Liam Payne death sparks outcry over 'cruelty' as major stars speak out

Radio DJ Jo Whiley and Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards have called for better welfare measures within the music industry, after the death of One Direction star Liam Payne

Music stars have called for more welfare within the industry following the death of Liam Payne, with Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards backing a law to prevent under 18s joining the music industry, and Jo Whiley calling for an end to “cruel” reality TV series like the X Factor.

Radio presenter Jo, 59, also describes a feeling of sadness within the music business at Liam's death, saying: “We all felt we’d let him down.”

“It was palpable,” she says. “You could feel the shock and despair of everyone. But I feel like we all felt like he’d been let down. Like, we all felt we’d let him down. We should always have been looking after the mental health of the musicians.

“You know, having been around for such a long time now I’ve seen so many people have struggled. We’ve lost so many people, whether it’s Amy [Winehouse] through to Liam Payne.”

Liam died last month after falling from a balcony on the third floor of the of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, prompting an outpouring of grief from people within the music industry.

Speaking about TV shows like the X Factor, Jo admits the situation is “difficult” as there are so many ambitious young singers who want to participate, and audiences who want to watch.

“They’re so cruel, aren’t they?” continues Jo, who was hosting the Music Industry Trusts Award (MITS) at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. “So the pressure that they put up on people is just too, too much, I think.

“But there is always going to be an appetite. There’s always going to be kids out there who want to be up on stage, who want to enjoy the limelight, who want to be popstars, and it gives them a platform so it’s a very difficult one.”

Perrie, 31, has previously described One Direction star Liam’s death as “absolutely heartbreaking”. Both singers achieved fame on the X Factor, and Liam first auditioned for the show in 2008, when he was just 14 years old. He auditioned again two years later, and One Direction were formed. Perrie previously dated his bandmate, Zayn Malik.

Now, speaking alongside Jo at the MITS, You Go Your Way singer Perrie says she “wouldn’t be mad if it was law” for under 18s not to join the music industry.

However, she adds: “I personally would just like a lot more in place for artist. Some people in the industry and people who are managing the artists, not just artists, the people around them, everybody on the labels, everybody.

“I just wish there was a lot more accessible to them when it comes to looking after their welfare as well. So I don’t know. Something needs to be done about it.”

Asked for her advice for young people who want to get into the music business, she continues: “If you’re going into this industry, try and keep very grounded. Keep people around you who you trust more than anything.

“Have an inner circle and keep that in a circle tight. I would dream big and always aspired to the best possible you. And then if that doesn’t work out, at least you know you did everything. And work hard.”

Perrie said last month she sometimes brings a therapist with her to work to help cope with panic attacks, saying fame has an "awful" and "dark" side to it.

The Music Industry Trusts Award went to Chairman & CEO of Sony Music UK & Ireland Jason Iley MBE, and was presented to him by his friend, the singer Paloma Faith.

He told the audience: “I really feel like the luckiest man in the world doing what I do, and it is really beyond any expectation to receive tonight’s MITS Award. I feel truly honoured, grateful and thankful.”

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