Liam Payne song postponed to ‘let family mourn’

The release of a new song featuring Liam Payne has been postponed as his collaborator, Sam Pounds, emphasized the importance of allowing the singer’s family to grieve in peace. This decision comes in the wake of the One Direction star’s tragic passing two weeks ago.

Payne, who was known for his contributions to One Direction, co-wrote and performed on the track “Do No Wrong” alongside North Carolina artist Sam Pounds. Initially, the song was set to be released on Friday, November 1, with Pounds expressing hope that it would “eclipse the negative echoes” surrounding Payne’s untimely death.

However, in a heartfelt statement released on Tuesday, Pounds announced that he would be holding off on the song’s release, prioritizing the needs of Payne’s family during this difficult time. He stated, “I want all proceeds to go to a charity of their choosing (or however they desire). Even though we all love the song, it’s not the time yet. We are all still mourning the passing of Liam, and I want the family to mourn in peace and in prayer. We will all wait.”

Fans of both artists expressed their gratitude for Pounds’ decision, with many agreeing that it was the right call. One fan commented that “there will be a right time for it in the future, but for now, we mourn.” This sentiment reflects the collective respect and love felt for Payne and his family during this challenging period.

In the days leading up to the announcement, Pounds had shared behind-the-scenes clips of the recording process, including footage filmed by Payne’s sister, Ruth, who also co-wrote the track. He shared artwork depicting an angel beneath a broken black heart, symbolizing the grief that surrounds the project. Pounds conveyed his hopes for the song’s impact, stating, “I pray that this will be a blessing to the world like Liam has always dreamed. I pray angels will comfort you all every day while listening. I pray that this song will be a blessing to Ruth, Bear, and the entire family.”

Liam Payne is survived by his seven-year-old son, Bear, whom he shares with former partner Cheryl Cole, with whom he was in a relationship from 2016 to 2018. Following Payne’s death, the music of One Direction saw a resurgence, with all five of the group’s albums re-entering the UK top 40 charts.

Payne had continued to find success as a solo artist after leaving One Direction, achieving top 10 hits with artists like Rita Ora and Quavo. His most recent solo single, “Teardrops,” released earlier this year, reached number 85 on the charts.

The tragic circumstances surrounding Payne’s death remain under investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Argentina, where he fell from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires on October 16. As details continue to unfold, the music community and fans alike are left to grapple with the loss of a beloved artist.

In light of this tragedy, the decision to delay the release of “Do No Wrong” stands as a poignant reminder of the human side of the music industry. It highlights the deep connections between artists, their families, and their fans, showcasing a collective desire to honor and support those grieving. As the world waits for a more appropriate moment to celebrate Payne’s artistry, the focus remains on allowing his loved ones the space to mourn and remember him in their own way.