The world is teased by Liam Payne’s haunting sounds with his first posthumous single, “Do No Wrong,” which hit the market on November 1, 2024. A poignant collaboration with US singer-songwriter Sam Pounds, this song bound together thoughts of love, life, and acceptance from Payne onto that perfect bittersweet note, which has sold since news of his sudden passing reached the fans on October 16. Payne tragically lost his life after he fell from a balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, leaving his family and friends, not to mention millions of his fans, mourning the loss of the former One Direction star.
Do No Wrong” is more than a song; it’s the final piece of Payne’s life that he is releasing to the world. This combination of Payne and Pounds was first teased last year after Pounds announced the official release date on social media in a touching tribute. The theme of this song is about musings from Payne about love and identity; the lyrics pop up to tell one to love freely: “You can say I like girls or boys, whatever fits your mold.” These have taken on a whole new meaning in the wake of Payne’s death, as if fans saw it as one final, powerful message from the artist. Pounds said he hopes the single might now bring some solace to those closest to Payne, including sister Ruth Gibbins and three-week-old son Bear.
It was news of “Do Not Wrong” that had sent flooding fans and artists with their emotions galore. Social media saw people pouring in with heartfelt responses of gratitude and sadness where Payne’s voice continued to be heard through and into the airwaves, not in the way many possibly imagined.
Recently, London’s Hyde Park held a tribute event where fans in large numbers sang what was probably One Direction’s most popular song: “What Makes You Beautiful.” It was one of those touching moments that spoke volumes about the impact he had on his fans and the world of music in general. Sam Pounds posted footage of his studio sessions with Payne, which is one of those rare sights as far as “Do No Wrong” recording went. It shows the two laughing and sharing ideas-sketching out the passion Payne would later bring in music. One of those poignantly iconic legacies Payne has left us is how the single’s artwork-a winged angel rises toward a dislocated heart. Pounds said he hopes the song will be a beacon of hope and healing for Payne’s family and fans as he prays the song’s release “eclipses the negative echoes” and celebrates his life and what he brought forward.
From being that auditionee to global superstardom with One Direction, Liam Payne took the fans on one heck of a ride. The guy was unstoppable.
His success in One Direction mapped out a path for one of the best solo careers; with popular singles such as “Strip That Down” and “For You,” he showed his range and charisma. Now, “Do No Wrong” stands for talent, warmth, and a permanent mark that he leaves on the fans all over the world. A ‘once in a lifetime’ release from the ones who look up to him, it’s an opportunity to reach and celebrate his artistry, adding to the personal growth with the music he puts out.
