- Fans were left conflicted over the release of a new song featuring Liam Payne, as some claimed his family was not in support of the track
- The song will be released on November 1 according to Payne’s collaborator, Sam Pounds
- Payne tragically died on October 16, aged 31
The world was shocked upon the announcement that Liam Payne had sadly passed away, aged just 31.
The former One Direction singer died on October 16 after he fell from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
While final toxicology reports have not yet been made public, preliminary reports suggested evidence of exposure to cocaine, according to Argentinian officials.
But Payne’s grieving fans were given some news of slight comfort this week, after a collaborator of the star announced he would release a song featuring his vocals.
Sam Pounds worked on the track – titled Do No Wrong – with Payne, and told fans he hoped the song would be a “blessing to the world” in an emotional post on Twitter/X.
“I pray that this will be a blessing to the world like Liam has always dreamed. I pray angels will comfort you all everyday while listening,” he wrote. “I pray that this song will be a blessing to Ruth, Bear, and the entire family. I pray that this song eclipses the negative echoes.
“I pray supernatural positive healing power will embrace each and every one of you. Presave links here. With love – let’s all BE the blessing.”
Three versions of Do No Wrong, including a live mix and an a cappella, will be released on Friday (November 1), with Payne featuring on the vocals.
The social post by Pounds showed the track’s black and white artwork, featuring a winged angel rising upwards towards a broken heart.
‘I’m currently so confused’
However, any bittersweet joy fans may have felt was short lived, as a fan account reported that Payne’s family weren’t on board with the release of the track.
Using the name Remembering Liam Payne on Twitter/X, the account has amassed 35.1k followers since Payne’s passing earlier this month.
In a tweet, they wrote, “We have been informed that Liam’s family is NOT supporting the release of Do No Wrong. We find it absolutely disgusting to see someone trying to get profit off his passing and claiming to do it as a tribute.
“As respect to Liam and his family, we won’t support this release either.”
While the account claimed to have a “legit source” close to the family, their followers were left troubled by the news.
“No disrespect but we want to be clear what’s going on and where the info came from,” questioned one. “Are they simply not interested in it being released? Are they very much against it? Not supporting can mean many things and where this info came from matters. We want to do the right thing.”
Someone else agreed, “Thank you for asking for clarification. I want new music as much as anyone, but I want to be respectful as well.”
Another added, “Exactly this, we want to do the right thing. On one hand Liam wanted his music to be heard. We want to support that. On the other hand if the family doesn’t want it I’d respect their wishes thoroughly. I’m currently so confused.”
“So many want new Liam music, since he’s not here to write more,” someone else continued. “We all want to be respectful to his family, but we can’t boycott Liam music without a proper source for your post. Because that’s what you’re asking, you’re asking that we boycott Liam’s new song.”
Others noted that Payne’s sister, Ruth Gibbins, is a collaborator on the track.
“Since Ruth helped write the song, they could have said to Sam Pounds, ‘Don’t release it’. It doesn’t make sense that they don’t approve of it when Ruth helped out,” noted one fan.
In a comment to an Instagram follower who asked where the profits from the track would be going, Pounds himself replied, “Respectfully, this is a 100 percent independent release. The writers of this composition are Ruth Gibbins, Liam Payne and Sam Pounds. And these are the only individuals being compensated for all work.
“Truly a friends and family release like all music should be. Thanks for your concern.”
Some fans also left conflicting comments on Pounds’ original post.
“This man hasn’t been BURIED yet and you are profiting off him already?? This looks exploitative and gross, especially if it’s true the family does not support this,” said one, while another added, “It’s been stated the family aren’t supporting this release. To release this song when the music industry as a whole fails to support young artists and so soon after Liam’s passing speaks of cashing in on his death.”
Others posted, “I’m genuinely crying just thinking about hearing new music from him. Liam deserved more than he received in the end and we’re so honored you’re sharing this with us.”
