NYS Music 20​18

Author: Chad Vergine

  • ‘Metalocalypse” Director John Schnepp Dies at 51

    Metalocalypse cartoon series director, John Schnepp, passed away at the age of 51 on July 19 after suffering  a massive stroke on July 12. Schnepp’s sister Deborah and his longtime partner Holly Payne, made the difficult decision to cease life support after learning that Schnepp’s brain had stopped functioning and he would never be the same.

    Metalocalypse

    During Schnepp’s career, the director also produced, wrote, and acted in several TV, web, and music videos. His career also included being an extra in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, a writer on Aqua Team Hunger Force, an extra in Metallica’s music video “The Memory Remains,” and writing, directing and producing The Death of “Superman Lives: What Happened?.”

    Schnepp’s partner Holly Payne released the following statement on Twitter:

    It is with a broken heart that the Schnepp family and I must announce the passing of our beloved Jon Schnepp, who died peacefully on July 19, 2018.

    Jon ultimately succumbed to the effects of a massive stroke. He had a blood clot removed from his left carotid artery, but the bleeding could not be stopped. Irreparable and catastrophic damage was caused to both hemispheres and all brain activity ceased. His sister Deborah and I had to make the difficult decision to take him off of life support. There was no possible way for him to recover. Please understand.

    I spent the last hour of his life with him holding him, laying my head across his massive chest, kissing him, stroking his hair, playing his favorite songs, and telling him over and over again how much I love him. My life has been forever changed by Jon. I feel endlessly grateful to have shared 16 years of laughter, love and incredible adventures together, including the making a feature film, as well as a television series that I hope to complete and release later this year in his honor.

    Jon’s mother Miriam, his father David, his sister Deborah and I are devastated beyond measure. We appreciate your love and support, and most importantly your understanding of our privacy at this time as we grieve.

    Thank you, Holly Payne

    There is a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for some of the bills that have occurred during this tragic time. The campaign has raised $125,875 towards the goal of $150,000.

  • The Crossings of Colonie’s Summer Concert Series Lineup Unveiled

    Every Thursday this summer from July 5 – Aug. 30, The Crossings of Colonie brings its live concert series to the Capital Region from 6 – 8 p.m. rain or shine at the Crossings Park Gazebo.

    A wide variety of different music can be found each week during the series from some of the area’s top local artists, including the Audiostars, Skeeter Creek, and the Georgie Wonder’s Big Band.

    Fans are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic set ups to the show. All shows are free to the public. The Crossings is located at 580 Albany Shaker Road in Loudonville.

    Concerts at The Crossings Lineup:

    July 5 – Body and Soul
    July 12 – NY Players
    July 19 – Audiostars
    July 26 – Skeeter Creek
    Aug. 2 – Lustre Kings
    Aug. 9 – Georgie Wonders Big Band
    Aug. 16 – Hair of the Dog
    Aug. 23 – The Pipe Kings
    Aug 30 – Sorrow Estate/Rich Ortiz

  • Foreigner Leaves SPAC Crowd ‘Hot Blooded’

    On a beautiful ‘Hot Blooded’ Saturday night for outdoor live music in Upstate NY, Foreigner, Whitesnake and Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening took over the Capital Region’s favorite outdoor venue, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, with their Juke Box Heroes Tour.

    Fans packed the venue to hear a wide variety of rock & roll classics that will stand the test of time. Dubbed the Juke Box Heros tour, it felt like the quarters were popping with hit after hit from each band’s set list. Some fans in attendance called it a live version of local classic rock radio station PYX 106. Each band kept the talking to a minimum as it was all about the music.

    Jason Bonham, son of late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, got the fans in attendance and those still trying to find their seats warmed up. On a packed night, his Led Zeppelin Evening prepared the SPAC crowd for a classic hard rock night.

    The band played Zeppelin favorites like Good Times, Bad Times, Whole Lotta Love. Bonham once played drums for Foreigner from 2004-2008. They closed with the Zeppelin classic Stairway to Heaven

    Setlist: Immigrant Song, Good Times Bad Times, The Ocean, Whole Lotta Love, Stairway to Heaven

    The venue was almost full by the time Whitesnake hit the stage. Frontman David Coverdale kicked things off with “Bad Boys.” Whitesnake rocked the house with all members getting a chance to show off their skills with solos. Guitarist Joe Hoekstra is a beast on the ax and fun to watch on stage. Each band member’s resume is pretty impressive before joining Whitesnake. Coverdale showed off his charisma strutting around on stage while constantly swinging his mic stand in the air.

