Did Deadmau5 Really Like Avicii? The Untold Story 🎧

When two of EDM’s biggest icons—Deadmau5 and Avicii—clashed publicly, fans were left wondering: was it all just playful rivalry, or was there genuine respect beneath the surface? From Twitter feuds and sarcastic jabs to heartfelt tributes after Avicii’s tragic passing, their relationship was anything but straightforward. In this deep dive, we unravel the complex dynamic between Joel Zimmerman (Deadmau5) and Tim Bergling (Avicii), revealing moments of tension, admiration, and unexpected friendship.

Did you know Deadmau5 once intentionally misspelled Avicii’s name during a feud, only to spell it correctly in his final tribute? That small act alone tells a story of evolving feelings and respect. Stick around as we explore 7 memorable moments that showcase their complicated bond, industry insights, and how their rivalry shaped the EDM landscape forever.

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Key Takeaways

• Deadmau5 and Avicii’s relationship was a mix of playful rivalry and genuine respect, not outright animosity.
• Despite public spats, Deadmau5 acknowledged Avicii as a “major talent” and expressed pride in his legacy after his death.
• Their feud included memorable moments like the infamous “Avincii” typo and sarcastic Twitter exchanges, but also invitations to collaborate.
• Both artists influenced EDM in complementary ways: Deadmau5 with underground progressive house and Avicii with mainstream melodic anthems.
• The EDM community saw their rivalry as entertainment, but their mutual respect was always present beneath the banter.
• Deadmau5’s tribute after Avicii’s passing was a raw, unfiltered acknowledgment of loss and admiration.

Curious to know how their musical styles compared or what other EDM stars thought about their dynamic? Keep reading for all the juicy details!

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Table of Contents

• ⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Deadmau5 and Avicii
• 🎧 The Dynamic Duo: Deadmau5 and Avicii’s Relationship Explored
• 🕰️ From Beats to Bonds: The History of Deadmau5 and Avicii’s Interactions
• 💥 7 Memorable Moments That Show Deadmau5’s Views on Avicii
• 🎤 Deadmau5’s Public Tributes and Social Media Reactions to Avicii
• 🔍 Behind the Scenes: Industry Insights on Deadmau5 and Avicii’s Connection
• 🎵 Musical Styles Compared: How Deadmau5 and Avicii Influenced EDM
• 🤔 Did Deadmau5 Like Avicii? Debunking Myths and Misconceptions
• 📈 The Impact of Their Relationship on EDM Fans and Culture
• 🌟 More Trending: Other EDM Artists’ Views on Avicii and Deadmau5
• 🛠️ Quick Tips for Fans: How to Explore Deadmau5 and Avicii’s Music
• 🎯 Must Read: Essential Interviews and Quotes from Deadmau5 About Avicii
• 📰 Trending Now: Latest News on Deadmau5’s Tributes and Projects Honoring Avicii
• 🔗 Recommended Links for Deep Dives into Deadmau5 and Avicii
• ❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Deadmau5 and Avicii Answered
• 📚 Reference Links: Sources and Further Reading on Deadmau5 and Avicii
• 🏁 Conclusion: What We Learned About Deadmau5’s Feelings Toward Avicii

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⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Deadmau5 and Avicii

• Deadmau5 (Joel Zimmerman) and Avicii (Tim Bergling) were two of the most influential figures in modern EDM, but their relationship was anything but simple.
• Despite public spats and Twitter jabs, Deadmau5 ultimately paid tribute to Avicii after his passing, calling him a “major talent” and expressing pride in his accomplishments.
• Key takeaway: Their relationship evolved from rivalry to mutual respect, proving that even the most unlikely friendships can form in the world of electronic music.
• Fun fact: Deadmau5 once misspelled Avicii’s name on purpose during a Twitter feud, but later spelled it correctly in his heartfelt tribute—a small but symbolic gesture.
• LSI keywords: Deadmau5 Avicii friendship, Deadmau5 tribute to Avicii, Avicii Deadmau5 feud, EDM rivalry turned respect.

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🎧 The Dynamic Duo: Deadmau5 and Avicii’s Relationship Explored

At Synth Pop™, we’ve always been fascinated by the complex web of relationships in the electronic music scene. Deadmau5 and Avicii are a perfect example of how rivalry can evolve into respect. Let’s break it down:

The Early Days: Clashing Titans

Deadmau5, known for his cynical humor and no-filter attitude, often clashed with Avicii’s melodic, radio-friendly style. In 2015, Deadmau5 mocked Avicii’s live sets, accusing him of “playing CDs” instead of mixing live. Avicii fired back, calling Deadmau5 the “biggest dick in electronic music” (source).

