Did Deadmau5 Like Avicii? The Truth Behind Their Feud 🎧 (2026)

When two giants of electronic music collide, the drama is inevitable. Deadmau5 and Avicii—both pioneers in their own right—had a relationship that fans and critics alike have tried to decode for years. Was it rivalry, mutual respect, or something far more complicated? Spoiler alert: it’s not as black-and-white as you might think. From Twitter spats and public jabs to heartfelt tributes after tragedy, their story is a rollercoaster of emotions that reveals much about the pressures of fame and the evolving EDM scene.

Stick around, because later we’ll unpack the infamous “piano lessons” feud, explore how their musical styles clashed and complemented each other, and reveal how Avicii’s untimely passing changed everything for Deadmau5. Plus, we’ll share insider perspectives and fan reactions that might just surprise you.

Key Takeaways

• Deadmau5’s criticism was aimed more at the commercialization of EDM than at Avicii personally.
• Their public feud featured sharp Twitter exchanges but masked a complex relationship of rivalry and respect.
• Avicii’s melodic, pop-infused style contrasted with Deadmau5’s technical, progressive approach, fueling their artistic tension.
• After Avicii’s death, Deadmau5 expressed genuine respect and sorrow, showing the human side behind the online battles.
• Fans remain divided, but both artists’ legacies continue to shape synth pop and electronic music worldwide.

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Table of Contents

• ⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Deadmau5 and Avicii
• 🎧 The Dynamic Duo: Background on Deadmau5 and Avicii’s Relationship
• 🔥 1. Did Deadmau5 Like Avicii? Exploring Their Public Interactions
• 🎵 2. Musical Styles and Influences: How Deadmau5 and Avicii Compared
• 💥 3. The Controversies: Deadmau5’s Criticism of Avicii’s Music and EDM Culture
• 🌟 4. Collaborations and Mutual Respect: Any Signs of Friendship or Admiration?
• 🕯️ 5. The Impact of Avicii’s Passing on Deadmau5 and the EDM Community
• 🎤 6. Deadmau5’s Statements and Social Media Posts About Avicii
• 📊 7. Fan Perspectives: What the EDM Community Thinks About Their Relationship
• 🔍 8. Debunking Myths: Separating Facts from Rumors About Deadmau5 and Avicii
• 🎶 9. Legacy and Influence: How Both Artists Shaped EDM Differently
• 🧠 Expert Analysis: What Industry Insiders Say About Their Dynamic
• 💡 Quick Tips for Fans: How to Appreciate Both Deadmau5 and Avicii’s Music
• 🔗 Recommended Links for Further Reading
• ❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Deadmau5 and Avicii Answered
• 📚 Reference Links and Sources
• 🏁 Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Truth About Deadmau5 and Avicii

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Here is the comprehensive guide to the complex relationship between two titans of electronic music, brought to you by the team at Synth Pop™.

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Deadmau5 and Avicii

If you are looking for a simple “yes” or “no” answer to whether Deadmau5 liked Avicii, you might be disappointed. The relationship between Joel Zimmerman (Deadmau5) and Tim Bergling (Avicii) was a rollercoaster of Twitter feuds, professional rivalry, and ultimately, deep underlying respect that only surfaced after tragedy struck.

Here is the “Too Long; Didn’t Read” breakdown of their dynamic:

Feature	Deadmau5 (Joel Zimmerman)	Avicii (Tim Bergling)
Primary Style	Progressive House, Techno, Electro	Melodic House, EDM, Country-Pop Fusion
Personality	Outspoken, Trolling, Technical Purist	Shy, Melodic Genius, Commercial Powerhouse
The “Beef” Origin	Criticism of “Press Play” DJs & Drug Culture	Avicii offering Deadmau5 “piano lessons”
Key Conflict	The 2014/2015 Twitter Wars	Avicii calling Joel a “pretentious f*ck”
Resolution	Post-2018 (Avicii’s Passing)	N/A (Posthumous respect from Joel)
Did they collab?	❌ No	❌ No

Key Takeaways:

• Frenemies? More like professional rivals with a side of internet trolling.
• The Turning Point: Deadmau5 dropped the troll persona immediately upon hearing of Avicii’s death, offering sincere condolences.
• Musical Philosophy: Their conflict was largely about how music is made (analog synthesis vs. commercial software hits).

