“Forever Yours – Tim’s 2016 Ibiza Version” was released last week, but Sandro Cavazza, who collaborated with Avicii, claims it was against his wishes.
Sandro Cavazza, a Swedish singer and songwriter who partnered with the late Avicii on tracks since 2015, has publicly stated that a recent release of their collaboration occurred without his consent.
The track in question, “Forever Yours – Tim’s 2016 Ibiza Version,” officially debuted on Friday, February 14. Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, had featured this song during his last performance in August 2016, and a demo version was included in a live album and the December Netflix documentary I’m Tim.
Cavazza expressed his discontent in a caption on a solid white rectangle shared on Instagram, indicating that the release contradicted his intentions. “I only agreed to release Tim’s demo version of ‘Forever Yours’ as part of a comprehensive live album from Tim’s final show, but since that album wasn’t released today and this is being promoted as a single featuring me, I feel compelled to speak out,” he stated.
He further explained that for several years, Bergling’s family and Pinguettes Recordings have urged him to “release the unreleased material” they worked on together, but he has consistently declined. “Many of you might wonder why those songs have never been released, and the truth is that I don’t want to put out any of those tracks without Tim being here,” he clarified. “He was the only one who knew when his songs were complete, and I will continue to honor that.”
Reactions from commenters were mixed, with some supporting Cavazza. One comment, which garnered over 300 likes, reminded others that he had collaborated with Swedish DJ and producer Kygo on a 2020 tribute version of the song.
This situation isn’t the first instance of controversy surrounding the management of Bergling’s legacy. Recently, his childhood friend, Sean Erikkson, revealed that he chose not to participate in I’m Tim “because Tim’s dad is in it,” criticizing what he described as “his false storytelling of Tim.” Among other allegations, he claimed that Klas Bergling, the late artist’s father, took credit for suggesting an intervention for his son “when he was the only one opposed to it.”
A short documentary accompanying the release of “Forever Yours – Tim’s 2016 Ibiza Version” showcases footage of Bergling and Cavazza working on the song together.