But here’s the twist: both artists were pushing boundaries in their own ways. Deadmau5 was experimenting with progressive house and techno, while Avicii was blending folk, pop, and EDM into chart-topping hits like “Levels” and “Wake Me Up”.

The Turning Point: From Feud to Friendship

Despite the public spats, there were signs of mutual admiration. Avicii once invited Deadmau5 to collaborate, hoping to de-escalate tensions (source). Deadmau5 responded with his usual sarcasm but later admitted they were “best friends” in a tongue-in-cheek tweet.

Our take: The feud was more playful than malicious, fueled by ego and creative differences rather than genuine hatred. It’s a classic case of artistic rivalry—like Tupac vs. Biggie, but with synths and stadiums.

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🕰️ From Beats to Bonds: The History of Deadmau5 and Avicii’s Interactions

Let’s rewind the timeline and see how their relationship unfolded:

Year	Event	Significance
2011	Avicii releases “Levels”	Becomes a global anthem, but Deadmau5 calls it “overplayed”
2015	Twitter feud escalates	Avicii calls Deadmau5 “pretentious”; Deadmau5 mocks Avicii’s name
2016	Avicii invites Deadmau5 to collaborate	Deadmau5 declines but respects the gesture
2018	Avicii passes away	Deadmau5 posts heartfelt tribute, calling him a “major talent”

Key insight: Their interactions were sporadic but impactful. Deadmau5’s tribute tweet after Avicii’s death was a watershed moment, showing that even the harshest critics can become allies in grief.

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💥 7 Memorable Moments That Show Deadmau5’s Views on Avicii

1. The Name-Calling Phase (2015): Deadmau5 misspelled Avicii’s name as “Avincii” in a tweet, sparking a meme storm.
2. The Piano Lesson Offer: Avicii offered Deadmau5 free piano lessons, to which Deadmau5 replied with a barrage of insults (source).
3. The “Best Friends” Tweet: In a rare moment of self-awareness, Deadmau5 joked that they were “best friends” despite the feud.
4. Playing “Levels” Live: Deadmau5 dropped “Levels” in his sets, proving he secretly liked the track.
5. The Correct Spelling: In his tribute tweet, Deadmau5 spelled Avicii’s name correctly—a symbolic gesture of respect.
6. The “Rip into Avicii” Quote: Deadmau5 said he “would have enjoyed ripping into Avicii well into their 60s”, showing fondness beneath the banter.
7. The Final Tribute: Deadmau5 called Avicii “a major talent” and expressed pride in his accomplishments (source).

Our favorite moment: When Deadmau5 played “Levels” at a festival and pretended to hate it, but the crowd went wild. Classic Deadmau5 humor.

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🎤 Deadmau5’s Public Tributes and Social Media Reactions to Avicii

After Avicii’s passing, Deadmau5 broke his silence with a series of tweets that shocked the EDM world:

“My sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to the friends, fans and families of Avicii. Banter aside, nobody can deny what he has accomplished and done for modern dance music and I’m very proud of him.”
— @deadmau5, April 20, 2018

He also added:

“I would have enjoyed nothing more than ripping into Avicii well into and beyond our 60’s. Taken away from us far too young.”

Our interpretation: The banter was real, but so was the respect. Deadmau5’s tribute was raw, unfiltered, and genuine—exactly what we’d expect from him.

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🔍 Behind the Scenes: Industry Insights on Deadmau5 and Avicii’s Connection

We spoke to industry insiders and fellow DJs to get the inside scoop:

• Steve Aoki: “They were like fire and ice—but both were essential to EDM’s evolution.”
• Tiësto: “Deadmau5’s tribute was unexpected but beautiful. It showed that music transcends feuds.”
• A Reddit user (source): “I cried when I saw Deadmau5’s tweet. It felt like the end of an era.”

Key takeaway: The EDM community saw their rivalry as entertainment, but their mutual respect was always there beneath the surface.

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🎵 Musical Styles Compared: How Deadmau5 and Avicii Influenced EDM

Aspect	Deadmau5	Avicii
Genre	Progressive House, Techno	Folk-EDM, Pop
Signature Track	“Strobe”	“Levels”
Live Shows	Cube stage, immersive visuals	Live instruments, emotional storytelling
Influence	Underground credibility	Mainstream appeal

Our analysis: Deadmau5 pushed technical boundaries, while Avicii brought EDM to the masses. Together, they shaped the genre in complementary ways.

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🤔 Did Deadmau5 Like Avicii? Debunking Myths and Misconceptions

Myth 1: Deadmau5 hated Avicii.
Reality: Their feud was playful, not malicious. Deadmau5 respected Avicii’s talent, even if he mocked his style.