Synth Pop™ Insight: We believe that Deadmau5 didn’t dislike Tim the person; he disliked the commercial machine that Avicii became the face of.

🎧 The Dynamic Duo: Background on Deadmau5 and Avicii’s Relationship

To understand if they liked each other, you have to understand the era they ruled. In the early 2010s, EDM (Electronic Dance Music) exploded globally.

Deadmau5 was the anti-hero. He wore a giant mouse head to mock the “star” culture, obsessed over modular synths, and openly criticized the industry. If you are into the technical side of things, check out our deep dives into Modern Synth Pop to see where his influence lands.

Avicii, on the other hand, was the golden boy. He brought melody to the masses, blending folk and country with house music. His track “Levels” wasn’t just a song; it was a cultural reset.

The friction was inevitable. One was fighting to keep the underground “pure,” and the other was playing the Super Bowl.

🔥 1. Did Deadmau5 Like Avicii? Exploring Their Public Interactions

If you scrolled through Twitter in 2015, the answer would appear to be a resounding NO. Their public interactions were defined by sarcasm and digital shouting matches.

The “Levels” Trolling Incident

One of the most famous moments of “dislike” (or perhaps high-level trolling) was when Deadmau5 played a remix of Avicii’s “Levels” at a festival—but not the original. He played a version that intentionally sounded out of key and messy, mocking the song’s ubiquity.

However, is trolling the same as hate?

• Perspective A: Deadmau5 trolls everyone (Skrillex, Marshmello, Justin Bieber). It’s his brand.
• Perspective B: The attacks on Avicii felt personal because Avicii represented the “mainstream” sound Joel loathed.

🎵 2. Musical Styles and Influences: How Deadmau5 and Avicii Compared

The friction wasn’t just personal; it was sonic.

Deadmau5: The Analog Purist

Joel is known for spending days patching cables on a wall-sized modular synthesizer just to get one perfect “bleep.” He values sound design over radio play.

• Focus: Technical precision, long progressive builds, analog warmth.
• Gear: Moog, Eurorack, Prophet synths.

Avicii: The Melodic Savant

Tim was a master of FL Studio (Fruity Loops). He could write a melody in 10 minutes that would get stuck in your head for 10 years.

• Focus: Emotion, songwriting, catchy hooks, organic instrumentation.
• Gear: Software synths (Nexus, Sylenth1), pianos.

Which style do you prefer? If you love the catchy hooks of the 80s, you might lean towards Avicii. Check out our list of 80s Synth Pop to see the roots of that melodic style.

💥 3. The Controversies: Deadmau5’s Criticism of Avicii’s Music and EDM Culture

This is where things got spicy. According to a summary of a Straight.com article, the feud reached a boiling point in 2015.

The “Piano Lessons” Incident

The catalyst for the biggest blow-up was arguably when Avicii publicly offered Deadmau5 “piano lessons.”

• The Insult: It implied Joel didn’t know music theory.
• The Reaction: Deadmau5 exploded. He declined the offer and unleashed a barrage of tweets mocking Avicii’s technical skills.
• The Result: Avicii fired back, calling Deadmau5 a “pretentious fck” and the “biggest dck in electronic music.”

The “Button Pusher” Argument

Deadmau5 frequently criticized DJs who just “press play.” Because Avicii’s sets were highly synchronized with visuals (requiring a pre-planned setlist), Joel often used him as the example of what was wrong with EDM.

