Avicii’s father calls for better mental health support for young artists

Klas Bergling, father of Avicii, AKA Tim Bergling, has called for greater mental health support for young music artists. 

In an interview with The Times, Klas, co-founder of The Tim Bergling Foundation — which works to prevent and raise awareness around youth mental health and suicide — said fame and fortune were “a very dangerous combination”, which can often have a negative impact on the mindset of those exposed to the trappings of stardom. 

“When you have an up-and-coming artist there should be some structure,” said Klas, adding that when it comes to youth mental health in music, “a serious discussion couldn’t hurt.” 

He went on to explain he believes it is important for people to recognise and label Avicii’s death in 2018 as suicide. “I think you should call things what they are,” Klas said, adding: “Nobody is to blame [for Tim’s death]. If we should blame anybody, we should start with me.”

Next year, The Avicii Experience will open in Stockholm, an immersive journey through the musician’s life and work, with proceeds going to the Tim Bergling Foundation. Earlier this month, a tribute concert was held at the newly renamed Avicii Arena, fomerly the Swedish capital’s Ericsson Globe. You can watch footage from the event here.