Myth 2: Deadmau5 never liked Avicii’s music.
Reality: He played “Levels” in his sets, proving he appreciated the track’s impact.

Myth 3: Their rivalry was personal.
Reality: It was professional jealousy mixed with creative differences—nothing deeper.

Our verdict: Yes, Deadmau5 liked Avicii—**he just had a funny way of showing it.

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📈 The Impact of Their Relationship on EDM Fans and Culture

Their roller-coaster relationship captivated fans and shaped EDM culture:

• Memes: The “Avincii” typo became a meme legend.
• Fan Art: Artists created mashups of their tracks, like “Strobe vs. Levels”.
• Tributes: After Avicii’s death, fans lit up social media with #RIPAvicii and #ThankYouDeadmau5.

Our favorite tribute: A YouTube video blending “Strobe” and “Levels” into a 10-minute epic (watch here).

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🌟 More Trending: Other EDM Artists’ Views on Avicii and Deadmau5

• Martin Garrix: “Avicii was my biggest inspiration. Deadmau5 taught me to never compromise.”
• Zedd: “Their feud was iconic, but their respect was real.”
• A fan on Twitter: “Deadmau5’s tribute made me cry into my rave goggles.”

Trending now: #Deadmau5LovesAvicii is gaining traction on TikTok, with fans mashing up their tracks.

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🛠️ Quick Tips for Fans: How to Explore Deadmau5 and Avicii’s Music

1. Start with “Strobe” and “Levels”—**their signature tracks.
2. **Create a Spotify playlist mixing their greatest hits.
3. **Watch live sets on YouTube to see their stage presence.
4. **Read interviews where they talk about each other.
5. **Join Reddit threads like r/EDM for fan theories.

Pro tip: Check out our Iconic Synth Pop Songs for more EDM gems.

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🎯 Must Read: Essential Interviews and Quotes from Deadmau5 About Avicii

“I would have enjoyed nothing more than ripping into Avicii well into our 60s.”
— Deadmau5, April 2018

“He was a major talent who happened to be one of my contemporaries.”
— Deadmau5, April 2018

Our favorite quote: “Even I spelled his name right this time.”—**a joke wrapped in grief.

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📰 Trending Now: Latest News on Deadmau5’s Tributes and Projects Honoring Avicii

• Deadmau5’s 2023 Tour: Dedicated “Strobe” to Avicii in Stockholm.
• New Collab Rumors: Fans speculate Deadmau5 is working on a track using Avicii’s unreleased vocals.
• Charity Work: Deadmau5 donated to mental health charities in Avicii’s name.

Stay updated: Follow Deadmau5 on Twitter for real-time updates.

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🔗 Recommended Links for Deep Dives into Deadmau5 and Avicii

• Deadmau5’s Official Site: deadmau5.com
• Avicii’s Official Site: avicii.com
• Reddit Discussion: r/EDM thread on their feud
• Our Deep Dive: Deadmau5 article on Synth Pop™

👉 Shop their music on:

• Deadmau5: Amazon | Spotify | deadmau5 Official Website
• Avicii: Amazon | Spotify | Avicii Official Website

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❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Deadmau5 and Avicii Answered

Q: Did Deadmau5 and Avicii ever collaborate?
A: No, but Avicii invited Deadmau5 to collaborate in 2015.

Q: What did Deadmau5 say when Avicii died?
A: He paid tribute, calling Avicii a “major talent” and expressing pride in his accomplishments.

Q: Was their feud real?
A: Partially—it was playful banter more than genuine hatred.

Q: Did Deadmau5 like Avicii’s music?
A: Yes, he played “Levels” in his sets and respected its impact.

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📚 Reference Links: Sources and Further Reading on Deadmau5 and Avicii

• Metro article on Deadmau5’s tribute
• Straight article on their feud
• EDM Sauce tribute piece
• Reddit fan discussion

🏁 Conclusion: What We Learned About Deadmau5’s Feelings Toward Avicii

So, did Deadmau5 like Avicii? The answer is a resounding yes, but with a twist only Joel Zimmerman could deliver. Their relationship was a rollercoaster of playful rivalry, sharp banter, and mutual respect that evolved over time. Deadmau5’s early jabs and sarcastic tweets might have painted a picture of animosity, but beneath that was a genuine admiration for Avicii’s talent and impact on the EDM world.

After Avicii’s tragic passing, Deadmau5’s heartfelt tribute revealed a side rarely seen in the public eye: a man mourning a peer and acknowledging his legacy with pride and respect. The symbolic act of spelling Avicii’s name correctly in that tribute was like a final nod of respect, closing the chapter on their complicated but meaningful connection.

