Liam Payne was reportedly dropped by his record label (Image: Getty Images)Former One Direction star Liam Payne faced a devastating blow as his record label reportedly let him go just before his tragic death due to doubts over his solo music resonating with 1D fans. Liam tragically lost his life following an accidental fall from a Buenos Aires hotel balcony at the age of 31. Universal Music had allegedly put a pause on Liam’s second album and “quietly dropped” him from their roster not long before his untimely passing. Despite debuting at number 17 in the UK album charts, Liam’s initial solo effort swiftly vanished from the Top 50. Yet the artist wasn’t discouraged by what seemed a setback, remaining hopeful for his next album’s triumph. But it is said that the execs at Universal were not exactly thrilled by his new musical direction.
Liam Payne was hoping to release a second album
(Image: Getty Images for BFI)
A source told the Mail: “Liam wanted to make the sort of music he enjoyed but his label believed it wouldn’t win over 1D fans so there were disagreements about the way his brand should have been marketed.” The informant also mentioned financial constraints contributing to the severance. Furthermore, online ridicule and memes about Liam were hinted as additional motives for the company’s decision to cut ties. “His team saw that as a sign to jump ship,” revealed the insider, adding that although Liam wasn’t reliant on the income from his music, the success of colleagues like Harry Styles might have intensified the pressure to achieve similar heights. Liam had previously seen ex-One Direction star Niall Horan perform to adoring fans in Argentina just weeks before his untimely passing. In a touching tribute following the sad news, Niall described Liam as an “amazing friend”. Taking to Instagram to share his heartfelt words, Niall penned: “I’m absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn’t feel real. Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure.” Sign up to OK!’s daily newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free
Liam was in Argentina to see Niall
(Image: Snapchat)
“All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness. We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever.” Niall also shared details of their last meeting, expressing his sorrow at the realisation it would be their final time together. He went on: “The bond and friendship we had doesn’t happen often in a lifetime. I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. “I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking. My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course his son Bear. Thank you for everything, Payno. Love you brother. Nialler.”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 PayneNiall HoranOne Direction
