One Direction star Liam Payne ‘should have had life-saving help’ says 90s boyband singer

Tragic Liam Payne didn’t receive the lifeline he needed during his turbulent music career, according to former 90s boyband sensation Jimmy Constable.

Following the heartbreaking funeral of the ex-One Direction heartthrob, 911 star Constable opened up about the intense pressure fledgling boyband stars face and urged music labels to offer psychological support to their artists.

Payne’s life met a tragic end when he fell from the third storey of an Argentinian hotel in Buenos Aires, with loved ones paying their final respects in Buckinghamshire just days ago. At 31 years old, the vocal talent had previously shared his battles with mental health issues, confessing to turning to booze and narcotics during the whirlwind success of One Direction.

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Jimmy, now aged 53, revealed 911’s relentless pace, claiming a mere three weeks respite over six relentless years and “full-on pressure” living out of suitcases in hotel rooms. Speaking to The Sun, he laid bare the intense regimen imposed by record companies: “The job sheet comes through your door every day and there is no time to do anything else apart from what you’re concentrating on. Your record company obviously wants you to be full-on, 100%, no time off. ‘This is what you do. This is your schedule,’ then it’s literally, ‘Right, back into your hotel room and you can’t come out because it’s too crazy downstairs.”

In an emotional call to action after Liam’s tragic death, Jimmy has urged record companies to step up their game for artists’ well-being. Speaking out on the need for industry support, he shared: “Record companies should provide a psychologist to all their signings, or somebody that the artists can go to and say, ‘Well, I’ve had this experience in the music business. I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve been given everything on a plate. Now they’ve taken it away from me. What do I do? ‘” But Jimmy didn’t stop there; he pressed for long-term mental health care, asserting: “They should still be there for years to come, to help them through the process of getting back to normality.”

As part of the chart-topping trio with Lee Brennan and Spike Dawbarn, Jimmy knows the pressures of fame all too well, having achieved jaw-dropping success with ten UK top 10 hits and selling 16 million records globally during their golden era, reports the Mirror.

Amidst the grief of losing Liam, fans have rallied together to launch a petition for better protection of musicians’ mental health, demanding government-led initiatives to ensure regular check-ups, breaks and consistent support for artists throughout their careers.

The heartfelt petition, which has now soared past 150,000 signatures, states: “This petition has a profound place in my heart. From watching Liam and the boys on x-factor to becoming a Directioner, I really feel as a fandom, we grew up together. Not only does their music deeply resonate with me, but I am part of an incredible online family. My weekly lives provide a safe space for us, where we laugh, we sing, we cry. The boys mean everything to us and Liam’s passing has left us heartbroken.

“In 2021 Liam advocated for a support system to be put in place for young artists’ going through the industry. He spoke about his own struggles and the need for there to be care in place to safeguard artists’ mental health. Ultimately, I am angry and saddened that the industry has let him down. I found myself needing to channel my emotions into something productive and this is where I am. He wanted this and I promised him in my heart I would do it. This is for him, for the boys. This is just the beginning, we will fight for their justice and we will never give up.

“The entertainment industry, acclaimed for its glamour and stardom, is equally infamous for the enormous pressure it exerts on the mental health of artists. Resultant issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, substance misuse and even suicide are alarmingly high. According to research, performers are 2-3 times more likely to suffer from these issues compared to the general population.”

The statement continues: “In recent news of Liam Payne’s tragic death as many others, the entertainment industry needs to be held accountable and be responsible to the welfare of their artists. We seek to implore lawmakers to create legislation safeguarding the mental health of artists within the industry.”

“Such a law would 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. It will ensure a healthier, safer, and more conducive working environment for artists to cultivate their talents reducing psychological distress. This would also include early interventions to protect and minimise before it’s too late. Furthermore, the increasing rate of musicians who die before the age of 35, is concerning. We need to act now!

“The artist’s role is invaluable not just in the world of entertainment but also in society. Let us ensure their protection and wellbeing. Your signature could be a lifeline for these talented individuals, contributing to a larger movement of mental health awareness and care in industries worldwide. Please, sign the petition.”

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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk