Liam Payne's Final Project Before His Passing
Liam Payne concluded filming for a new Netflix series just two months before his unfortunate death in Argentina. The former One Direction star was seen filming Building The Band, a talent show, for the first time in August. He was joined by fellow judges Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussycat Dolls, Kelly Rowland from Destiny's Child, and AJ McLean from the Backstreet Boys.
Despite the tragedy, Netflix has not yet confirmed the future of the show, which wrapped filming after completing three live shows in front of an audience at Aviva Studios in Manchester in late August.
Building The Band features talented singers from across the nation, grouping them based on musical compatibility, connection, and merit. Contestants have significant control over the process while judges, including Liam, Nicole, and Kelly, motivate contestants to perform under the pressure of cameras and live audiences.
Prior to his tragic passing at age 31, Liam was deeply involved in his work as a judge on this major talent show. Netflix had previously stated that audiences could expect plenty of drama, outstanding artistry, and memorable performances.
Executive producer Cat Lawson commented earlier this year, "Building The Band is a brave and bold undertaking, allowing singers to form groups based on chemistry without focusing on appearances. Can they create strong bonds with their bandmates?
Following Liam's death, fans have been seeking updates about the show, expressing fears that Netflix might withhold Liam's final on-screen appearance. One fan wrote, "What about Building The Band? Will Netflix keep it from us? Liam was still a celebrity who contributed significantly to the entertainment landscape. I can’t believe there’s music we’ll never get to hear."
Many supporters urged Netflix to release the series, recognizing Liam's work and encouraging celebrations of his legacy. The show was conceived in May and filmed until August.
After the tragic news, AJ McLean shared a heartfelt tribute, stating it was difficult to express the personal loss he felt for Liam, who he became very close to during filming. AJ reflected on their shared experiences and the time spent together.
Liam was also in discussions for a tour in 2025 before his passing, although friends were concerned about his mental health and how he would cope on tour. A source noted that after parting ways with his management, there were concerns regarding his mental well-being and resilience on the road.
In August 2023, Liam had to cancel his South American tour after being hospitalized with a kidney infection, which raised additional concerns among his fans.
In light of recent events, more than 65,000 people have signed a petition advocating for new legislation, referred to as "Liam's Law," aimed at protecting artists' mental health within the music industry.
This initiative would require regular mental health evaluations and support for artists, which advocates emphasize is crucial given the high rates of mental health challenges in the entertainment field.
Liam's passing came as a shock, following an incident in which he fell from a hotel in Buenos Aires, leading to a significant outpouring of grief and tributes from fans and fellow artists alike.
Many are calling for the implementation of protective measures to ensure healthier environments for artists across the industry.
Liam, Payne, Netflix