On September 8, Tim Bergling would be celebrating his 31st birthday. Although the late icon is no longer here in person, his birthday coincidentally lands during National Suicide Prevention Week, an important annual campaign that seeks to prevent suicide and raise awareness of the warning signs of suicide.
To combine the two occasions for a charitable cause, SiriusXM has announced a partnership with the Tim Bergling Foundation, through which the broadcasting company will host a week-long mental health awareness takeover on SiriusXM’s BPM channel. Commencing at 12:00 p.m. EST / 9:00 a.m. PST on Avicii’s birthday and concluding at 9:00 p.m. EST / 6:00 p.m. PST on September 13, the tribute will broadcast an unreleased performance from June 2016 in Osaka, Japan, one of his final performances before his retirement. Exclusive interviews held during the Avicii Tribute Concert in Stockholm, Sweden will also be aired.
Klas Bergling will take part in the birthday celebration, speaking on his son’s life and career accomplishments as well as the Tim Bergling Foundation, founded after Avicii’s death in an effort to shed light on mental health awareness. Bergling showed his support for the SiriusXM-spearheaded event, stating,
“Anki and I want to thank Geronimo and SiriusXM for their continued support of Tim’s music and for taking this time to put a spotlight on the global issue of mental health. We want to encourage Tim’s fans and all young people to know that they are not alone. It’s important to talk to someone, a friend or family member or workmate. There is help for any emotional struggle they or their friends may have.”
Aloe Blacc, Martin Garrix, Sandro Cavazza, Rita Ora, Laidback Luke, and countless others will also take part in the week-long event, speaking on their personal relationship with Avicii and other memories of the late producer. A complete slate of Avicii classics as well as a broadcast of his SiriusXM Town Hall performance from 2013 will fill in the remainder of the programming. In addition to supporting the Tim Bergling Foundation, the tribute will benefit Vibrant Health’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Featured image: Sean Eriksson