Fact Check: Did Avicii really just press play? ❌ No. While his sets were structured, his production skills in the studio were undeniable.

🌟 4. Collaborations and Mutual Respect: Any Signs of Friendship or Admiration?

Did they ever work together? No. But did they respect each other? Yes, eventually.

In the first YouTube video mentioned in our research, we see Deadmau5 in his natural habitat—surrounded by gear, laughing, and enjoying the process. This highlights a key difference: Joel loved the process, while Tim struggled with the lifestyle.

Deep down, game recognizes game. In interviews prior to the feud, Avicii had cited Deadmau5 as an influence on the progressive house genre. Conversely, Deadmau5 knew that you couldn’t sell out stadiums without talent, even if he hated to admit it.

🕯️ 5. The Impact of Avicii’s Passing on Deadmau5 and the EDM Community

On April 20, 2018, the music world stopped. Avicii was found dead in Oman at age 28.

This tragedy instantly dissolved the “troll” persona. The death of a peer—someone who dealt with the same touring pressures, the same industry demons—hit Joel hard.

According to Straight.com, the tragedy “brought out the best” in Deadmau5. It stripped away the Twitter beef and left only human empathy. It was a stark reminder that behind the “brands” were fragile human beings.

🎤 6. Deadmau5’s Statements and Social Media Posts About Avicii

When the news broke, fans held their breath waiting for Deadmau5’s reaction. Would he stay silent? Would he be snarky?

He was neither. He was heartbroken.

The Tweet:

“My sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to the friends, fans and families of @Avicii 🙁 Banter aside, nobody can deny what he has accomplished for modern dance music and I’m very proud of him.” — Deadmau5

Why this mattered:

1. Spelling: As noted in reports, Deadmau5 famously misspelled Avicii’s name during their feuds to disrespect him. In this tweet, he spelled it correctly.
2. “Proud of him”: An admission of respect that he never gave while Tim was alive.
3. “Banter aside”: Acknowledging that their “war” was just noise compared to the reality of life and death.

📊 7. Fan Perspectives: What the EDM Community Thinks About Their Relationship

The fans were just as divided as the artists. Based on a summary of a Facebook discussion from YourEDM, the community reaction was intense.

The Divide

• Team Avicii: Felt Deadmau5 was a bully.
  • Quote: “Deadmau5 is a douchelord though.” — Julian Klaene
  • Quote: “In a move that seems unwarranted and overly personal.” — Scott Greene
• Team Deadmau5: Valued honesty and technical skill over politeness.
  • Quote: “Even when he’s stoned, Joel is a better producer than shitty Avicii, by far.” (Rated 41 likes)
  • Quote: “Avicii was the one that started it!… Deadmau5 wins.” — Damin Harper

The Peacemakers

Some fans just wanted the music to win. Shane De Los Santos commented, “What happened to all the love in the community? This is edm, not rap.”

This conflict highlights a massive rift in the Iconic Synth Pop Songs community: do we value technical prowess or emotional connection?

🔍 8. Debunking Myths: Separating Facts from Rumors About Deadmau5 and Avicii

Let’s clear the air on some persistent rumors.

Myth	Fact
“Deadmau5 hated Avicii.”	False. He hated the commercialization Avicii represented. He respected the person in the end.
“Avicii couldn’t produce.”	False. Avicii was a melody genius; his workflow was just different (digital vs. analog).
“They planned a collab before Tim died.”	False. There is no evidence of this.
“The feud was a PR stunt.”	Unlikely. Both artists were passionate and stubborn; the emotions seemed very real.

🎶 9. Legacy and Influence: How Both Artists Shaped EDM Differently

Both artists left an indelible mark, but in different lanes.

• Avicii: Proved that electronic music could be songwriting. He opened the door for EDM to be played on pop radio, influencing everyone from Chainsmokers to Kygo.
• Deadmau5: Proved that electronic music could be technical art. He kept the “nerd” culture alive, inspiring a generation of producers to buy synthesizers and learn sound design.

