Liam faced a huge blow to his solo music career (Image: Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal)
Liam Payne faced a devastating blow to his solo music career shortly before his untimely death, as he was reportedly dropped by Universal Music.
The Daily Mail claims that the former One Direction star was let go just days before his passing, with an insider revealing: “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.”
The singer, who rose to fame with One Direction in 2010, had initially been under Sony’s wing while the group was active. However, after the band split, Liam secured a solo contract with Capitol Records in July 2016, a subsidiary of Universal.
He was later moved to the main label during a company reshuffle, a move he was reportedly excited about, having been “thrilled” to work with such a prestigious label.
Despite this, his 2019 solo album ‘LP1’ received lukewarm responses from critics and audiences alike, failing to make a lasting impression on the charts. Critics pointed out the lack of a unique sound in the album, which quickly fell from its peak position of number 17 on the UK album chart.
Despite the mixed reception to his initial solo efforts, Liam Payne was undaunted and had been diligently working on his sophomore album.
However, it’s understood that its release was shelved before Universal made the decision to part ways with him, reports the Mirror.
Tragically, following Liam’s untimely death on Wednesday after a fall from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his former label Universal Music Group paid homage to the artist on social media, stating: “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”.
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Liam’s former bandmates shared an emotional tribute to the singer (Image: Getty Images)
“We send our deepest condolences to Liam’s family and loved ones.”
Capitol Records echoed this sentiment, sharing the same statement as they too remembered the late singer.
The unforeseen setback in Liam’s career just prior to his passing was but one of many challenges the star faced recently, including the departure of his publicist earlier this month, which left him navigating a particularly stormy period without professional PR support.
This came alongside legal action initiated by his ex-fiancee Maya Henry, who has accused him of persistent contact post-breakup.
A source close to the situation remarked, “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.”
Sharon Osbourne says the music industry failed Liam Payne (Image: (Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP))
Following the tragic passing of Liam, fans and celebrities alike have flooded social media with heartfelt tributes, including his former One Direction bandmates. Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles and Zayn Malik released a joint statement on Thursday evening expressing their “devastation” over the loss.
They wrote: “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.”
Each of the three stars later posted individual tributes to Liam, with Harry telling his followers in a touching post that he would “miss him always”.
“His greatest joy was making other people happy and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it,” Styles penned. ” 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.”
Louis Tomlinson has shared his profound grief, admitting he’s “really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye.”
In a heart-wrenching confession, Tomlinson promised to be there for Payne’s son Bear, stating, “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’.”
“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,” he penned in tribute. “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.”
Liam’s ex-girlfriend Maya Henry had launched legal proceedings against the singer just before his death (Image: Getty Images North America)
“Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X.”
Zayn Malik, too, expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of his former bandmate, equating Liam’s death to losing 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 lamented.
“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever. There are 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.”
“Love you bro.”