Liam Payne Dropped by Label Over Concerns His Music Wouldn’t Resonate with One Direction Fans
3 min read
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Liam Payne, former member of the globally famous boy band One Direction, was quietly dropped by his record label, Universal Music, after concerns arose about the direction of his solo music career. Sources have revealed that industry executives feared Payne’s new musical style wouldn’t resonate with his established One Direction fanbase, leading to tensions behind the scenes.
According to insiders speaking to DailyMail.com, Universal Music made the difficult decision to shelve Payne’s second album and eventually sever ties with the singer. The label’s executives believed that the music Liam Payne wanted to create wouldn’t align with the preferences of the 1D fanbase, causing disagreements over his artistic direction and brand management. The source explained: “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.”
EXCLUSIVE: Liam Payne suffered a huge blow just days before his tragic death – he was dropped by his record label Universal Music.
— Dailymailin (@dailymailin) October 18, 2024
Originally signed to Sony as part of One Direction, Liam penned a deal with Universal, in July 2016 when he launched his solo career at just 22.. pic.twitter.com/GzDzG7Z6lAAdvertisement
Further complicating the situation, budget cuts across the music industry played a significant role in Universal’s decision to drop Payne. As the industry faces financial restructuring, the label decided to shift resources toward other artists. While Liam Payne, who accumulated significant wealth during his One Direction days, wasn’t reliant on the income, the move still dealt an emotional blow, particularly as he felt the pressure to compete with his former bandmates.
Unfortunately, Payne’s public persona and online reputation also contributed to the label’s decision to part ways with him. Payne had become the subject of numerous internet memes and jokes, and these negative public perceptions ultimately influenced Universal’s decision. “His team saw that as a sign to jump ship,” the source said, noting how the online criticism, paired with his erratic public behavior, made it easier for the label to cut ties.
In recent months, Payne’s behavior had sparked concern among fans, particularly after a TikTok video surfaced in which he appeared to act unpredictably alongside his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy. The clip, posted in late September, showed Payne acting erratically, causing fans to express their worry in the comments. Just days later, Payne was filmed dancing the macarena at a Niall Horan concert in Buenos Aires, which led to further mockery on social media, with some users calling his actions “cringe” and “embarrassing.”
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An additional source confirmed to DailyMail.com that these public reactions to Payne’s behavior contributed to Universal’s decision to drop him. While many artists are difficult to work with, the insider noted, Payne’s public image was suffering, making it easier for his label and team to move on.
The label’s departure from Payne’s side was compounded by the resignation of his public relations team earlier in the month. His PR firm stepped down amid Payne’s legal dispute with his ex-fiancé, Maya Henry, who accused him of repeated unwanted contact. This left Payne without professional representation as his music career appeared to be crumbling.
Despite these setbacks, Universal Music paid tribute to Payne following his untimely death on October 18, 2024, in Buenos Aires. In a statement, the label expressed its devastation: “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.”
While Payne’s solo career may not have reached the heights some had hoped for, his contributions to the music industry and the legacy he built as part of One Direction will undoubtedly be remembered by fans around the world.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