    The SPAC crowd was singing word for word with Coverdale by the time fan favorites “Is This Love?’” and “Here I Go Again” were performed. They closed their set with “Still of the Night” and  “We Wish You Well.”

    Setlist: Bad Boys, Give Me All Your Love, Love Ain’t No Stranger, Slow an’ Easy, Crying in the Rain, Is This Love?, Slide It In, Here I Go Again, Still of The Night, We Wish You Well

    The now packed house at SPAC was amped up and rabid for Foreigner to take the stage. Foreigner started off with “Long, Long Way from Home” followed by “Double Vision.” The third song in the set, “Head Games,” marked the point of no return as fans were locked in and consumed by the band’s energy, sound and style hit song after hit song.

    Midway through the band’s set, frontman since 2005, Kelly Hansen took a moment to give thanks and applauded the only original member and co-founder left in Foreigner, lead guitarist Mick Jones for his longevity and contributions to the music business.

    Hansen stood on a rising platform at the beginning of “Juke Box Hero” to close out the band’s set. They would shortly return for a two-song encore set. Hansen brought out music students from Hudson Falls on stage to help sing on the first encore song, “I Want to Know What Love Is.” Hansen paused several times during the chorus to let the fans sing it instead. Foreigner closed their encore set with “Hot Blooded.”

    Setlist: Long, Long Way From Home, Double Vision, Head Games, Cold As Ice, Waiting for a Girl Like You, Dirty White Boy, Feels Like the First Time, Urgent, Starrider, Juke Box Hero Encore: I Want to Know What Love Is, Hot Blooded

  • Legendary Drummer Vinnie Paul Dead at 54

    Metal fans everywhere feel a dagger in their hearts, and a pit in their stomachs’ with the recent news of legendary stick man Vinnie Paul Abbott being found dead in Las Vegas at the age of 54. No details about his death have been released.

    vinnie paul

    Paul co-founded one of metals’ most influential bands with his brother “Dimebag” Darrell in Pantera, before moving on with his brother in the band Damage Plan. Paul was currently playing behind the kit for HELLYEAH. Paul released seventeen studio albums during his career including 10 Pantera albums, 1 Damage Plan album, 1 Rebel Meets Rebel album, and 5 albums with HELLYEAH.

    HELLYEAH posted the following statement on social media:

    Just so brokenhearted and in shock. I’m struggling to write this but we want to thank you all for your kind words and support in this tragic time. We don’t have much info to give you other than Vinnie is now with Dime and they are together in a better place. Sadness, shock, confusion, anger, despair. We feel it all together. Hug your loved ones and keep them close. Thank you all again for all your love. Vinnie will be and is greatly loved and missed but his music will live forever. Crank it loud today and scream to the heavens so he can hear you.
    -Maxwell

    Pantera’s social media posted the following statement:

    Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul has passed away. Paul is best known for his work as the drummer in the bands Pantera and Hellyeah. No further details are available at this time.The family requests you please respect their privacy during this time.

    Heartbroken friends and musicians have taken to social media to share their thoughts about Paul’s passing.

    Disturbed: Our deepest condolences go out to the friends, fans, family, and loved ones of our friend, Vinnie Paul. Our hearts are broken.

    Mike Portnoy: FUCK!!! Just waking up here in Belgium to the news of Vinnie Paul…I’m in total shock…Heaven just got a little crazier with the Abbott Bros back together again…RIP Bro

    Alice Cooper: Terribly saddened by the news of Vinnie Paul’s passing. Vinnie was a beloved fixture in the rock and metal communities and we will miss seeing him out on the road. His impact on heavy music is immeasurable. Rest In Peace Vinnie, condolences to your family, friends and fans.

    Slash: Tragic news about Vinnie Paul today. He was one of the warmest people I knew. A truly good & fun friend. We’re going to miss you more than you could possibly have known. RIP buddy.

    Duff McKagan: RIP Vinnie Paul. Friend. Humorist. Badass drummer. All-around good man. Condolences to the family. You will be missed bro…

    Zakk Wylde: GOD BLESS VINNIE PAUL – 1964-2O18 – FATHER VINNIE,Your Compassion for others & Your Love for seeing everyone around you Happy I will never forget – Your Heart of Gold Made The World a Better Place – Go be w/Your BELOVED BROTHER – I LOVE YOU – tBLSt SDMF

    SiriusXM Octane: All of us at Octane are so broken hearted to hear of the passing of our brother Vinnie Paul. We send love to his family, band members, and fans. You will be missed. Thinking of you…

    Corey Graves (WWE): Bummed to wake up to the news about Vinnie Paul. One of the greatest to ever play. Black Tooth Grins tonight in memoriam.

