Following the death of fellow One Direction band member Liam Payne last week in Argentina, tracks from Payne’s solo discography along with some of One Direction’s finest hits are being listened to by fans in their thousands, projecting their return to the charts years after their release.
The news of Payne’s heartbreaking death was reported last Wednesday evening, as the ex-band member fell from a third-floor hotel balcony, dying aged 31. Liam Payne along with his fellow bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan found their acclaim on X Factor back in 2010.
All over the world fans are mourning the young pop star’s death by reminiscing his contributions to the music industry. As fans begin listening to their favourite band’s music once again, many have acknowledged Payne’s smooth tones that kept the group in unison during their X Factor experience, along with his playfully thought-out lyrics in both his accredited tracks for One Direction and his solo material.
Legendary tracks from One Direction are set to re-enter the UK Official Chart’s Top 40 following the singer’s tragic death. The UK Official Charts Company has estimated ‘Night Changes’ at 16, the former Number 2 ‘Story Of My Life’ at 21 and One Direction’s first single and chart-topper ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ at 47.
In conjunction with the growth of popularity in One Direction’s tracks, Payne’s solo hits are also estimated to re-enter the charts. This includes Payne’s first solo single ‘Strip That Down’ featuring Quavo at 75, ‘For You’ with Rita Ora at 67 and ‘Teardrops’, Payne’s last single released March of this year, at 65.
The resurgence of One Direction and Payne’s tracks will battle against ‘Die With A Smile’, a single released in August by Joker actress Lady Gaga and US singer Bruno Mars, and Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Taste’, which continues to top the charts.
@about.london Honouring Liam Payne at the Peter Pan Statue #liampayne #hydepark #kensingtongardens #memorial #onedirection #1D #peterpan #london #fyp ♬ Walking in the Wind – One Direction
The newfound popularity of these tracks accompanies the occurrence of many vigils and memorial spaces throughout the UK and the world, set up by fans to remember Liam Payne.Fans have gathered in their hundreds to grieve the pop star, singing Payne’s and One Direction’s songs to feel close to the singer. The tragic death of the singer has brought about a heightened sense of unity between fans and members of the industry as they mourn the loss of Payne.
Whilst coming to terms with the news, the official One Direction social media posted for the first time in four years to share their devastating loss. In a statement signed “Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry”, Payne’s bandmates said: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”
To accompany the message the singers took to their personal social media pages to express their condolences with heartbreaking personal statements and throwback pictures.
The tragic death of Liam Payne marks the continued legacy of an iconic pop star gone long before his time.
