What Was Avicii's Net Worth and Salary?
Avicii, the renowned Swedish DJ and music producer, had a net worth of $50 million at the time of his passing in 2018. He gained international fame in 2011 with his hit single "Levels" and later released chart-topping tracks such as "Hey Brother," "Addicted to You," and "The Nights." Avicii is credited with introducing electronic dance music (EDM) to mainstream radio and Top 40 charts globally.
Early Life
Born Tim Bergling on September 8, 1989, in Stockholm, Sweden, Avicii was the son of Klas Bergling and Anki Lidén. He was inspired by his older brother who was also a DJ. Beginning to mix music at just eight years old, by 16, Avicii pursued music professionally. He signed to the Dejfitts Plays label in May 2007, while simultaneously honing his skills through forums like the Laidback Luke Forums.
Career
By 2009, Avicii had established himself as a prolific music producer, releasing hit remixes such as "Sound of Now," "Muja," and "Ryu." He adopted the stage name Avicii, which symbolizes "the lowest level of Buddhist hell," driven mainly by the necessity to choose a unique Myspace username. In 2010, his song "Seek Bromance" climbed to the top 20 in several European countries. He signed with EMI Music Publishing shortly after.
Avicii's musical breakthrough came at the age of 18 with his remix of the Commodore 64 video game music, leading to his first record deal and subsequent release, "Lazy Lace." His ascent in the music industry was rapid—by 2011, his iconic song "Levels" sampled Etta James' "Something's Got a Hold on Me" and topped charts in Sweden. The song earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording.
Avicii's successful touring career began in 2010 and saw him performing worldwide. He made history in 2012 by being the first DJ to headline New York's Radio City Music Hall with two sold-out shows. The same year, he debuted multiple new tracks at the Lights All Night festival in Dallas.
His debut studio album, "True," released in 2013, reached number one in Sweden and Australia and placed in the top five in multiple other countries, including the U.S. His follow-up album "Stories" topped charts in Sweden in 2015. Notable singles such as "I Could Be the One" and "Wake Me Up" achieved international acclaim, with the latter reaching number one in nine countries.
After producing Coldplay's "Hymn for the Weekend" in 2016, Avicii announced his retirement from touring due to health issues. In 2017, he released the six-track EP "Avīci." Avicii passed away in April 2018, leaving behind over 200 unreleased songs. Posthumous releases included singles "SOS" and "Tough Love," as well as a new collaboration with Coldplay's Chris Martin, "Heaven." In January 2020, "Forever Yours," a collaboration with Kygo and Sandro Cavazza, was also released.
Personal Life
Avicii dealt with significant physical and mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and addiction to alcohol and painkillers. He was hospitalized in 2012 for acute pancreatitis due to excessive alcohol use and underwent surgeries to remove his appendix and gallbladder in 2014.
Tim Bergling passed away on April 20, 2018, in Muscat. His family later confirmed his death was due to suicide. He was laid to rest at Hedvig Eleonora Church in June 2018.
Earnings
Throughout his career, Avicii commanded up to $500,000 per gig and earned between $15-20 million annually. From June 2014 to June 2015 alone, he earned $30 million. His career earnings totaled around $140 million. In March 2014, he purchased a $15.5 million mansion in the Hollywood Hills. After his death, legal documents revealed that his fortune, valued at approximately $26 million in liquid assets, was passed on to his parents, Anki and Klas Bergling.
