Heartbreaking reason Liam Payne was ‘quietly dropped’ from record label days before his tragic death
LIAM Payne was reportedly dropped from his record label over concerns his music wouldn’t resonate with One Direction fans.
Singer Liam passed away aged 31 on Wednesday after falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Just days later, it was claimed the late star had suffered a huge blow when Universal Music Univeral Music ‘quietly’ let him go in the lead up to his shock death.
Insiders have now told how bosses decided to end their relationship with him over the nature of his solo music – following his huge success in the boyband between 2010 and 2016.
A source told the Daily 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.”
They alleged that financial constraints are also to blame, as well as negative attention surrounding Liam, including “memes and jokes” circulating online.
The insider continued, “The entire music industry is making cuts and restructuring to cut costs so Universal decided to drop Liam quietly and invest in other artists.
“He didn’t need the money because he was wealthy, but yes it did hurt him because he was under constant pressure to compete with the other guys in the band.’
“Unfortunately, part of the decision was motivated by all of the memes and jokes people made about him online. His team saw that as a sign to jump ship.”
Universal Music has been contacted for comment.
It was alleged last week how Liam’s music career had suffered the huge setback ahead of the tragedy.
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’s second album was put on hold after his latest solo single, Teardrops, which referenced problems in his love life, failed to chart on its release in March.
Previous solo singles and collaborations had also fallen flat after his 1D departure.
Following Liam’s death, Universal shared a statement on social media.
It 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.”
Last month Liam parted ways with his longtime public relations manager, too.
The source continued: “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.
“It must have absolutely devastated him.”
The Sun revealed today how MTV bosses will pay tribute to Liam at next month’s Europe Music Awards in Manchester.
The ceremony will take place at the northern city’s newly built Co-Op Live Arena on Sunday November 10.
Liam was in the city just weeks ago filming new Netflix talent show Building The Band alongside Kelly Rowland, 43, and Nicole Scherzinger, 46.
The show, which was to be hosted by former Backstreet Boys singer AJ McLean, now hangs in the balance as US based bosses decide what to do.
It’s understood that Liam’s close friend and former collaborator Rita Ora, 33, will be involved in MTV‘s plans which could range from a live musical tribute or a simple video in memoriam montage.
Producers are keen to honour the late star who dominated the music industry as part of the boy band from 2011 to 2016.
He later used the celeb-packed music ceremony to help launch his solo career.
Liam performed his debut single Strip That Down at the show in 2017.
The single, which was penned by Ed Sheeran, was Liam’s first of 6 UK Top 40s as a solo singer.
One Direction received twelve MTV EMA gongs out of their sixteen nominations.
They won three out of four in 2012, four out of six in 2013 and five out of six in 2014.
A source said: “Bosses have all agreed that they want to host a tribute to Liam during next month’s MTV EMAs.
“In the coming days they will start drawing up official plans.
“Officially Rita is yet to be announced, but she is hosting this year’s awards and will be involved in whatever MTV decides to do.
“She and Liam have been close for years and grew in the industry together. Obviously she is devastated by his passing.”
Rita and Liam teamed up on the 2018 single For You which featured in the film Fifty Shades Freed, part of the final movie in the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy.
The track was nominated for Best Music Video at the 2019 Brit Awards.
Last week Let You Love Me singer Rita broke down on stage in Osaka as she performed the track during her Japanese tour.
She and Liam have been close for years and grew in the industry together
A source
During the song Rita displayed a black and white image of her and Liam in the studio together.
After looking at the sky and holding her head in her hands, Rita told fans: “I can’t even sing this right now”.
A source said: “Rita is heartbroken but was keen not to let fans down and continued with her shows.
“She is being supported by her husband Taika Waititi who is out in Japan with her.”
Liam previously said of his bond with Rita: “Rita is someone I call a true friend and it was an absolute pleasure working with her.”
The last time the EMAs were in the UK was 2017, they were hosted at Wembley Arena with both Liam and Rita in attendance.
Liam performed his debut single Strip That Down while Rita helped host the evening as well as performing a mash up of her hit tracks Your Song and Anywhere.
Liam tragically died in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday after falling from his third floor hotel balcony.
He was just 31-years-old.
Since then tributes have flooded in around the world from fans and celebs alike – with many praising Liam’s kindness and desire to help others.
On Sunday Liam’s devastated fans held outdoor memorial services for the singer up and down the country.
Events took place in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.
Despite the rain hundreds of supporters gathered at the Peter Pan statue in London’s Hyde Park- singing his songs and laying floral tributes to the singer.
‘SO KIND’
Some left open letters to the star- praising him for soundtracking them through their younger years.
In one letter, fan Helen, 30, wrote: “I was one of the very lucky people in my teenage years to see you on numerous occasions.
“You were so kind, polite and friendly, every single time. You appreciated your fans so much. Back then I was over the moon to meet you as a fan but also as a person – Liam you were just so lovely.”
She added: “You died young but if love could’ve saved you, my goodness you really would have lived forever.”
Fans are also also buying and streaming One Direction songs to help Liam dominate the charts come Friday when they are announced.
On Sunday night the Official UK Charts confirmed that three One Direction songs are on track to reenter the charts.
Their 2014 single Night Changes is currently sits at No16 while Story of My Life and What Makes You Beautiful are at 21 and 47 retrospectively.
Three solo tracks Liam are also rising up the charts.
His final single Teardrops, released in March this year, is currently at No65 followed by For You with Rita Ora at 67 and Liam’s debut track Strip That Down with Quavo at 75.
Liam’s father Geoff Payne is currently in Buenos Aires organising plans to repatriate his son after identifying his body.
Goeff, who lives with Liam’s mum Karen in Wolverhampton, visited Casa Sur Hotel, the hotel where Liam had been staying on Friday.
The brave dad thanked fans who had gathered outside the hotel for their kind words and viewed tributes that had been left to the star.
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.
The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.
“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.
She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.
“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.
Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.