The heartbreaking news of Payne’s death on October 16 rocked the music industry, with multiple sources detailing the fallout to DailyMail. “Liam’s progression was massive and he did not recover [it]“A source said.

The insider said the “Strip That Down” singer was possibly the only One Direction member “on the wrong track musically” in their post-boy band era as a solo artist. Another source claimed, “It’s as if Liam’s entire music career, which he built after going single eight years ago, was collapsing, leaving very little left for him.” He also noted that his switch from the highest level of career to being an unsuccessful solo artist “must have devastated him.”

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Liam Payne’s career as a solo artist takes a hit in the post-One Direction era

During his 1D days, Liam was signed to Sony. He eventually signed a deal with Universal Music subsidiary Capitol Records in July 2016, before dropping his debut solo single, “Strip That Down” with rapper Quavo in 2017. He was believed to be “thrilled” about his Capital deal. Earlier this year, Universal Music Group announced a large-scale label restructuring in February, which will see Payne fall directly under the main label.

Earlier this month, Liam suffered a major blow as the singer’s PR fired him immediately after his ex-fiancée Maya Henry launched legal action against him for allegedly repeatedly contacting him despite their separation two years ago. Resigned.

Liam Payne’s second album and documentary dropped

Sources further revealed that the “Get Low” singer’s second album was already ready before Universal reportedly parted ways with him. Sun UK also released a bombshell report in the first week of October about how Liam only had one album to his name, his 2019 ‘LP1’. Meanwhile, their highly anticipated second album was put on hold in March after their most recent single, “Teardrops”, failed to draw numbers on music charts.

Additionally, The Sun’s source told the tabloid that Payne’s former manager, Roger, “left earlier this year.” In light of continued career setbacks, Liam appeared to be “struggling” without the guidance of his manager. The reportedly last-minute cancellation left the music star wondering if his second record would ever come out. Similarly, a planned documentary to depict Payne’s struggle to rise to the spotlight during his formative years was shelved just weeks before the release of the disappointing album update.

Over the years, the “Steal My Girl” singer has been vocal about battling addiction and mental health. While appearing on The Diary of a CEO podcast, he also detailed his struggles with “suicidal thoughts.”

“The problem was… the best way to protect us, because it got so big, was to lock us in a room. And, of course, what’s in the room? A minibar,” Liam said. “At a certain point, I just thought, ‘Okay, I’m going to have a party for one,’ and that went on for many years of my life.”

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One Direction member fails to repeat his former success

In a separate report released by Page Six, a music insider said the 31-year-old British music star was struggling to “find his way as a solo artist” before his untimely death this week. He also detailed how the artist had reached an impasse in One Direction’s latter days. “As overwhelming as One Direction’s fame could sometimes be, expecting to replicate aspects of it on one’s own was clearly unattainable.”

Payne had previously come under criticism for voicing his grievances and making unflattering statements about his former band members during an appearance on the ‘Impulsive’ podcast. Filled with regret, he eventually posted a long video on his YouTube channel apologizing for his comments. Page Six’s source continued, “Liam was really proud of the boys and all of their accomplishments since the split.” Yet, he also admitted that despite those feelings, “he was definitely jealous, too. It was difficult not to compare myself to him.”

After Harry Styles, Liam Payne was once seen as one of the most promising members of One Direction. However, their biggest hit was their 2017 debut track, which peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. In contrast, Harry Styles enjoys his place at the top as the band’s undisputed most successful member, with three Grammy Awards in 2023.

It remains to be seen whether Universal will release Payne’s second album posthumously. The record label paid tribute to him, saying, “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 loved. We offer our deepest condolences to Liam’s family and loved ones.” Capitol Records reposted the message.