Music

Halsey, The Chainsmokers Pay Tribute To Avicii At 2018 Billboard Music Awards

Avicii Getty Images
By Dianne Gebauer

Avicii's memory was honored at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards.

On Sunday, May 20, 2018, Halsey and The Chainsmokers paid tribute to the late Swedish DJ one month after his death as they presented the award for Top 100 Songs.

"His passing was a great loss for the music world and for us," Andrew Taggart of The Chainsmokers said. "He was an artist who inspired so many in so many ways. Simply put, he meant so much to us and everyone in the EDM community."

Halsey added, "Everyone who worked with him would agree that he was such a joy and it makes this tragedy all the more painful. It's a reminder to all of us to be there and to support and to love all of our friends and family members who may be struggling with mental health issues."

Avicii received a nomination for Top Dance/Electronic Album for AVĪCI (01) at this year's BBMAs, which went to The Chainsmokers' Memories...Do Not Open.

As Nicki Swift previously reported, Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, was found dead in Muscat, Oman on April 20, 2018. He was just 28 years old. Following his untimely death, his family released a statement, in which they implied he'd taken his own life.

"Our beloved Tim was a seeker, a fragile artistic soul searching for answers to existential questions," the statement read. "An over-achieving perfectionist who traveled and worked hard at a pace that led to extreme stress."

In reference to the "Wake Me Up" musician's decision to retire from touring in 2016, his family added, "When he stopped touring, he wanted to find a balance in life to be happy and be able to do what he loved most — music."

"He really struggled with thoughts about Meaning, Life, Happiness. He could not go on any longer. He wanted to find peace," Avicii's family continued. "Tim was not made for the business machine he found himself in; he was a sensitive guy who loved his fans but shunned the spotlight."

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