Liam Payne’s first posthumous single, Do No Wrong, will be released this Friday.
US singer and songwriter Sam Pounds shared the news on social media, saying he hoped the track “eclipses the negative echoes” of the One Direction star‘s death, and acts as a “blessing” to Payne’s family.
The 31-year-old died earlier this month after he fell from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur 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.
Payne had previously been open about his struggles with alcohol and addiction, following his swift rise to fame as a teenager.
Payne’s father, Geoff, flew to Argentina last week to identify his son, and will bring his body back to the UK once it has been released by Argentinian officials.
Three versions of Do No Wrong, including a live mix and an a capella, will be released, 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.
Following news of Payne’s death, Pounds had shared a short video of them recording in the studio together, writing: “I can’t believe you are gone.”
Announcing the release, Pounds wrote in an Instagram story: “I pray that this will be a blessing to the world like Liam has always dreamed.
“I pray angels will comfort you all every day while listening. 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.”
He signed off his post: “With love. Let’s all BE the blessing.”
Read more:
Liam Payne: A life in the spotlight
Payne’s last single, Teardrops, was released in March, ahead of a teased forthcoming second album.
However, Payne had been rumoured to have been dropped by both his record label and agent following disappointing sales.
He had spent the summer filming a new Netflix project – Building The Band – acting as a mentor to a pop group constructed for the unscripted reality show. The show is currently believed to be on hold.