If you want to experience their music the way it was meant to be heard, you need the right gear.

👉 Shop Audiophile Gear on:

• Sennheiser HD 600 Headphones: Amazon | Walmart | Sennheiser Official
• Audio-Technica Turntables: Amazon | Walmart | Audio-Technica Official

🧠 Expert Analysis: What Industry Insiders Say About Their Dynamic

At Synth Pop™, we have analyzed the trajectory of hundreds of artists. Our take? Deadmau5 and Avicii were two sides of the same coin.

They both struggled with the pressures of touring. Avicii retired from touring to save his mental health (sadly, it wasn’t enough). Deadmau5 has openly discussed his own mental health struggles.

The “hate” was likely a projection. Deadmau5 saw in Avicii the very industry machine that exhausted him. Avicii saw in Deadmau5 the critical voice that fueled his insecurities. In a different world, without the Twitter noise, they might have bonded over their shared isolation at the top.

💡 Quick Tips for Fans: How to Appreciate Both Deadmau5 and Avicii’s Music

You don’t have to pick a side! Here is how to enjoy both catalogs:

1. For the Drive: Put on Avicii. Stories and True are perfect for road trips where you want to sing along.
2. For the Work/Study Session: Put on Deadmau5. Random Album Title or For Lack of a Better Name provides that steady, driving focus.
3. Watch the Documentary: Watch Avicii: True Stories to understand the pressure Tim was under. It might make you view Joel’s “tough love” critiques in a harsher, or perhaps more complex, light.

🔗 Recommended Links for Further Reading

• Official Artist Sites: Deadmau5 Official | Avicii Foundation
• Synth Pop™ Deep Dives:
  • Iconic Synth Pop Songs
  • Modern Synth Pop Trends

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Deadmau5 and Avicii Answered

Q: Did Deadmau5 go to Avicii’s funeral? A: There is no public record of Deadmau5 attending the private funeral, which was mostly for close family and friends in Stockholm.

Q: What was the last thing Deadmau5 said to Avicii? A: Publicly, the last interactions were the Twitter spats. However, his posthumous tweet serves as his final public message to Tim.

Q: Did Avicii like Deadmau5? A: Avicii respected Deadmau5’s early work but was understandably hurt by the personal attacks. He defended himself vigorously in 2015.

📚 Reference Links and Sources

• YourEDM Facebook Discussion: Avicii goes on the offensive against Deadmau5
• Straight.com Article: The untimely death of Avicii at 28 brings out the best in his former Twitter foe deadmau5
• Featured Video: Deadmau5 in Studio

🏁 Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Truth About Deadmau5 and Avicii

So, did Deadmau5 like Avicii? The answer is as nuanced as the synth layers in their tracks. While their public feud painted a picture of animosity, the reality was far more complex. Deadmau5’s criticism wasn’t about Tim Bergling the person, but rather about what Avicii symbolized in the EDM world: the commercialization and formulaic approach that Joel often railed against.

Yet, when tragedy struck and Avicii passed away, Deadmau5’s heartfelt tribute revealed a deep respect and empathy that transcended their past conflicts. It’s a reminder that behind the brand personas and Twitter battles, these were two artists navigating the same pressures and struggles.

Positives of their dynamic:

• Sparked important conversations about authenticity in electronic music.
• Highlighted the tension between underground artistry and mainstream success.
• Ultimately showed that respect can emerge even from rivalry.

Negatives:

• Public feuds sometimes overshadowed their musical achievements.
• Fans were divided, creating unnecessary drama in the community.

Our confident recommendation? Celebrate both artists for their unique contributions to EDM and synth pop. Dive into Deadmau5’s intricate soundscapes and Avicii’s melodic anthems with an open mind. Their legacy is richer when appreciated together, not apart.

