Liam’s solo music received negative reviews (Image: Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal)Liam Payne was reportedly dropped by his record label Universal Music just days before his death. A source told The Daily Mail: “Liam’s advance was massive and he didn’t recoup [it]. Out of all of the One Direction boys, Liam was on the wrong path musically.” Liam started his career with One Direction in 2010 and was originally signed to Sony while the band were still together. However, after they split, he signed a solo deal with Capitol Records, a subsidiary of Universal, in July 2016. Despite being “thrilled” to work with the prestigious company, his solo album LP1, released in 2019, received mixed to negative reviews and failed to make a significant impact on the charts.
Singer Liam Payne, a former member of One Direction, died after falling from a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina
(Image: Getty Images)
Despite not getting the reception he hoped for, Liam didn’t lose heart and was working on his second album. But before Universal dropped him, it’s believed that the album’s release was delayed. After the heartbreaking news of Liam’s death on Wednesday, following a balcony fall in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his old record company, Universal Music Group, posted a touching tribute online: “We are devastated by the tragic passing of Liam Payne. His legacy will live on through his music and the countless fans he inspired and who adored him” “We send our deepest condolences to Liam’s family and loved ones.” Capitol Records echoed the sentiment, sharing the same message as they paid their respects to the late artist, reports the Mirror. The shock to Liam’s career just before his untimely death was one of many recent challenges he faced, including his publicist quitting earlier this month, leaving him without PR support during a tough time. This happened alongside legal action from his former fiancée Maya Henry, who accused him of repeatedly contacting her. A source said: “It is like all of Liam’s music career that he had built up since he went solo eight years ago was crumbling, there was very little left for him,” adding, “It must have absolutely devastated him.”
Liam was previously engaged to Maya Henry
Following Liam’s passing, fans and celebrities have expressed their sorrow on social media. His former One Direction bandmates, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik, released a joint statement on Thursday evening, expressing their “devastation”. “In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say,” they said. “But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.” Later, some of the men shared their own personal tributes to Liam. Harry told his followers he would “miss Liam always” in a poignant post. “His greatest joy was making other people happy and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it,” wrote Harry. “Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious. He was warm, supportive and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.”
Fans have left tributes outside the hotel
(Image: Getty Images)
Louis opened up about his deep sorrow, admitting he’s “really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye.” In a touching tribute, he promised to be there for Liam’s son Bear, saying, “I would be an uncle to Payne’s son Bear if he ever needs me,” while also vowing that he would ‘tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.’ He continued, “I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life,” and added, “I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be. I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.” Louis ended his heartfelt message with, “Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X.” Zayn also shared his profound grief in a moving homage, equating Liam’s passing to the loss of a sibling. “I can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly,” he penned. “I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever. There is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are.”Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnHarry StylesLiam PayneLouis TomlinsonZayn MalikOne Direction