    Megadeth: We are deeply saddened to hear that our dear friend and brother, Vinnie Paul has passed away. Rest in Peace Vinnie, you will truly be missed and forever remembered.

    Grant Random: Just waking up in Portugal to the sad news of Vinnie Paul’s passing. He was a super nice guy and a massive talent. Such a huge loss. RIP Vinnie.

    Dee Snider: So sorry to hear about passing of Vinnie Paul. Such an incredible force & influence in metal. I remember literally stopping song “Becoming” 1st time I played it on radio, opening the mic & freaking out over his drumming on air. How many drummers make somebody do that?

    Chris Jericho: I need no # RIP for my friend. Vinnie Paul was my friend a brother. I miss him already. I’m honored and pleased to say that I had The pleasure to know. Thank you Vinnie and Sleep well my friend.

  • Brooklyn’s Castle Black Releases Music Video, New EP to Follow

    Brooklyn grunge, post-punk rockers Castle Black have released a music video for their song “Broken Bright Star,” which comes off the band’s 2017 EP, Trapped Under All You Know.

    Filmed in Brooklyn, the band once again turned to director Jeff Allyn Szwast for this project after directing the band’s video for “Dark Light.” The video shows their fondness for spells, dark magic and pagan-inspired rituals.

    Szwast talked about once again teaming up with Castle Black: “I love working with Castle Black, because I feel like we get to make these fun, narrative mini-films. Leigh and I have similar tastes in aesthetics and themes, and all of us enjoy infusing the work with a certain amount of ’90s head-nods, as we all draw a lot of our early influence from that era.”

    After recently hanging out in the studio, Castle Black is set to release their fourth EP this summer, titled The Gods That Adored You. The band tapped one of the industry’s best engineers/producers for the EP in Mark Plati, who has worked with artists like David Bowie, Prince, Spooky Ruben, The Cure and Duncan Sheik. The EP was recorded by Michael Abiuso, at Behind the Curtains Media studio, and mastered by Jamal Ruhe of West West Side Music.

    The female-fronted Castle Black will play two hometown shows in Brooklyn during their current tour on June 8 at TJO Presents Showcase (Northside Festival) and June 28, at The Well.

    Castle Black’s Remaining Tour Dates:

    June 8 – TJO Presents Showcase (Northside Festival), Brooklyn, NY
    June 28 – The Well, Brooklyn, NY
    July 6 – The Comet, Cincinnati, OH
    July 7 – TBA, Rock Island, IL
    July 8 – Bremen Cafe, Milwaukee, WI
    July 10 – FireHouse, Lancaster, OH
    July 11 – Melody Inn, Indianapolis, IN
    July 12 – The Cure Lounge, Louisville, KY
    July 14 – Camp Champe, West Branch, MI
    July 15 – Kelly’s Bar, Hamtramck, MI
    July 16 – Strum Around Productions, Sandusky, OH
    July 21 – The Uke, Manchester, NJ
    Aug. 3 – 9th Annual Elephant Talk Indie Music Fest, Mays Landing, NJ
    Aug. 4 – Kung Fu Necktie, Philadelphia, PA

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  • The Black Dahlia Murder Kicks Off Tour

    Detroit’s melodic death metal band, The Black Dahlia Murder, have hit the road recently, and are set to visit over 40 cities across North America on their tour.

    The tour will take place in two parts, first seeing support from Homewrecker for the first twelve dates, starting in Minnesota and ending June 1 at Ground Zero in Traverse, MI. After a small break, the band will then head out with Whitechapel, Fleshgod, Apocalypse, Aversions Crown, and Shadow of Intent starting on June 8 in Chicago.

    The second portion of the tour will make two stops in New York, first on June 13, at Funk N’ Waffles in Rochester, and June 15, at Stage 48 in NYC.

    Formed in 2001, The Black Dahlia Murder has released eight studio albums, including 2017’s Nighbringers. The band’s last seven releases have charted on the Billboard 200, with the last five reaching inside the top 50 on the Billboard 200 chart.

