The DJ Laidback Luke predicted Avicii would die in his twenties after he saw how “terrible” he looked when he was booked to play Ushuaia in Ibiza.
He told Billboard, “It sounds horrible but it’s the truth, and I can’t take back the overwhelming sense of frustration I felt.”
The star died in Muscat yesterday and The Sun reports that he had suffered from a series of problems with alcohol, including acute pancreatitis, before his death.
In 2016 Laidback Luke expressed his concerns about the lifestyle DJs endure and predicted that Avicii might join the 27 club, which is a group of famous artists who all died at the age of 27.
He said, “The first few years of heavy touring can have a major impact on a person’s life, health and sanity.
“DJs on tour average about four hours of sleep per night, and with drinking, after-parties, adulation and everything that comes with it, it’s easy to lose oneself.”
“Unlike pop, rock or rap, they don’t tour in cycles — they’re always on tour, virtually every week, sometimes every day.”
“Tomorrow is never guaranteed” -take a moment to realize. wise words by @dannyraylive ❤
— Laidback Luke (@LaidbackLuke) April 20, 2018
People think DJs just party party have fun woo and live the good life and make anthems on their laptop and yay it’s another party. A lot of DJs suffer from heavy anxiety and try to cope in ways that lead to addiction. It’s really sad.
— Ayahuasca Flocka Flame (@atrak) April 20, 2018
The dance music industry simply has to get better at looking after our younger stars. Heavy touring is mentally and physically brutal even when you’re prepared for it.
There will always be more gigs, more money, more tunes, but you only get one life. This is a wake up call ????
— Gareth Emery (@garethemery) April 20, 2018
Please remember the flashy DJ life people see from the outside is often a version of the truth – most musicians suffer from panic attacks, anxiety, and/or depression. Touring is hard. Fame is hard. We have to look after each other’s wellbeing and support those who struggle.
— Dani Deahl (@danideahl) April 20, 2018
Since the news of Avicii’s tragic passing broke yesterday he has retweeted several people who expressed the views he holds about how poorly the industry treats its young stars and the mental health issues they usually face.
Leo Varadker has led tributes to the late DJ.