Tim Bergling, known as Avicii, was a famous and successful DJ and producer. After a long period of dealing with health problems as well as mental issues, Avicii committed suicide at the age of 28 on April 20th 2018, in Oman. The talented Swedish DJ has left behind many successful hits such as “Wake me up" and“The nights.”. Additionally, he also contributed to creating songs for other famous artists. 

As Jacobsen mentioned in his article regarding the 21st century death mentality, we are in a period of “Spectacular Death". One of the main characteristics is the “commercialization of death.” After Bergling's's death , the single “SOS” from his almost finished album was introduced, and the full album “TIM” is also expected to release on June 6th this year. Further a biography about Avicii's life and career will be released in 2020 to celebrate the “musical visionary”, focussing on the difficulties that he experienced. However, all the money from these events is said to be donated to the Avicii Charity Foundation. This is an example of how his death is being commercialized. 

Another characteristic of “spectacular death” that Jacobsen discusses is the “mediatized visibility of death.” Before the official announcement of Avicii death, the news already spread through social media platforms. On Twitter, many famous DJs and artists shared their thoughts and feelings about Avicii, and paid tribute to him.  

Finally, the “re-ritualization of death” characteristic is also visible. In Stockholm, people gathered at the Sergels Torg square to hold a moment of remembrance for the DJ and to play his music. Around the world many public memorials and ceremonies were held to express respect and love for the talented DJ. For example, the Dom Tower in Utrecht rang its bells with a famous song from Avicii. At many big festivals such as Tomorrowland, DJs also played his tracks as a tribute to him. 

The death of Avicii is a typical case of “spectacular death.” 

Reference: 

DJ Mag staff. (2019). A posthumous Avicii album will be released in June.

DJ Mag staff. (2019). An offical Avicii biography will be released in 2020.

Harriet, A. (2018). Avicii death: Family reveals he " could not go on any longer" and " wanted to find peace".

Jacobsen, M. H. (2016). “Spectacular Death”—Proposing a New Fifth Phase to Philippe Ariès’s Admirable History of Death. Humanities, 5(2), 10-13.  

The local. (2018). Swedish Avicii fans pay tribute to star DJ at Stockholm event.