Sam Pounds Withdraws the Release of the Posthumous Liam Payne Track ‘Do No Wrong’

Plans to release Liam Payne's first posthumous single have been cancelled just two days after their announcement. The former One Direction member and solo artist passed away on October 16 following a tragic fall from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Argentine prosecutor’s office has reported that his death was caused by multiple traumas along with internal and external bleeding.

Last week, Grammy-winning producer Sam Pounds, who collaborated with Payne shortly before his passing, revealed plans to release a new song titled ‘Do No Wrong’ on November 1. The track was set to debut in three formats: the original, a live mix, and an a cappella version.

Image Courtesy: NME

While some fans were eager to hear the song, many expressed concern that the timing was too soon following Payne's death. Now, Pounds has decided to cancel the release, stating it’s “not the time yet.” He posted on Instagram, explaining that he was choosing to hold ‘Do No Wrong’ and leave the decision to all family members. He mentioned that he wants all proceeds to go to a charity of their choosing. He feels that even though everyone loves the song, it’s not the time yet. They are all still mourning the passing of Liam, and he wants the family to grieve in peace and prayer. 

Fans have responded positively to Pounds' decision, with one thanking him for considering their concerns and deciding against the release. They all want to hear it, but it’s important to do so in the most respectful way possible for him and his family. 

Along with his statement, Pounds shared voice notes of Payne singing the song and providing production advice. He also mentioned that Payne had expressed a desire for Chris Brown to collaborate on the track.

Image Courtesy: Fox News

It was reported last week that Payne had traces of pink co**ine and several other substances in his system at the time of his fatal fall. Additionally, Buenos Aires police have conducted a raid on the CasaSur hotel to gather further evidence.

Payne's tragic death has sparked discussions about increasing protections for young artists, with songwriter Guy Chambers urging the music industry to refrain from placing minors in boybands. Payne was only 14 when he first auditioned for The X Factor and 16 when he joined One Direction during the show's 10th season.

Sharon Osbourne has also voiced her disappointment in the music industry for "failing" Payne. Bruce Springsteen has remarked on the “enormous pressures” placed on young artists in light of Payne's passing, while Victoria Canal has shared that, as an artist feeling “desperate” to achieve the success that Payne had, she feels misled by “the promise of what ‘success’ in this industry is.”

In response to these concerns, a new petition has been launched, advocating for legislation to protect the mental well-being of artists within the music industry. The petition has already garnered over 100,000 signatures.

--Silviya.Y