    Dates with Homewrecker:

    May 19 – Red Carpet Nightclub – St. Cloud, MN
    May 20 – The Aquarium – Fargo, ND
    May 22 – Pub Station – Billings, MT
    May 23 – The Pin – Spokane, WA
    May 24 – Modified Ghost Fest – Vancouver, BC
    May 26 – Dicken’s – Calgary, AB
    May 27 – O’Brien’s – Saskatoon, SK
    May 28 – The Park Theater – Winnipeg, MB
    May 29 – Crocks – Thunder Bay, ON
    May 30 – The Working Class – Timmons, ON
    May 31 – Club 151 – North Bay, ON
    June 1 – Ground Zero – Traverse, MI

    Dates with Whitechapel, Fleshgod, Apocalypse, Aversions Crown, Shadow Of Intent:

    June 8 – House of Blues – Chicago, IL
    June 9 – Agora Theater – Cleveland, OH
    June 10 – St Andrews Hall – Detroit, MI
    June 12 – The Opera House – Toronto, ON
    June 13 – Funk N Waffles – Rochester, NY
    June 14 – Paradise Rock Club – Boston, MA
    June 15 – Stage 48 – New York, NY
    June 16 – Trocadero Theatre – Philadelphia, PA
    June 17 – Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD
    June 19 – The NorVa Theatre – Norfolk, VA
    June 20 – Tarheel – Jacksonville, NC
    June 22 – Jannus Live – St. Petersburg, FL
    June 23 – Revolution Live – Fort Lauderdale, FL
    June 24 – Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
    June 26 – Basement East – Nashville, TN
    June 27 – Southport Music Hall – New Orleans, LA
    June 28 – White Oak Music Hall – Houston, TX
    June 29 – Vibes Event Center – San Antonio, TX
    June 30 – Gas Monkey – Dallas, TX
    July 2 – El Rey Theater – Albuquerque, NM
    July 3 – The Pressroom – Phoenix, AZ
    July 5 – Strummer’s – Fresno, CA
    July 6 – House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA
    July 7 – The UC Theatre – Berkeley, CA
    July 8 – Ace Of Spades – Sacramento, CA
    July 10 – Ogden Theater – Denver, CO
    July 11 – The Truman – Kansas City, MO
    July 12 – Icon Lounge – Sioux Falls, SD
    July 13 – Cabooze – Minneapolis, MN
    July 14 – Rock USA – Oshkosh, WI *

    * The Black Dahlia Murder only

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  • Nine Inch Nails Adds Tour Dates, Offers No Online Sales.

    Grammy award winning industrial rock band, Nine Inch Nails, has added 27 shows across 15 cities in the U.S.

    The band previously announced that they would only play three shows in Las Vegas as the only U.S. tour stops for the summer, but didn’t say anything about the rest of 2018.

    After the band’s Vegas run and overseas tour, Nine Inch Nails will hit the U.S., kicking things off in Phoenix on Aug.19. The tour will see support from the Jesus and Mary Chain. Several cities on the tour will see multiple performances, including a two night stay at Radio City Music Hall in NYC on Sept. 13-14.

    Tickets go on sale on May 19 at 10 a.m. In an attempt to get tickets into the fan’s hands and not re-sellers, concert-goers will have to go the old school route to score tickets for any of these upcoming shows, as no tickets will be made available to purchase online. Fans will have to break out the portable folding chairs, and form an early line at their nearest venue’s box office. Venues will turn away anyone forming a line in front of their facility before 8 a.m. on May 19.

    Nine Inch Nails 2018 Tour Dates:

