Former One Direction member Liam Payne died on the 16th October, after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Argentina. The late singer-songwriter had visited the country to see ex-bandmate Niall Horan perform on tour. 

Horan wrote: ‘I feel so fortunate I got to see him recently. I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking.’  

Argentinian authorities continue to investigate Payne’s death.  

bereaved fans have created vigils across the world to honour and mourn the artist

The abrupt death of Liam Payne has touched the hearts of the public deeply. Payne appeared on X Factor and became a part of the band at the age of 16. 15 years on, a generation mourns the loss of an artist they grew alongside. One week on from his death, all five One Direction albums return to the Top 40, and bereaved fans have created vigils across the world to honour and mourn the artist. Around 1000 people turned up at London’s Hyde Park to remember the 31 year old, singing One Direction’s infamous tracks such as ‘History,’ ‘What Makes You Beautiful,’ and Payne’s own ‘Strip That Down,’ through tears.  

a petition has been released calling for legislation to protect the mental health of artists in the entertainment industry

The artist’s life has not only been entwined with stardom and success, but also with addiction and alcoholism. Following Payne’s death, a petition has been released calling for legislation to protect the mental health of artists in the entertainment industry. So far, it has received 120,000 signatures.  

The petition calls to necessitate ‘regular mental health check-ups, adequate rest periods, and the presence of mental health professionals on-set, including any ongoing support during their career.’  

Recognising the failings of the entertainment industry, former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne commented ‘Liam, my heart aches. We all let you down. Where was this industry when you needed them?’  

Payne’s death stands as a reminder of the exploitative and difficult environment the entertainment industry can be.  

For students wishing to pay their tributes to the One Direction star, a vigil has appeared in Birmingham City Centre by Chamberlain Square. 

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