Posted April 22, 2018 15:21:19

Thousands of fans have gathered in central Stockholm to mourn DJ Avicii who was found dead in Oman yesterday, aged 28.

Crowds flocked to Sergels torg — the most central public square in Stockholm, the city where the musician was born.

The memorial began with a moment of silence before Avicii's music filled the square and fans danced as hit after hit was pumped into the crowd.

Photo: Avicii, the Grammy-nominated electronic dance DJ, performed sold-out concerts for feverish fans around the world. (AP: Fredrik Persson)

Fans shared stories of the first time they heard Avicii's music and what it had meant to them.

"We are used to hearing his music, but today it is filled with sadness … like a lump in the stomach," Elina Backeby told Swedish media.

Evelina Sjodin saw Avicii perform live in 2014 and said: "It was awesome to be one with all his fans. I think people will continue to listen to him even though he's gone."

Arman Cinkitas, one of the organisers of the memorial, said he listened to Avicii's music on repeat.

"None of us knew him personally, but we have grown up with his music and it has shaped our youth in a way," Mr Cinkitas said.

"He means very, very much for us."

Photo: Fans of Avicii gather in central Stockholm following the news of his death. (AP: Fredrik Persson)

In the city of Utrecht in the Netherlands, some residents were awoken by the ringing of church bells playing a rendition of three of Avicii's biggest hits.

Reddit user Bafkonjin posted a three-minute video showing a portion of the tribute by Utrecht city carillonneur Malgosia Fiebig.

Ms Fiebig performed Wake Me Up, Without You and Hey Brother in the city's famous Dom Tower.

Hours after news of Avicii's death broke, thousands of music fans hit the Californian festival grounds where performers paid tribute to the major loss to the music community.

Fellow star DJ Kygo performed an emotional set at Coachella to honour his "biggest musical inspiration".

Kygo ended his set with one of his favourite Avicii songs, Without You, and a moment of silence.

"I don't think I would have been on this stage tonight if it wasn't for him [Avicii]," Kygo told the crowd.

"I know he's inspired millions of producers out there.

"In honour of Avicii I want you to dance and sing along and let's celebrate the life of a true musical genius."

AP/ABC

Topics: dance-music, music, arts-and-entertainment, sweden, united-states, netherlands