1 month ago
4
Liam Payne was reportedly dropped by his record label Universal Music just days before his untimely death amid concerns that his new music would not resonate with his fanbase.
The label had put the former One Direction star's second album on hold and "quietly dropped" him. A source disclosed to 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."
It has also been suggested that the decision to sever ties was influenced by "all the memes and jokes people made about him online". "His team saw that as a sign to jump ship," added the insider to the UK newspaper following Liam's tragic passing.
Prior to his death, plans for Liam's eagerly anticipated second album, which would have been his first since 2019's 'LP1', were shelved after his single 'Teardrops' did not make an impact on the charts in March. A source claimed: "Things are tough for Liam at the moment."
"His former manager Roger stepped back earlier this year. He was a steady hand for Liam and he appears to be struggling without his guidance. Things have started to seem slightly erratic, with plans being made before they are cancelled last minute", reports Birmingham Live.
"Liam had been doing really well on his second album but now it's completely on pause." The source added that Liam had been left gutted by the news, saying "Liam is telling people now he has no idea if it'll ever be released."
After checking himself into rehab, Liam made strides towards sobriety and last summer, he shared his achievement of being 100 days sober, while also diving into new projects.
Reflecting on his decision to quit alcohol, Liam said: "I was having a drink, and I thought, 'You know what, this isn't really serving me at all, I don't really need this right now'.
"It's the first time I've ever put a drink down and gone to someone else, 'You finish this, I don't need this right now.'"
Tragically, less than 48 hours before he was due to collect his US visa and return to Florida to be reunited with girlfriend Kate Cassidy, Liam fell from a third floor balcony to his death.
Heartbreakingly, he had been working on song material that day, despite apparent clashes over email, and had spent parts of the week donating large sums to charities for children in need.
However, he died immediately due to injuries "incompatible with life", including internal haemorrhaging and a fractured skull - and his family, friends and fans are bereft.
Find Liam's official obituary notice here.
English (US) ·