Swedish DJ Avicii announces his retirement from touring after 2016

  • Published
AviciiImage source, Getty Images

Avicii has announced that he's retiring.

The 26-year-old DJ says his tour and shows this year will be his last and encouraged his fans to "make them go out with a bang".

He confirmed the news on his official website.

"I know I am blessed to be able to travel all around the world and perform, but I have too little left for the life of a real person behind the artist."

Two years ago, Avicii told fans he was "on the road to recovery" after an operation to remove his appendix and gallbladder.

But in a long statement posted on his website, Avicii, whose real name is Tim Bergling, says he managed to drive across America with some friends and "it really helped me realize that I needed to make the change that I'd been struggling with for a while".

Image source, Getty Images

"My path has been filled with success but it hasn't come without its bumps," he said.

"I've become an adult while growing as an artist, I've come to know myself better and realize that there's so much I want to do with my life.

"I have strong interests in different areas but there's so little time to explore them."

He took the opportunity to thank his brother and manager Ash, his team, artists and musicians he's worked with and fans.

"But last but not least thank you to every fan who has ever bought a ticket or snuck in, bought a song or downloaded it, commented on posts or hated at them. It's your thoughts and ideas about the music that helped me evolve and I do owe everything I have to you."

Avicii ended his statement by encouraging fans to text him thoughts on what he had announced, adding "one part of me can never say never, I could be back ...but I won't be right back".

Some of his last performances will be this year's Creamfields and Electric Daisy Carnival.

Find us on Instagram at BBCNewsbeat and follow us on Snapchat, search for bbc_newsbeat