NILE'S HEARTACHE
Avicii’s heartbroken pal Nile Rodgers feared DJ was battling booze demons again as he was ‘drunk’ at their last gig together
AVICII'S heartbroken friend Nile Rodgers feared the DJ was battling booze demons again as he was "drunk" the last time they worked together
The Chic star revealed he was "so upset" that his friend had broken his promise to quit drinking.
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The Swedish dance music star, who died in Muscat, Oman yesterday aged 28, had suffered a number of health problems in the past due to his excessive boozing.
Nile, who worked with Avicii - real name Tim Bergling - many times over the years, last teamed up with him at a gig three years ago.
The music veteran revealed he was devastated to find his pal was "drunk" and scolded him for putting his health at risk.
Nile told the Associated Press: "It was a little bit sad to me because he had promised me he would stop drinking, and when I saw him he was drunk that night.
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"And I was like, 'Whoa. Dude. C'mon. What are you doing? What's going on? You said that that was done'.
"We did a show and I was a little upset.
"I didn't even stick around for his performance because it was breaking my heart.
"But we still had a great time. It was wonderful we were that close."
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The circumstances surrounding Avicii's death are currently unknown, and Nile admits the news was a huge shock.
He said: "I'm shocked because I don't know medically what happened, but I can just say as a person, as a friend, and more importantly, as a musician, Tim was one of the greatest, natural melody writers I've ever worked with, and I've worked with some of the most brilliant musicians on this planet."
Nile also paid tribute to his pal in a series of heartbroken tweets.
He wrote: "I was just told my dear friend Tim @avicii just passed away. Please let this be a hoax. If not #RIPAVICII one of the best natural melody...
"#RIPAVICII Dear Tim your family have my most heartfelt condolences. You were my little bro. Love always....
"I’m crying on the airplane. I hope I don’t make the passengers nervous. #RIPAVICII...
"I still can't believe Tim's gone. #RIP @Avicii - Love always. You were so gifted and I'm glad I shared the planet while you walked it. Big bro."
He also shared a link to a chat with the pair on .
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While no more details about Avicii's passing have been given, he had previously been open about his health issues.
He had suffered acute pancreatitis, in part due to excessive drinking, and went on to have his gallbladder and appendix removed.
The star then shocked fans in 2016 when he announced he would be retiring from touring for the sake of his wellbeing.
However, he later returned to music and one of his most recent singles was a collaboration with Rita Ora called Lonely Together.
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Rita was among the stars who paid tribute to the DJ after his death was confirmed yesterday.
Other stars to mourn his loss include his close friend Calvin Harris and pop star Dua Lipa.
Since the announcement, pictures of the star posing with fans have emerged, with him looking happy and relaxed in the days leading up to his death.
He also spoke about his the "next stage" of his life in a poignant message before his passing, while fans have been pouring over the haunting lyrics on his songs.
Video for Hey Brother by late superstar Avicii - one of his most popular tracks
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In a statement confirming his death, his rep said: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii.
"He was found dead in Muscat, Oman this Friday afternoon local time, April 20th.
"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."
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