Liam Payne ‘was in process of walking away’ from career on day of tragic death, aged 31
One Direction’s Liam Payne was reportedly in the “process of walking away” from his solo music career on the day of his tragic death earlier this month. The singer, aged just 31, died after falling from the third floor of a Buenos Aires hotel on October 16. Reports suggest that a hotel worker alerted the police after observing Liam “acting erratically” prior to his death. Documents from Companies House reveal that the ‘Strip That Down’ singer had filed papers to resign as director of four companies on the day he died. These firms were instrumental in generating some of the income he earned from recordings and live performances.
The Mail reported that his businesses included Hampton Music Ltd, valued at £17,300 in 2023. Another, Hampton Records Ltd, was worth £300,000 in 2022, but this figure had dwindled to less than £75,000 according to recent accounts. Long Play Touring LLP, a company focusing on live performances, saw its value drop from £135,000 to £17,000 in 2023. Lastly, Hampton Publishing Ltd was valued at a mere £729, reports the Express.
James Grainger, an editor at Buenos Aires Times, previously told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “It’s not clear if the fall was accidental or intentional but the report, the 911 call, went in at 5.04pm the police said. “It was reports of an aggressive man, who was said to be under the influence. Emergency services arrived seven minutes later and within that time Liam had fallen from the balcony and sadly died.”
The shocking incident was also reportedly caught on CCTV. Argentinian journalist Paula Varela stated that the footage showed that Liam “fainted” on the balcony before the fall, but also claimed that authorities have decided not to release it to the public. Liam catapulted to stardom as a member of One Direction, having joined the band in 2010. He was initially signed to Sony while the group was still active. However, following the band’s split, Liam forged his own path with rival company Capitol Records in July 2016 and subsequently worked under the main label, Universal.
Unfortunately, Liam’s 2019 solo album received mixed reviews and only reached number 17 in the UK album charts before falling out of the top 50 the following week. The beloved singer had been working on a second album, but this was reportedly delayed before Universal decided to part ways with him.
The tragic death of Liam Payne has shocked fans around the world. His potential decision to step away from his music career adds another layer to the heartbreaking news. Liam’s impact on the music industry and his devoted fanbase will always be remembered through his contributions as a member of One Direction and his solo career.