International Music Summit (IMS) Ibiza commenced this morning, with an opening keynote address from Pete Tong honoring the memory of Avicii, who died a little over a month ago, followed by a panel on mental health awareness and the issues faced by touring DJs.
The panel included various artist managers and music executives, including Christine Brown, Director of External Affairs & Bus. Development for Help Musicians, a leading UK charity for professional musicians. However, some of the most salient sound bytes came from Pete Tong himself.
He said of Avicii’s death: “We weren’t supposed to die chasing the dream.”
In a quote provided by IMS on Twitter, he further said, “Tim had no training, there was no introduction, he had never even had a proper job.”
With the exception of the proper job, many DJs over the world generally find themselves in similar situations. Those who find sudden success are thrust into the touring world, and are often unprepared for the loneliness and struggles of being away from home and spending so much time travelling.
Brown of Help Musicians UK said, “People in music are three times more likely to suffer from mental illness. That really pushed us into action.”
An official autopsy report on Avicii is still outstanding, though a statement from his family seems to strongly suggest that the DJ committed suicide.
“Tim (Berling) @Avicii had no training, there was no introduction, he had never even had a proper job” Pete Tong (BBC Radio 1, Broadcaster, UK) #IMSIbiza @petetong pic.twitter.com/zh7GQsmP9z
— International Music Summit (@IMSibiza) May 23, 2018
If you or a friend are suffering from depression, there are services designed to help.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
National Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-800-448-4663
H/T Metro UK
Photo by Ollie Millington/WireImage
