Plans to unveil Liam Payne’s first posthumous single have been unexpectedly canceled, just two days after the announcement sent shockwaves through his fanbase.
- READ MORE: Liam Payne 1993-2024: One Direction star who helped spark a pop phenomenon
The beloved solo artist and former One Direction member tragically passed away on October 16, following a devastating fall from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. According to the Argentine prosecutor’s office, the 31-year-old’s cause of death has been confirmed as a result of multiple traumas along with both internal and external bleeding.
Last week, Sam Pounds, the Grammy award-winning producer who collaborated with Payne shortly before his untimely death, announced plans to release a new song by the star on November 1. This anticipated track, titled ‘Do No Wrong’, was slated for release in three distinct versions: the original, a live mix, and an a cappella rendition.
While some fans expressed excitement at the prospect of hearing the new material, the announcement was met with considerable backlash from numerous fans who felt it came too soon in light of Payne’s recent passing. Many voiced their concerns on social media, urging respect for the family’s grieving process.
In an unexpected turn of events, Pounds has now decided to cancel the release, conveying that it simply “isn’t the time yet” for the song to debut. This decision reflects a sensitive approach to the emotional landscape following Payne’s death.
In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Pounds elaborated: “Today I’m deciding to hold “Do No Wrong” and leave those liberties up to all family members. I want all proceeds to go to a charity of their choosing (or however they desire). Even though we all love the song, it’s not the time yet. We are all still mourning the passing of Liam and I want the family to mourn in peace and in prayer. We will all wait. With love, Sam Pounds.”
Fans have since responded positively to Pounds’ decision, with one comment expressing gratitude: “Thank you for listening to our concerns and deciding against the release. Of course we all want to hear it, but in the most respectful way possible to him and his family.” Another admirer shared: “Thanks for doing this honestly. We need to grieve and respect Liam’s family right now.”
In the aftermath of Payne’s death, it emerged that he reportedly had pink cocaine and a mix of other substances in his system at the time of his tragic fall. According to sources, a partial autopsy indicated he had ingested “pink cocaine,” a dangerous blend containing methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA, as well as cocaine, benzodiazepine, and crack cocaine. Additionally, the Buenos Aires police have conducted a raid on the CasaSur hotel to gather more evidence related to the incident.
The loss of Payne has ignited crucial discussions about the need for more protective measures for young artists within the music industry. Notable songwriter Guy Chambers has called for a re-evaluation of the industry’s practices, particularly regarding the enrollment of minors in boybands. Payne was only 14 when he first auditioned for the X Factor and just 16 when he rose to fame as a member of One Direction during the show’s 10th season.
In a poignant statement, Sharon Osbourne also criticized the music industry, suggesting it “let down” Payne, stating in an Instagram post: “Liam, my heart aches. We all let you down. Where was this industry when you needed them? You were just a kid when you entered one of the toughest industries in the world. Who was in your corner? Rest in peace my friend.”
Bruce Springsteen echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the “enormous pressures” that the music industry places on young talents, while fellow artist Victoria Canal admitted feeling “desperate” to emulate the success that Payne achieved, yet feeling deceived by the industry’s portrayal of success.
In response to these discussions, a new petition has been initiated, advocating for legislative measures aimed at safeguarding the mental well-being of artists in the music industry. This petition has garnered significant support, surpassing over 100,000 signatures thus far.
