David Guetta & Avicii: The Shocking Missed Opportunities That Could Have Altered EDM’s History

The world of electronic dance music (EDM) has been shaped by legendary figures, but few have left as profound an impact as David Guetta and Avicii. These two icons transformed EDM into a global phenomenon, blending electronic beats with mainstream pop, pioneering a new era in dance music.

However, despite their shared influence and mutual admiration, their collaborative potential was never fully realized. Fans have long speculated about the missed opportunities between these two titans of EDM—projects that could have reshaped the entire genre. What went wrong? What plans were left unfinished? And how would the EDM landscape have been different if Guetta and Avicii had truly joined forces?

This in-depth analysis explores the shocking missed opportunities between David Guetta and Avicii—unraveling the creative visions, industry struggles, and moments that could have altered EDM history forever.

The Parallels Between David Guetta & Avicii

1.1. The Rise of Two EDM Giants

Before diving into their missed collaborations, it’s crucial to understand what made Guetta and Avicii such dominant forces in EDM.

• David Guetta was the bridge between electronic music and pop, making EDM accessible to a global audience. His collaborations with artists like Sia, Rihanna, and Usher brought electronic beats into the mainstream, cementing his status as a global hitmaker.
• Avicii, on the other hand, was a melodic genius, blending EDM with folk, country, and progressive house. His tracks, like “Wake Me Up” and “Levels,” proved that EDM could be more than just club anthems—it could tell a story.

Despite their different styles, both artists shared a common goal: to push EDM beyond the confines of underground raves and into radio playlists, stadiums, and global culture.

1.2. Mutual Respect & Unfinished Plans

Guetta and Avicii publicly expressed deep admiration for each other’s work.

• In interviews, Guetta praised Avicii’s melodic brilliance, calling him a visionary who brought a fresh, emotional depth to EDM.
• Avicii, in turn, acknowledged Guetta’s role in breaking EDM into the mainstream, helping pave the way for artists like himself to reach massive audiences.

The stage was set for a powerful collaboration, but somehow, the pieces never fell into place.

The Collaboration That Almost Happened

2.1. The 2014 Ultra Music Festival Performance

One of the most significant near-collaborations between Guetta and Avicii happened in 2014 at the Ultra Music Festival. Guetta debuted a new track, and fans quickly speculated that Avicii had been involved in its production.

The song in question, later released as “Lovers on the Sun,” featured Avicii’s signature guitar-driven melodies combined with Guetta’s club-ready beats. Many believe that Avicii contributed early production ideas before stepping away from the project, leaving Guetta to finalize it alone.

2.2. The 2015 Studio Sessions That Led Nowhere

In 2015, rumors swirled about Guetta and Avicii working on a collaborative album—or at the very least, a joint single.

• Both producers were known to frequent the same studios in Ibiza and Los Angeles.
• Insiders reported that they had brainstormed ideas for a groundbreaking EDM track that would merge their melodic and anthemic styles.
• Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts and creative differences, the project was quietly abandoned.

2.3. The Unfinished Avicii & Guetta Remix

One of the most tragic missed opportunities was a rumored remix of Avicii’s “Heaven”—a posthumous track that Guetta was reportedly set to rework in tribute to his friend.

• While other DJs, like David’s close friend Tiësto, remixed Avicii’s unreleased material, Guetta’s version was never publicly released.
• The reason remains unclear, but some speculate that Guetta wanted to preserve the integrity of Avicii’s original work rather than alter it.

Had this remix surfaced, it could have been a powerful homage to Avicii’s legacy.

How Guetta & Avicii Could Have Altered EDM Forever

3.1. A New Wave of Melodic EDM

If Guetta and Avicii had fully collaborated, they could have pioneered an entirely new genre of melodic EDM—a fusion of Guetta’s club-driven energy and Avicii’s folk-inspired melodies.

This could have led to:

• A softer, more emotionally rich version of mainstream EDM.
• More live instrumentation in electronic music, expanding beyond traditional synthesizers and drops.
• A revival of progressive house, which largely faded from the charts after Avicii’s passing.

3.2. Breaking the Boundaries Between Pop & EDM Even Further

Both artists were masters at blending EDM with pop music. If they had collaborated, they could have:

• Pushed the limits of EDM-infused ballads, following the success of tracks like “Titanium” and “Wake Me Up.”
• Created an album that competed with mainstream pop records, challenging traditional pop stars in the charts.
• Introduced a new standard for storytelling in EDM, making dance music more emotional and narrative-driven.

3.3. Changing the Course of Avicii’s Career?

One of the biggest what-ifs is whether Guetta’s mentorship could have helped Avicii navigate the pressures of fame.

• Unlike Avicii, who struggled with the mental and physical toll of touring, Guetta mastered the balance of success and self-care.
• If Guetta and Avicii had worked closely together, Guetta might have helped Avicii find a sustainable path in the industry—possibly preventing the tragic end of his career.

Guetta’s Tribute to Avicii & His Continued Influence

4.1. Guetta’s Emotional Response to Avicii’s Passing

When Avicii tragically passed away in 2018, Guetta was one of the first to express his heartbreak. He described Avicii as:

“A genius who inspired an entire generation. His melodies will live forever.”

Guetta later dedicated multiple performances to Avicii, playing his songs as a tribute during major festival sets.

4.2. Keeping Avicii’s Influence Alive

Even though their collaboration never fully materialized, Guetta continues to keep Avicii’s spirit alive by:

• Experimenting with melodic EDM: His newer tracks incorporate softer, more emotional melodies, similar to Avicii’s signature style.
• Mentoring younger artists—Guetta now guides the next generation of DJs, much like Avicii once did.
• Using his platform to promote mental health awareness in the music industry, acknowledging the struggles that artists like Avicii faced.

Conclusion

The missed collaborations between David Guetta and Avicii are among the biggest “what ifs” in EDM history. Had they joined forces, they could have:

• Created a new era of EDM, fusing melody and dancefloor energy in a way never seen before.
• Redefined pop music’s relationship with electronic production.
• Potentially changed the trajectory of Avicii’s career, offering guidance in an industry that often overwhelms young talent.

While their collaboration remains an unfinished dream, their influence continues to shape EDM’s future—proving that their legacy, even in missed opportunities, remains eternal.