The graceful, eloquent, gratitude-filled note that Avicii gave his fans as a farewell left the door open for his return. Wide open, in fact. After saying he’d retire from touring — though not music — the 26-year-old global superstar finished off with the old adage that he could “never say never.” He followed that up with “I could be back… but I won’t be right back.”
That very statement displays the kind of self-awareness and control that, mixed with inspiration and talent, made Avicii a star in the first place. An artist knows better than to say never: it’s an artist’s place to always entertain never’s opposite. The generous Avicii (he thanked more people in his note than people who get lifetime achievement awards!) is just taking a break after he finishes his tour. Compared to other famous in-their-prime retirements, Avicii fans just have to hope it’s more like Michael Jordan retiring, playing baseball, and then coming back to win more championships. And that Avicii’s retirement is less like that of Dave Chappelle, who walked away while we were laughing our hardest and hasn’t been seen much since. (Yes, he’s performing again, but not in your living room.) Garbo said she wanted to be left alone and left the world wanting for the rest of her life. But she didn’t, like Avicii, say “I could be back.”
