwide arena tour. 

Famous friends: The DJ is pictured right, with Steve Aoki and Armin van Buuren

Famous friends: The DJ is pictured right, with Steve Aoki and Armin van Buuren

He earned $250,000 a night when playing out sold-out shows, according to GQ.  

He won two MTV Music Awards, one Billboard Music Award and earned two Grammy nominations. Known for Wake Me Up! The Days, You Make Me, and the recent Lonely Together with Rita Ora, Avicii’s biggest hit was Le7els. 

Avicii’s death comes just days after he was nominated for a Billboard Music Award for top dance/electronic album for his EP Avicii (01), which he released last August.

Last year, the musician posted a statement on his website in which he said creating music was what he lived for. 

He wrote: ‘[Creating music] is what I live for, what I feel I was born to do.

‘Last year I quit performing live, and many of you thought that was it. But the end of live never meant the end of Avicii or my music. Instead, I went back to the place where it all made sense – the studio.

‘The next stage will be all about my love of making music to you guys. It is the beginning of something new.’

As news of his death broke on Friday, Avicii’s celebrity friends rushed to pay tribute.

Fans were likewise distressed,flooding social media with tributes.   

Condolences: Avicii's collaborators and friends rushed to pay tribute as the news broke

Condolences: Avicii’s collaborators and friends rushed to pay tribute as the news broke



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