    June 13 – The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, NV *SOLD OUT
    June 15 – The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, NV *SOLD OUT
    June 16 – The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, NV *SOLD OUT
    June 22 – London Meltdown Festival *SOLD OUT
    June 24 – London Royal Albert Hall *SOLD OUT
    June 25 – Paris Olympia *SOLD OUT
    June 27 – Amsterdam AFAS *SOLD OUT
    June 29 – St Gallen Open Air Fest
    June 30 – Prague Aerodrome Festival
    July 2 – Berlin Zitadelle *SOLD OUT
    July 4 – Roskilde DK Roskilde Festival
    July 6 – Belfort Eurokennes Festival
    July 8 – Werchter Rock Werchter Festival
    July 9 – Montreux Montreux Jazz Festival
    July 12 – Lisbon NOS Alive Festival
    July 14 – Madrid Mad Cool Festival
    Aug. 14 – Bangkok Moonstar Studio
    Aug. 17 – Tokyo Sonic Mania Festival
    Aug. 19 – Osaka Summer Sonic Festival
    Sept. 13 – Comerica Theatre – Phoenix, AZ
    Sept. 14 – Comerica Theatre – Phoenix, AZ
    Sept. 18 – Red Rocks – Morrison, CO
    Sept. 19 – Red Rocks – Morrison, CO
    Sept. 22 – River City Rock Fest – San Antonio, TX
    Sept. 24 – Orpheum Theater – Memphis, TN
    Sept. 26 – Fox Theatre – Atlanta, GA
    Sept. 27 – Fox Theatre – Atlanta, GA
    Sept. 29 – Ascend Amphitheater – Nashville, TN
    Oct. 9 – The Anthem – Washington, DC
    Oct. 13 – Radio City Music Hall – New York, NY
    Oct. 14 – Radio City Music Hall – New York, NY
    Oct. 19 – Boch Center – Boston, MA
    Oct. 20 – Boch Center – Boston, MA
    Oct. 22 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theater
    Oct. 23 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theater
    Oct. 25 – Chicago, IL – Aragon Ballroom
    Oct. 26 – Chicago, IL – Aragon Ballroom
    Nov. 23 – New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theatre
    Nov. 24 – New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theatre
    Nov. 27 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
    Nov. 28 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
    Dec. 3 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
    Dec. 7 – Los Angeles, CA – Palladium
    Dec. 8 – Los Angeles, CA – Palladium
    Dec. 11 – Los Angeles, CA – Palladium
    Dec. 12 – Los Angeles, CA – Palladium

    9/13 – 12/12 = with The Jesus and Mary Chain

  • Renowned Musician Alejandro Escovedo to Perform in Cohoes

    Rock musician, singer/songwriter Alejandro Escovedo, will bring his multiple talents to Capital Region when he takes the stage at the Cohoes Music Hall in Cohoes on May 11.

    The show will also feature special guest Kris Gruen. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show time at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $25-$35. All ages are welcome.

    Born in 1951, the Mexican-American musician’s guitar playing skills cross genres such as punk rock, roots rock, and alternative country. He comes from a family of musicians including brothers Coke and Pete Escovedo. Pop star of the late ’70s and early ’80s Sheila E., is Escovedo’s niece (Pete’s daughter).

    Escovedo has released fifteen studio albums since 1992 including his latest effort, Burn Something Beautiful (2016). He collaborated with R.E.M. lead guitarist Peter Buck, and The Minus 5 member Scott McCaughey on songwriting for Burn Something Beautiful. The pair also helped produce the album. Throughout his career, Escovedo has collaborated on several albums including a tribute album to Moby Grape co-founder Skip Spence.

    Alongside Jennifer Miro and Jeff Olener, Escovedo started his musical career in the punk rock group The Nuns during the ’70s music scene in San Francisco. In the ’80s, he moved on from The Nuns and teamed up with brothers and former The Dils members Chip and Tony Kinman to form the punk rock band Rank and File. Together they would release three studio albums before disbanding in 1987. He formed the band True Believers with his brother Javier.

    When talking about how he carries his career, Escovedo stated: “You just do your good work, and people care. I always believed, when I was a kid, that if you worked hard, you would find fulfillment. I think I got a lot of that from my father and my brothers. A working musician is all I ever wanted to be. Hard work, stay true to what you want to do, and then eventually someone would notice for that very reason.”

  • Deep Purple and Judas Priest Announce Summer North American Tour

    With one hundred years of rock and roll experience combined, Deep Purple, and Judas Priest have announced that they will team up for a co-headlining, 25-city tour across North America.

    Three of those twenty five cities on the tour will include stops in New York starting on Aug. 9, at the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, Aug. 2, at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, and Aug. 5, at the Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center.

    Since its formation in 1968, Deep Purple has released 20 studio albums throughout its 50 year career including 2017’s Infinite. The band has sold over 100 million albums world-wide and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on 2016.

    Formed in 1969, Judas Priest has recorded eighteen studio albums, selling over 50 million world-wide. The band won a Grammy award in 2010 for Best Metal Performance for the song “Dissident Aggressor.”  The band’s latest studio effort, Firepower, released in March is its most successful album, selling 49,000 copies the first week and debuting at number five on the Billboard 200 chart.

