Avicii was and will continue to be a true inspiration for dance music fans and those in the industry. And the people he’s closest with have nothing but praise for him.


Leading EDM photographer Rukes has shared a personal account of their professional relationship that developed into a dear friendship over the years. It seems he has some of the best insight about Avicii and his legacy he leaves behind.

“I was fortunate enough to tour with @avicii through most of his career, he was one of my best friends,” the photographer shares. “Despite so many struggles behind the scenes, he always pushed through and loved what he did.”

From taking photos of his opening DJ gig in LA, and onto large-scale music festivals like Sterosonic, Ultra and Coachella — Rukes was there to capture it all. They toured Asia, Central America, and to countries that rarely see DJs play including Venezuela, Honduras and El Salvador.

“One of my favorite memories was when he finished over two CDs worth of material for Stories and invited me to his house to have a listen and help decide which tracks should go on the final album.”

Rukes reiterates what we’re all feeling right now: “He will be missed by everyone.”

Really, this photo says it all… RIP, Avicii.

Rukes Remembers Avicii

I was fortunate enough to tour with @avicii through most of his career, he was one of my best friends. Despite so many struggles behind the scenes, he always pushed through and loved what he did. I first met him briefly in Miami when I was with @deadmau5 outside our hotel. A few months later, I took pics of him as an opening DJ in LA. From then, we did multiple festivals like @stereosonic, @ultra and @coachella. We went to amazing venues like @radiocitymusichall of all places. We toured Asia, and even went to Central America to countries that rarely have any DJ gigs, like Venezuela, Honduras and El Salvador. He had a hotel named after him during Miami Music Weeks every year, no small feat! He shocked the world in 2013 by mixing country and bluegrass to his live show at @ultra to a stunned audience who later drove those songs to be mega hits. One of my favorite memories was when he finished over two CDs worth of material for Stories and invited me to his house to have a listen and help decide which tracks should go on the final album I was there for his comeback at @ultra miami 2015, and one of his final gigs at @umfkorea_official In 2016. He will be missed by everyone. #ripavicii #avicii

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