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🔗 Recommended Links for Further Reading & Shopping

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

• Sennheiser HD 600 Headphones:
  Amazon | Walmart | Sennheiser Official Website

• Audio-Technica Turntables:
  Amazon | Walmart | Audio-Technica Official Website

• Books on EDM and Synth Pop:
  “Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture” by Simon Reynolds — Amazon
  “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life” by Bill Brewster & Frank Broughton — Amazon

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❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Deadmau5 and Avicii Answered

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

No public records or credible reports confirm that Deadmau5 attended Avicii’s live shows or any official tribute events. Given their complicated history and Avicii’s early retirement from touring, opportunities were limited. However, Deadmau5’s posthumous tributes on social media show he honored Avicii’s legacy in his own way.

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

Deadmau5’s sound leans toward progressive, atmospheric, and technically intricate synth work, often using analog and modular synths to craft deep textures. Avicii’s style is more melodic, catchy, and pop-infused, blending synth pop with folk and country elements. Both contributed uniquely to synth pop’s evolution, with Deadmau5 emphasizing production craftsmanship and Avicii focusing on emotional resonance.

Are there any public interviews where Deadmau5 discusses Avicii?

Yes, Deadmau5 has spoken about Avicii in interviews, especially after Tim’s passing. He acknowledged Avicii’s impact on dance music and expressed regret over their past conflicts. However, he also maintained his critical stance on the commercialization of EDM that Avicii represented during his career.

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

Deadmau5 recognized Avicii as a pioneer who brought EDM to mainstream audiences and helped popularize melodic house music worldwide. Despite their differences, Joel admitted that Avicii’s success opened doors for many artists and changed the landscape of electronic music forever.

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

While there’s no direct evidence of mentorship or collaboration, Avicii cited Deadmau5 as an influence in shaping the progressive house genre. Joel’s emphasis on musicality and sound design likely inspired Tim to blend electronic production with strong melodic foundations, even if their methods differed.

Did Deadmau5 and Avicii ever collaborate on a track?

No. Despite rumors and fan hopes, they never officially collaborated. Their public feud and differing musical philosophies likely prevented any joint projects.

Were there any public interactions between Deadmau5 and Avicii?

Yes, their interactions were mostly public and often contentious, especially on Twitter between 2014 and 2015. The infamous “piano lessons” exchange and name misspellings fueled a well-documented feud. However, these interactions also showed a complex relationship filled with sarcasm, rivalry, and occasional respect.

How did Deadmau5’s views on Avicii reflect in the synth pop community?

Deadmau5’s critiques sparked debate within the synth pop and EDM communities about authenticity, artistry, and commercialism. Fans and artists alike were divided, with some defending Avicii’s mainstream success and others siding with Deadmau5’s purist stance. This discourse helped shape conversations about the direction of electronic music.

Did Avicii ever mention Deadmau5 as an inspiration?

Yes, Avicii acknowledged Deadmau5’s influence on his early work and the progressive house scene. Despite their later conflicts, Tim respected Joel’s technical skills and contributions to electronic music.

What impact did both Deadmau5 and Avicii have on the synth pop genre?

Both artists expanded synth pop’s boundaries:

• Avicii infused it with pop sensibility and emotional storytelling, making synth pop accessible to global audiences.
• Deadmau5 pushed the envelope on production techniques and sonic experimentation, inspiring producers to explore new soundscapes.

Together, they helped synth pop evolve into a diverse and dynamic genre.

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📚 Reference Links and Sources

• The untimely death of Avicii at 28 brings out the best in his former Twitter foe deadmau5 — Straight.com
• Avicii goes on the offensive against Deadmau5 — YourEDM Facebook
• Deadmau5 Official Website
• Avicii Foundation
• Sennheiser Official Website
• Audio-Technica Official Website
• Amazon Books on EDM History

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Ready to dive deeper into the world of synth pop and EDM legends? Keep exploring with us at Synth Pop™!