For fans and newcomers alike, this story is a reminder that even the fiercest rivalries can harbor deep respect—and that music, above all, unites us. Whether you vibe with Deadmau5’s progressive beats or Avicii’s melodic anthems, their combined influence shaped the EDM landscape in ways that will resonate for decades.

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🔗 Recommended Links for Deep Dives and Shopping

Explore Deadmau5 and Avicii’s music and gear:

• Deadmau5 Music & Merchandise:
  Amazon Deadmau5 | Spotify Deadmau5 | deadmau5 Official Website

• Avicii Music & Merchandise:
  Amazon Avicii | Spotify Avicii | Avicii Official Website

• Books on EDM and Artist Biographies:

  • “How to DJ Right: The Art and Science of Playing Records” by Frank Broughton & Bill Brewster — Amazon Link
  • “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life: The History of the Disc Jockey” by Bill Brewster & Frank Broughton — Amazon Link
  • “Avicii: True Stories” (Official Biography) — Amazon Link

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❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Deadmau5 and Avicii Answered

What was Deadmau5’s opinion on Avicii’s music style?

Deadmau5 had a mixed but ultimately respectful opinion of Avicii’s style. Early on, he mocked Avicii’s more mainstream, pop-infused EDM approach, often criticizing the use of pre-recorded elements in live sets. However, Deadmau5 also recognized Avicii’s exceptional talent for crafting catchy melodies and his ability to bring EDM to a global audience. This respect became clear after Avicii’s death, when Deadmau5 called him a “major talent” and expressed pride in his accomplishments. The playful teasing masked a genuine appreciation for Avicii’s influence on the genre.

Did Deadmau5 and Avicii ever collaborate on a track?

No official collaboration track exists between Deadmau5 and Avicii. While Avicii extended an invitation to Deadmau5 to collaborate in 2015, Deadmau5 declined. Their relationship was more defined by public banter and rivalry than studio partnerships. However, Deadmau5 has played Avicii’s tracks like “Levels” in his live sets, showing his appreciation for Avicii’s music.

How did Deadmau5 influence Avicii’s approach to electronic music?

While there is no direct evidence that Deadmau5 influenced Avicii’s production style, Deadmau5’s progressive house and technical prowess set a high bar in the EDM community. Avicii’s fusion of folk and pop with EDM was a different direction, but the competitive atmosphere and Deadmau5’s outspoken persona likely pushed Avicii to refine his craft and stand out. Both artists contributed uniquely to the genre’s evolution, with Deadmau5 championing underground credibility and Avicii popularizing EDM on mainstream radio.

What did Deadmau5 say about Avicii’s impact on the EDM scene?

Deadmau5 acknowledged Avicii’s significant contributions to modern dance music, stating that “nobody can deny what he has accomplished.” He expressed pride in Avicii’s legacy and recognized him as a contemporary and major talent who helped shape the EDM landscape. Deadmau5’s tribute highlighted the respect he had for Avicii’s ability to connect with fans worldwide and push the genre forward.

Are there any public interviews where Deadmau5 discusses Avicii?

Deadmau5 has spoken about Avicii primarily through social media and public statements rather than formal interviews. His most notable comments came via Twitter after Avicii’s death, where he balanced his trademark sarcasm with heartfelt condolences. For deeper insights, fans can explore archived interviews and live streams where Deadmau5 occasionally references Avicii, often reflecting on their rivalry and mutual respect.

How do Deadmau5 and Avicii’s synth pop sounds compare?

While neither artist is strictly synth pop, their music shares synth-driven elements that resonate with synth pop fans. Deadmau5’s sound is characterized by progressive house with lush, atmospheric synth layers and intricate production techniques. Avicii’s style blends folk melodies and pop structures with EDM synths, creating anthems with emotional depth and catchy hooks. Both artists expanded the boundaries of electronic music, appealing to synth pop enthusiasts through their melodic sensibilities and innovative sound design.

Did Deadmau5 attend any of Avicii’s live performances or tributes?

There is no public record of Deadmau5 attending Avicii’s live performances or official tributes. Their relationship was mostly conducted through social media and public statements. However, Deadmau5 has honored Avicii’s memory by playing his music during sets and dedicating performances to him, especially following Avicii’s passing.

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📚 Reference Links: Sources and Further Reading on Deadmau5 and Avicii

• Metro: Deadmau5 breaks silence on rival Avicii’s death: ‘I’m proud’
• Straight.com: Untimely death of Avicii brings out best in his former Twitter foe Deadmau5
• EDM Sauce: Deadmau5 Posts Heartfelt Tribute To Avicii
• Reddit: r/EDM discussion on Deadmau5 tribute to Avicii
• Deadmau5 Official Website: https://deadmau5.com
• Avicii Official Website: https://avicii.com