Avicii: True Stories is a 2017 documentary about Tim Bergling (Avicii), directed by Levan Tsikurishvili, who followed the artist closely for several years. It features Avicii himself, his former manager Ash Pournouri, family members, and a number of industry collaborators. Shot in locations around the world, the film combines performance footage, candid backstage moments, studio sessions, and personal interviews. It examines Avicii’s rapid rise to fame, the intense pressures of the music industry, and the toll taken on his physical and mental health, eventually leading him to retire from touring.
Table of Contents
Introduction
“Avicii: True Stories” is an intimate, feature-length documentary offering a candid look at the life and career of Tim Bergling, the Swedish DJ, producer, and songwriter better known as Avicii. Directed by Levan Tsikurishvili, the film draws upon years of unprecedented access, capturing Avicii both onstage performing for massive global audiences and behind the scenes in recording studios, backstage green rooms, and hotel suites. Through personal interviews, footage of studio sessions, and the testimonies of close collaborators and family, “Avicii: True Stories” delves into the meteoric rise of one of electronic music’s brightest talents while revealing the physical and emotional toll of relentless touring, intense industry demands.
Main cast
| Name | Role/Relation to Avicii |
|---|---|
| Chris Martin | Singer, songwriter, and collaborator on tracks |
| David Guetta | DJ, producer, and contemporary EDM figure who worked and performed alongside |
| Nile Rodgers | Guitarist, producer; collaborated with to fuse electronic and live instrumentation |
| Aloe Blacc | Vocalist featured on the hit single “Wake Me Up” and collaborator in studio sessions |
Director Introduction
Tim.” The doc directed by Henrik Burman premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year also features interviews with Avicii’s parents, friends, colleagues and fellow artists
Production Details
Filming spanned multiple years, from roughly 2013 to 2016, covering the period of career at its peak and as it evolved. The decision to stop touring was captured in the process, providing a unique real-time look at the turning points in his life.
Trailer Highlights
- Quick cuts of massive festival crowds and performing for tens of thousands of fans.
- Behind-the-scenes tension: discussing his physical and mental exhaustion, hospital visits, and the stress of constant touring.
- Cameos of famous collaborators and their praise for his artistry.
- The emotional climax hinted at decision to step away from live performances, leaving viewers curious about his reasoning and final choice.
Key Themes
- The Cost of Success:
The documentary delves into the intense pressure on global superstars, highlighting how relentless touring schedules and industry demands can lead to severe health problems. struggle with pancreatitis, anxiety, and mental health challenges serves as a case study for what can happen when the pace of superstardom becomes unsustainable. - Creative Process and Musical Genius:
We see in the studio, shaping melodies and harmonies, collaborating with vocalists, and obsessing over tiny details. This offers insight into how he fused electronic dance music with elements of folk, soul, and pop to create a distinct and influential sound. - Industry and Personal Conflicts:
The film does not shy away from showing disagreements between and his management. The tension over touring commitments versus personal well-being is a central conflict, illustrating the difficulty of balancing commercial success and personal health. - Identity and Self-Realization:
Tim Bergling is often overshadowed by the persona of . The documentary reveals a more introverted individual who felt discomfort with the public-facing identity he had created. His journey toward reclaiming control over his life and work is a key narrative thread.
Overall Review
“Avicii: True Stories” was generally well-received by fans and music enthusiasts. Many praised the documentary’s honesty and the unprecedented access it provided. Critics lauded it as an essential viewing experience for anyone curious about the human realities behind superstar DJs. While some film critics felt the documentary could have delved even deeper into certain aspects of mental health and industry exploitation, the overall consensus was positive—particularly in terms of presenting a cautionary tale about fame, artistic integrity, and well-being.
Challenges and Environments Portrayed
- Constant Touring and Exhaustion:
The film vividly shows the high-octane festival circuit environment—non-stop flights, one country after another, hotel rooms blending into each other—leading to increasing stress and deteriorating health. - Medical and Mental Health Struggles:
Frequent hospital visits, surgeries to remove his gallbladder and appendix, and ongoing abdominal pain are shown, setting the stage for difficult decision to quit touring. - Music Industry Pressures:
The documentary gives viewers insight into contractual obligations, pressure from promoters and managers, and a public that always demands more, never satisfied. It is a world where stepping off the stage is met with financial and branding consequences.
Fan Anticipation and Critical Reception
At the time of its initial theatrical release in 2017, fans were excited to see a more intimate portrayal of , who had already announced he would stop touring. Many hoped to understand the reasons behind this decision. After tragic death in April 2018, the documentary gained even more interest, with fans and the general public seeking clues and insights into his inner struggles.
Release date
This December 31, honor the legacy of a musical genius with the release of “Avicii – I’m Tim”, a heartfelt tribute to the life and career of the iconic DJ and producer, Tim Bergling. Dive deep into his groundbreaking journey, the music that defined a generation, and the timeless impact he left on the world. Celebrate the man behind the beats as we step into the new year with the soul-stirring story of Avicii.
Visual Style
- Onstage glamour with intense lighting and massive LED screens.
- Backstage grit with handheld camerawork, capturing exhaustion and vulnerability.
- Sun-drenched studio sessions and quiet reflective moments in nature or private residences.
ALSO READ: XO, KITTY: SEASON 2
