Liam Payne had a tragic setback in his music career just days before his tragic death, it has been reported. The singer’s record company Universal Music dismissed him just days before his death, it has been claimed.
According to the Daily Mail, Liam was dropped by the record company in the days leading up to his death, with a source telling the publication: “Liam’s advance was massive and he didn’t recoup [it]. Of all the One Direction lads, Liam was on the wrong musical path.”
Liam began his career with One Direction in 2010, and was originally contracted to Sony while the band was still performing. However, once the band decided to separate, the successful artist was able to strike a solo deal with rival record firm Capitol Records in July 2016.
The label is a Universal subsidiary, but in the firm’s recent rearrangement, he was moved to the main label, which pleased him because the singer had always been “thrilled” to be working with the highly sought-after company, according to the Mirror.
Under their management, he released one solo album, LP1, in 2019, but it failed to impress fans, with many reviews ranging from mixed to negative, with much of the criticism arising from Liam’s record’s lack of unique identity. The album reached number 17 on the UK album chart, but dropped out of the top 50 the following week.
Although the reaction was not what Liam had hoped for, the singer remained undeterred and was working on his second album. But it is thought that the release of his second album was postponed prior to Universal dumping him.
Following Liam’s tragic death on Wednesday, following a fall from a balcony while in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his former label The Universal Music Group shared a tribute to the singer on social media, which read: “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.”
The surprise blow to Liam’s career in the run-up to his death was just one of numerous setbacks for the singer in recent weeks, with his own publicist resigning earlier this month, leaving him without any publicity relations to guide him through a difficult few weeks. The resignation coincided with moves made by his ex-fiancée, Maya Henry, who recently filed a lawsuit against the musician after accusing him of repeatedly contacting her.
“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,” claimed a source. “It must have absolutely devastated him.”
Following Liam’s death, fans and celebrities alike took to social media to express their sadness, including his former One Direction teammates. Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, and Zayn Malik acknowledged their “devastation” in a joint statement released on Thursday evening, writing: “In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.”
“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.”
All three stars then later went on to share their own personal tributes to Liam individually, with Harry telling his followers he would “miss him 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 Styles. “ 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 meanwhile heartbreakingly revealed that he was “really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye.” In a particularly emotional moment, Tomlinson said he 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 wrote. “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. Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X.”
Zayn Malik also paid a heart-wrenching tribute to his former bandmate, as he described Liam’s death as akin to losing a brother. “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 wrote.
“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. Love you bro.”
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