    Deep Purple/Judas Priest North America Tour Dates: 

    Aug. 21 – Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, OH
    Aug. 22 – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL
    Aug. 24 – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill – Detroit, MI
    Aug. 25 – Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort – Mt. Pleasant, MI*                                                                           Aug. 27 – FirstOntario Centre – Hamilton, ON
    Aug. 29 – Bell Centre – Montreal, QC
    Aug. 30 – Centre Videotron – Quebec City, QC
    Sept. 1 – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater – Wantagh, NY
    Sept. 2 – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – Bethel Woods, NY
    Sept. 5 – Darien Lake Amphitheater – Darien Lake, NY
    Sept. 6 – PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ
    Sept. 8 – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach – Virginia Beach, VA
    Sept. 9 – BB&T Pavilion – Camden, NJ
    Sept. 11 – PNC Music Pavilion – Charlotte, NC
    Sept. 12 – Daily’s Place – Jacksonville, FL
    Sept. 14 – Verizon Amphitheatre – Atlanta, GA
    Sept. 16 – Mississippi Coast Coliseum – Biloxi, MS
    Sept. 18 – Starlight Theatre – Kansas City, MO
    Sept. 20 – Treasure Island Casino – Welch, MN*
    Sept. 21 – Harrah’s Council Bluffs – Council Bluffs, IA*
    Sept. 23 – Pepsi Center – Denver, CO
    Sept. 26 – Mattress Firm Amphitheatre – San Diego, CA
    Sept. 27 – FivePoint Amphitheatre – Irvine, CA
    Sept. 29 – Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA
    Sept. 30 – Toyota Amphitheatre – Wheatland, CA

  • EDM Artist Avicii Found Dead

    Swedish EDM DJ/Producer Avicii, has been found dead in Muscat, Oman at the young age of 28. No details have been released as to the cause of his death.

    Avicii

    Born Tim Bergling, Avicii, days ago posted on social media that he was honored to be nominated for Top Dance/Electronic album at this years upcoming Billboard Music Awards on May 20 for his EP Avicii. The DJ/producer was in the middle of a music career re-launch after a spiritual rebirth he had while traveling to Peru since retiring.

    Avicii’s publicist, Diana Baron made the following statement about his passing: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known a Avicii. 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.”

    In 2016, Avicii shocked the world with the announcement of his retirement from active touring. In 2014, he was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis due to excessive drinking. He started producing music at sixteen and by the end of his brief career collaborated with artists such as Madonna, Santana, Aloe Blacc, David Guetta, Imagine Dragons, Rita Ora and Coldplay.

    Avicii, along with other DJ/producers like Guetta and Calvin Harris, helped the EDM genre cross over into the pop side of the music world with his song “Wake Me Up,” opening doors for other EDM artists like Zedd and the Chainsmokers. In 2010, Avicii released the song “Seek Bromance,” under a shortened version of his real name Tim/Berg, and stands as an classic EDM track.

    Several artists from the EDM world and other genres have taken to social media to express their feelings about the loss of Avicii.

    Calvin Harris: “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 x”

    Charlie Puth: “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.”

    Madonna posted a photo of her and Avicii and stated: “So Sad……. So Tragic. Good Bye Dear Sweet Tim. Gone too Soon.”

    Zedd: “No words can describe the sadness I’m feeling right now, hearing about Avicii passing away….
    Thoughts go out to his family and friends…”

    3LAU: “I cannot express enough that @Avicii revolutionized dance music, and effortlessly. An unparalleled writer and one of my biggest inspirations will be remembered and missed for centuries to come. We love you Tim”

    Deadmau5: “My sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to the friends, fans and families of @Avicii 🙁 Banter aside, nobody can deny what he has accomplished and done for modern dance music and im very proud of him.”

    Marshmello: “At a loss for words…Rest easy brother @Avicii”

    Dillon Francis: “RIP @Avicii you will be insanely missed…my deepest condolences to his family.”

    Imagine Dragons: “Devastated at the news of @Avicii passing. working with him was one of my favorite collaborative moments. far too young. the world was a happier and fuller place with his presence and art. sending all my love to his friends and family. Xxdr”

    Aloe Blacc: “My heartfelt condolences to Tim’s family and close friends. I can’t express how deeply sad I am. Meeting him changed my life. He was an amazingly talented person and it hurts so bad that he’s gone.”

    Martin Garrix: “Can’t really describe in words how sad I feel right now.. thank you for inspiring me and millions others. RIP @Avicii”

    Rita Ora: “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.”

    Kascade: “@Avicii was talented and kind, and I was genuinely excited to see what would come next from him. His future most certainly should have been written beyond age 28. I am heartbroken. Rest easy Tim.”