Liam Payne was reportedly dropped by Universal Music in the days before his death after the record label decided not to release his second studio album.

Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, faced a devastating blow to his solo music career just days before his death.

The singer was reportedly dropped by his record label, Universal Music. As per the Daily Mail, an insider revealed: “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 began his journey with One Direction in 2010 and was initially signed to Sony while the band was active. However, after the group disbanded, he secured a solo deal with Capitol Records, a subsidiary of Universal, in July 2016.

Despite being “thrilled” to work with the prestigious company, his solo album LP1, released in 2019 under their management, received mixed to negative reviews and failed to make a significant impact on the charts.

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The music world was left in shock as Liam, who had been working on his second album, faced an unexpected halt in his career when Universal dropped him. Tragically, this happened before the singer’s life came to a sudden end on Wednesday after a fall from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Universal Music Group mourned the loss with a social media tribute: “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,” they began, adding: “We send our deepest condolences to Liam’s family and loved ones.”

Capitol Records echoed the sentiment, sharing the same statement in remembrance of the late artist.

Liam’s untimely death followed a series of personal and professional challenges, including the resignation of his publicist earlier this month, leaving him without PR representation during a difficult period. Additionally, his ex-fiancee Maya Henry initiated legal action against him for alleged persistent contact.

A source close to the situation remarked, “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,” adding, “It must have absolutely devastated him.”

Following Liam’s tragic passing, fans and celebrities alike have flooded social media with heartfelt tributes, including his former One Direction bandmates. Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, and Zayn Malik released a joint statement on Thursday evening expressing their “devastation” over the loss. They wrote: “In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”

Each of the three stars later posted individual tributes to Liam, with Harry sharing a touching message that he would “miss him always”. “His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honor to be alongside him as he did it,” The As It Was singer penned. Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious. He was warm, supportive and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.”

In a truly emotional revelation, Louis Tomlinson expressed his deep sorrow over the prospect of farewell, admitting to struggling with the idea. Carrying the emotional weight, he promised to be there for Payne’s son Bear, offering to fill an uncle’s role and keep his father’s legacy alive. “I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life,” he penned in his poignant message. “I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be. I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you. Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X.”

Zayn Malik, adding to the chorus of heartache, also delivered a gut-wrenching homage, likening Liam’s passing to the loss of a sibling. In words imbued with grief, he longed for one final embrace, a chance for a proper adieu to express his profound love and respect. “I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever. There is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are. Love you bro,” the message concluded.