For fans of Liam Payne, the anticipation surrounding the release of Do No Wrong, a collaboration with singer-songwriter Sam Pounds, has been intense. Scheduled initially for a November 1 drop, the track was set to showcase Payne's vocals in one of his final recorded performances. But now, in an emotional turn of events, Pounds has announced the song's release has been postponed.
Pounds, known for his soulful, rock-influenced sound, initially took to social media to share his vision for Do No Wrong, a track he hoped would honor Payne's memory. Describing it as a potential "blessing" to Payne's family, Pounds expressed hopes that the song might "eclipse the negative echoes" surrounding Payne's life. Yet, despite the initial excitement and moving tribute, the release is now on indefinite hold.
The decision to delay Do No Wrong stems from Pounds' respect for Payne's grieving family."Today I'm deciding to hold Do No Wrong and leave those liberties up to all family members," he shared in a statement on X. The North Carolina-based artist revealed that proceeds from the song would eventually go to a charity chosen by Payne's family, underscoring his commitment to giving back in Payne's honor.
News of Payne's tragic passing earlier this month sent shockwaves across the music world. The former One Direction star, just 31, died in Buenos Aires, Argentina, following a fatal fall from a hotel balcony. His father, Geoff Payne, flew to Argentina to identify his son, facing the unimaginable grief of bringing him back home to the UK.
Despite the devastating loss, Pounds had initially intended for Do No Wrong to offer solace, not just to fans but also to Payne's family. In one of his posts, he wrote about the song's purpose as a "supernatural positive healing power" that would resonate with listeners. However, he has now stated, "Even though we all love the song, it's not the time yet. We are all still mourning the passing of Liam."
A legacy paused: Liam Payne's struggles, spirit, and the heartfelt delay of "Do No Wrong"
While the final toxicology report is pending, early reports suggest Payne may have been exposed to cocaine before his fall. Known for his battles with addiction and struggles in the public eye, Payne was candid about his journey to overcome personal challenges after the skyrocketing fame he achieved with One Direction as a teenager.
Pounds, who posted the black-and-white artwork for Do No Wrong featuring a winged angel and a broken heart, remains committed to honoring Payne's legacy. Alongside an a cappella and live mix, three versions of the track were initially planned for release. Now, however, Pounds has deferred the project out of a desire to respect the Payne family's mourning process fully.
In an Instagram story shared shortly before the announcement, Pounds expressed his heartfelt condolences, stating, "I pray this will be a blessing to the world like Liam has always dreamed." His words resonated with fans, adding a layer of spirituality to the emotional tribute to Payne's life and legacy.
While Do No Wrong may be paused indefinitely, the track's significance is undiminished. Fans around the world continue to remember Payne for the remarkable talent and warmth he shared, and Pounds remains hopeful that one day the song will be released, carrying Payne's spirit forward.